Sanctions

Sanctions

Sanctions

In In re: Marriage of Taeb, the court issued sanctions to an attorney for her failure to appear before the court ready to proceed with trial.

The trial for this case had been set on February 7. Ten days before the set trial date attorneys for both parties contacted the court to let the court know that they were ready to proceed with trial. The court calendar was cleared for the date of the trial.

The attorney for the Petitioner did not appear at the trial. She was appearing at a different trial and could not make it to the hearing. The attorney for the Respondent complained that the Petitioner had failed to comply with other requirements of the trial setting order such as failing to provide copies of exhibits, a trial brief, and an income and expenses declaration. The Respondent’s attorney filed a motion for sanctions against the attorney and accused her of tactical delay. The court granted the motion for sanctions. The attorney appealed the order.

The First District Court of Appeals upheld the order. It held that counsel knew at the time that she called the court–ten days before the trial–that her other hearing would take longer than expected. In addition, she did not comply with court orders in providing the required documents before trial. The court further held that those actions were tantamount to the subjective bad faith required under section 128.5 of the California Civil Code of Procedure.

California Civil Code of Procedure section 128.5 (a): A trial court may order a party, the party’s attorney, or both, to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorney’s fees, incurred by another party as a result of actions or tactics, made in bad faith, that are frivolous or solely intended to cause unnecessary delay. This section also applies to judicial arbitration proceedings under Chapter 2.5 (commencing with Section 1141.10) of Title 3 of Part 3.

If you need legal advice and are looking for a family law lawyer in Orange County to address a dissolution issue such as legal separation, annulment, custody, child support, spousal support and/or property division, please consider Treviño Law in your divorce attorney search. We are located in Laguna Hills right off Lake Forest exit to both the 405 and 5 freeway.

Although the posting of this information can be considered free legal advice for a divorce in Orange County, it does not address other factors which may play a significant role in a particular dissolution. Circumstances in your divorce may alter the results in your dissolution.

Please note that this legal advice does not establish a family law attorney-client relationship. This is a legal advertisement for Treviño Law, Inc.

Tips for Leaving an Abusive Relationship, Getting a Restraining Order and Building Your Life Again.

Get Your FREE Book Copy!

15 Ways to Protect Yourself When Leaving an Abusive Relationship

Mail a copy?

A guide to help make decisions about your divorce, and get peace of mind—all without leaving your home.

Get Your FREE Book Copy!

Divorce Lawyers

Trevino Law

Whether you’re dealing with legal affairs or planning for the future of your family, our Orange County family law and estate planning attorneys can help you take control of your life.

Popup Form