Can a participant to a divorce be ordered to pay the opposing party’s legal expenses?

In Arizona, the law does provide for an award of attorneys’ fees and costs under some circumstances.

In deciding whether an attorney’s fees award is appropriate, the court considers both parties’ financial resources, including each party’s relative ability to pay their own fees and expenses.

The general purpose behind an award of fees and costs is to allow the party with the lessor financial means an equal opportunity to present their case. It may also be used as a sanction depending on the positions taken by a party throughout the litigation.