Divorce in Maryland Claiming Counsel Fees

As part of your claim for relief in any contested divorce case you generally always ask the court to award your client counsel fees. I believe this builds in an element of pressure on the other side to force reasonable conduct. Also, there is the obvious need and justification in many cases. So what is the basis for the court to award counsel fees?. You will find the statutory authority in the Family Law Articles at sections 7-107 also 8-214 and again at 11-110. It is necessary to prove two elements to pursue the fees award. Specifically: (1) the financial resources and financial needs of both parties; and (2) whether there was substantial justification for prosecuting or defending the proceeding.