Special Fee Shifting Statutes: Denial Of DVRO Resulted In Adverse Fee/Cost Award Of $24,777.38 Against Unsuccessful Petitioning Party

Failure To Oppose The Fee Motion Was Fatal.

               A party prevailing in a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) can obtain attorney’s fees and costs.  Ex-girlfriend lost a DVRO petition, with the lower court awarding ex-boyfriend $24,777.38 in attorney’s fees and costs.  The appellate court affirmed the awards in Gikkas v. Stern, Case No. A168298 (1^st Dist., Div. 1 July 1, 2024) (unpublished), finding especially dispositive ex-girlfriend’s failure to oppose the fee/cost request below.