In re Marriage of Kriegsman

Pursuant to a judgment of dissolution of marriage, the trial court awarded custody of the minor child to the father, Steven Kriegsman, divided the parties’ property, and awarded attorney fees. The mother, Clarette Kriegsman, fled the jurisdiction with the child during the proceedings and has remained hidden ever since. Her attorneys, Pe-dersen & Houpt, P.C., continued to represent her in her absence. Although the trial court awarded Pedersen & Houpt substantial attorney fees for its services, to be collected from its own client, Clarette, the firm appeals on the ground that all property…