Match v. Match

OPINION OF THE COURT

Kristin Booth Glen, J.

This motion and cross motion raise an important practical *987question for the way in which attorneys’ fee disputes are determined in matrimonial actions. Put most simply, the question is whether an Individual Assignment System (IAS) matrimonial Judge has the power to request or require time records1 (or some approximation thereof),2 from the opposing side in an application for counsel fees by a nontitled spouse. For the reasons discussed below the answer is affirmative.

THE IMPORTANCE OF FEE DETERMINATIONS

How counsel fees are awarded in matrimonial cases…