Woodward v. Woodward

The plaintiff brings this action for a separation based upon the allegations of cruelty and desertion. The abandonment and many other important points were conceded during the course of a reference which was being held to determine the amount of a reasonable counsel fee. The referee expressed the opinion that he was unable to take into consideration the effect of these concessions on the fee to be awarded because of the form of the order of reference. Special Term confirmed the award of $30,000 counsel fee and $10,000 for expenses and disbursements as reported by the referee and obviously…