Brennan, Fabriani & Novenstern v. Akamine

OPINION AND ORDER

CONNER, Senior District Judge.

This bankruptcy appeal presents the issue of whether a debtor’s own attorney’s fees, incurred in connection with child custody litigation, are exempt from discharge under-11 U.S.C. § 523(a)(5).

BACKGROUND

Plaintiff-Appellant Brennan, Fabriani & Novenstem (“BF & N”) is a law firm that represented D ebtor-D efendant-App ellee Frederick Akamine in matrimonial proceedings. A primary focus of that proceeding was the custody and support of Akamine’s two children. On May 12, 1995, Akamine and his then-wife entered into a Separation Agreement calling for,…