Paradiso v. Paradiso

*2Doris, J.

This is an appeal from a child-support decree entered by the Family Court. The questions presented are first, whether the amount ordered is excessive as a matter of law, and second, whether the trial justice erred in awarding attorney’s fees pursuant to G.L. 1956 (1969 Reenactment) §15-5-16.

Pamela and Joseph Paradiso were divorced in 1971. The divorce decree awarded custody of their two children to Pamela, but left open the matter of alimony and child support because Joseph was then unemployed.

In 1976, Pamela petitioned the Family Court for an award of alimony and child support. At a…