Request for Order in Orange County: How to Ask the Court for Attorney’s Fees from Your Spouse or Ex-Spouse

Legal battles can be expensive, and if you’re going through a divorce or post-judgment dispute in Orange County, you might be wondering if your spouse—or ex-spouse—can help foot the bill for your attorney. The good news? California family law allows you to request attorney’s fees in certain situations, and the way to do that is through a Request for Order (RFO).

Let’s walk through the process, sprinkle in some professional know-how, and keep it engaging enough so you don’t feel like you’re reading a court filing.

What is a Request for Order (RFO)?

In simple terms, an RFO is your way of formally asking the court to make a decision on a specific issue. In this case, the issue is: Can my spouse or ex contribute to my legal fees? You’re basically saying, “Judge, I need help covering these costs, and here’s why.”

For a detailed explanation directly from the California Courts, visit the official guide: California Courts – Request for Order: https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/form-fl-300

The Legal Basis — The "Need vs. Ability to Pay" Standard

In California, attorney’s fees in family law are often awarded based on Family Code Sections 2030 and 2032. These laws say the court should ensure both parties have equal access to legal representation, considering:

Your need for financial help
The other party’s ability to pay

This is where the Keech Factors (from In re Marriage of Keech) come in. The court will look at things like:

1. The income and expenses of both parties
2. The assets available
3. The conduct of the parties during litigation (has someone been unreasonable or caused unnecessary legal fees?)
4. Whether one party has been controlling access to funds

Filing the RFO in Orange County

Here’s how it typically goes in simplified terms:

Prepare your written request explaining why you’re seeking attorney’s fees.
Provide financial details for both parties to demonstrate need and ability to pay.
Submit your request to the court, either in person or through the Orange County Superior Court’s e-filing system: https://www.occourts.org/directory/family
Notify the other party that you’ve made the request.
Attend the hearing where the judge will review your evidence and apply the Keech factors.

Why This Matters

Asking for attorney’s fees can level the playing field, especially if the other party has significantly more resources. The goal is fairness—making sure neither side is left without proper legal help simply because of finances.

Making it Work Without Breaking the Bank

If you hire a lawyer to handle the entire process, costs can add up quickly. But there’s another option: work with a Legal Document Assistant (LDA) to prepare your RFO paperwork. An experienced LDA can:

Help organize your financial evidence
Guide you through the filing and service process

You get procedural support and local Orange County know-how—without paying attorney-level fees for tasks you can handle with the right guidance.

Final Thoughts

Filing a Request for Order for attorney’s fees in Orange County isn’t just about asking for money—it’s about ensuring fairness in the legal process. By understanding the Keech factors and presenting your case clearly, you improve your chances of getting the support you need.

At LDA Legal Solutions, we help clients prepare professional, court-ready RFO packets for attorney’s fee requests, child custody, and more—so you can focus on your case, not on deciphering legal paperwork.

Get a quote