HB 3484

Abstract

Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Allows either party to petition or move for an allowance from the other party for a retainer fee to obtain an attorney, accompanied by a financial affidavit that is supported by documentary evidence, and a certificate stating that if an allowance is granted, the party shall only use it for retaining an attorney. Provides that the court shall review the financial affidavit and, if appropriate, grant an allowance to the party for a retainer fee. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Allows either party to petition or move for an allowance from the other party for a retainer fee to obtain an attorney. Requires the petition to identify the attorney to be retained and be accompanied by specified documents. Provides that all awards shall be paid directly to the identified attorney. Senate Floor Amendment No. 2 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Illinois Marriage and Dissolution of Marriage Act. Includes an allowance from the other party for a retainer fee to obtain an attorney in the definitions of "interim attorney's fees and costs" and "interim award". Provides that a petition for interim fees that seeks an order for the payment of an initial retainer to retain an attorney shall have attached to it an affidavit from the attorney to be retained that the attorney has been contacted by the moving party and the attorney has agreed to enter an appearance if the court grants the relief requested, together with a certificate from the moving party that the interim fees granted will only be used by the moving party to retain the attorney. Requires any interim fees granted to be paid directly to the identified attorney.