CALIFORNIA FAMILY LAW
...Attorney Fees
......Auth. Favoring Supported Spouse
.........Award Mandatory
3 Cards On This Topic:

If findings demonstrate disparity in access and ability to pay, the court shall make an order awarding attorney's fees and costs.

Where there is a "disparity in access and ability to pay," an award of attorney fees and costs is mandatory; trial cts. no longer have "broad discretion" when making attorneys fee orders.

Trial court must award attorney fees if W has inadequate funds, H can pay and neither initial proceeding nor appeal are without substantial merit.