Attorney's fees

[kitten]

CA.
Marital home is in escrow, both attorneys have leins.  Respondent is up to about $30,000 in fees, plaintiff's lein is in the amount of $5,000.
Respondent does not work and plaintiff provided for her financially throughout the marriage.  Respondents attorney wants plaintiff to pay half of her fees out of his proceeds from the house.  This attorney also wants to "battle it out" in court instead of both parties signing an agreement.

1.  Can plaintiff be forced to battle it out?  His attorney wants to fight it.  (of course she will get more money too)

2.  Would it be wise for plaintiff to fire his attorney and just sign an agreement to pay half?  

This has all come down to money and which attorney can get more, I think they are working together on this!

[socrateaser]

>1.  Can plaintiff be forced to battle it out?  His attorney
>wants to fight it.  (of course she will get more money too)

You can demand a settlement conference.

>
>2.  Would it be wise for plaintiff to fire his attorney and
>just sign an agreement to pay half?  

Petitioner, not plaintiff. And, your thought has merit.