In re Marriage of Brophy

A judgment of dissolution of marriage was entered in the first phase of a bifurcated trial. In the second phase an order awarded custody of the parties' four children to respondent, visitation to petitioner, and child support as well as attorney's fees to respondent's attorney and to the children's court-appointed attorney. Petitioner appeals the order as to visitation, child support and the fees awarded. On appeal, petitioner contends that: (1) the visitation schedule was arbitrarily imposed; (2) excessive child support was awarded without considering the financial resources and needs of the parties; (3) an attorney for the children was improperly appointed without a hearing and without guidelines; (4) the appointed attorney failed to act reasonably in fulfilling her role; (5) excessive fees were awarded the appointed attorney; (6) excessive fees were awarded respondent's attorney; and (7) the division and award of attorney's fees against petitioner was an abuse of discretion absent evidence of the parties' respective abilities to pay.