West Virginia Code
Article 5. Divorce
§48-5-504. Attorney's Fees and Court Costs

(a) The court may compel either party to pay attorney's fees and court costs reasonably necessary to enable the other party to prosecute or defend the action. The question of whether or not a party is entitled to temporary spousal support is not decisive of that party's right to a reasonable allowance of attorney's fees and court costs.
(b) An order for temporary relief awarding attorney fees and court costs may be modified at any time during the pendency of the action, as the exigencies of the case or equity and justice may require, including, but not limited to, a modification which would require full or partial repayment of fees and costs by a party to the action to whom or on whose behalf payment of fees and costs was previously ordered. If an appeal is taken or an intention to appeal is stated, the court may further order either party to pay attorney fees and costs on appeal.
(c) If it appears to the court that a party has incurred attorney fees and costs unnecessarily because the opposing party has asserted unfounded claims or defenses for vexatious, wanton or oppressive purposes, thereby delaying or diverting attention from valid claims or defenses asserted in good faith, the court may order the offending party, or his or her attorney, or both, to pay reasonable attorney fees and costs to the other party.

Structure West Virginia Code

West Virginia Code

Chapter 48. Domestic Relations

Article 5. Divorce

§48-5-101. Absolute Divorce

§48-5-102. Subject Matter Jurisdiction

§48-5-103. Jurisdiction of Parties; Service of Process

§48-5-104. Retention of Jurisdiction When Divorce Is Denied

§48-5-105. Residency Requirements for Maintaining an Action for Divorce

§48-5-106. Venue of Actions for Divorce

§48-5-107. Parties to a Divorce Action

§48-5-201. Grounds for Divorce; Irreconcilable Differences

§48-5-202. Grounds for Divorce; Voluntary Separation

§48-5-203. Grounds for Divorce; Cruel or Inhuman Treatment

§48-5-204. Grounds for Divorce; Adultery

§48-5-205. Grounds for Divorce; Conviction of Crime

§48-5-206. Grounds for Divorce; Permanent and Incurable Insanity

§48-5-207. Grounds for Divorce; Habitual Drunkenness or Drug Addiction

§48-5-208. Grounds for Divorce; Desertion

§48-5-209. Grounds for Divorce; Abuse or Neglect of a Child

§48-5-301. When a Divorce Not to Be Granted

§48-5-401. Verification of Pleadings

§48-5-402. Petition for Divorce

§48-5-403. Answer to Petition

§48-5-404. Advance Filing of Divorce Petition in Actions Alleging Abandonment or Voluntary Separation

§48-5-405. Amendments to Pleadings

§48-5-501. Relief That May Be Included in Temporary Order of Divorce

§48-5-502. Temporary Spousal Support

§48-5-503. Temporary Parenting Order; Child Support

§48-5-504. Attorney's Fees and Court Costs

§48-5-505. Costs of Health Care and Hospitalization

§48-5-506. Use and Occupancy of the Marital Home

§48-5-507. Use and Possession of Motor Vehicles

§48-5-508. Preservation of the Properties of the Parties

§48-5-509. Enjoining Abuse, Emergency Protective Order

§48-5-510. Consideration of Financial Factors in Ordering Temporary Relief

§48-5-511. Disclosure of Assets

§48-5-512. Ex Parte Orders Granting Temporary Relief

§48-5-513. Granting of Ex Parte Relief

§48-5-514. Temporary Order Not Subject to Appeal or Review

§48-5-601. Relief That May Be Included in Final Order of Divorce

§48-5-602. Court May Require Payment of Spousal Support

§48-5-603. Relief Regarding Minor Child or Children

§48-5-604. Use and Occupancy of Marital Home

§48-5-605. Use and Possession of Motor Vehicles

§48-5-606. Relief Regarding Costs of Health Care and Hospitalization

§48-5-607. Court May Order Transfer of Accounts for Recurring Expenses

§48-5-608. Injunctive Relief or Protective Orders

§48-5-609. Court May Restore to Either Party His or Her Property

§48-5-610. Court May Order Just and Equitable Distribution of Property

§48-5-611. Suit Money, Counsel Fees and Costs

§48-5-612. Court May Order a Party to Deliver Separate Property

§48-5-613. Former Name of Party; Restoration

§48-5-701. Revision of Order Concerning Spousal Support

§48-5-702. Revision of Order Enjoining Abuse

§48-5-703. Revision of Order Allocating Custodial Responsibility and Decision-Making Responsibility

§48-5-704. Revision of Order Establishing Child Support

§48-5-705. Bureau for Child Support Enforcement May Seek Revision of Order Establishing Child Support

§48-5-706. Revision of Order Concerning Distribution of Marital Property

§48-5-707. Reduction or Termination of Spousal Support Because of De Facto Marriage