Frivolous Lawsuits in Family Law: When Do You Pay the Price?

An article about frivolous lawsuits in family law, explaining when a lawsuit is considered frivolous, why courts hesitate to award costs, and emphasizing the importance of legal review before filing a lawsuit to avoid financial damage and harm to children.

The article deals with frivolous lawsuits in family law, focusing on cases where legal proceedings are filed not to resolve a genuine dispute, but to exert pressure, exhaust the other party, or drag them into heavy expenses. Attorney Rina Politi, an expert in family law, explains that courts sometimes refrain from awarding significant costs out of a desire not to escalate the conflict, but this avoidance may encourage the filing of unnecessary proceedings. She describes a case where a lawsuit was filed to enforce an agreement before its deadline, and the plaintiff stated that his goal was to drag the defendant into expenses. The court initially warned, but the plaintiff insisted on his claim, and eventually costs were awarded. The article emphasizes that not every dismissed lawsuit is a frivolous one, and that one must examine in advance whether there is a genuine cause and whether the proceeding is ripe. Attorney Politi recommends mediation and negotiation as more effective alternatives, while preserving family and children's finances.