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Cruz}{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 , CVA03-030, Opinion\tab \tab Page }{\field{\*\fldinst {\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 PAGE }}{\fldrslt { \f112\fs20\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid14111192 1}}}{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 of 10 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\sl-9\slmult0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 {\lang1024\langfe1024\noproof\insrsid14111192 {\shp{\*\shpinst\shpleft1440\shptop0\shpright10800\shpbottom9\shpfhdr1\shpbxpage\shpbxignore\shpbypara\shpbyignore\shpwr3\shpwrk0\shpfblwtxt1\shpz0\shplockanchor\shplid2049{\sp{\sn shapeType}{\sv 1}}{\sp{\sn fFlipH}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFlipV}{\sv 0}} {\sp{\sn fillColor}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fillBackColor}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fFilled}{\sv 1}}{\sp{\sn lineWidth}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fLine}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fShadow}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn posrelh}{\sv 1}}{\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 0}}{\sp{\sn fBehindDocument}{\sv 1}} {\sp{\sn fLayoutInCell}{\sv 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\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 IN THE SUPREME COURT OF GUAM}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 SUSAN ELIZABETH CRUZ,}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par Plaintiff-Appellee/Cross-Appellant, \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 v.}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 MICHAEL WARREN CRUZ,}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par Defendant-Appellant/Cross-Appellee. \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Supreme Court Case No.: CVA03-030 \par Superior Court Case No.: DM0405-01 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 OPINION}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Filed: January 26, 2005}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Cite as: 2005 Guam 3}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Appeal from the Superior Court of Guam \par Argued and submitted on November 10, 2004 \par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts11\trgaph133\trleft0\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddl133\trpaddr133\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrr \brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4545\clshdrawnil \cellx4545\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4814\clshdrawnil \cellx9359\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\faauto\rin0\lin0\pararsid9854915 {\ul\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Appearing for Plaintiff-Appellee:}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par Jon A. Visosky, }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Esq}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 . \par Dooley Roberts & Fowler LLP \par Suite 201, Orlean Pacific Plaza \par 865 South Marine Drive \par Tamuning, Guam 96913\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\faauto\rin0\lin0\pararsid9854915 {\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\faauto\rin0\lin0\pararsid9854915 {\ul\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Appearing for Defendant-Appellant:}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par Seaton M. Woodley, III, }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Esq}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 . \par Attorney at Law \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\intbl\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\faauto\rin0\lin0\pararsid9854915 {\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Ste. 102, Tanaka Bldg., Rte. 4 \par Hag\'e5t\'f1a, Guam 96910\cell }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\widctlpar\intbl\aspalpha\aspnum\faauto\adjustright\rin0\lin0 {\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \trowd \irow0\irowband0\lastrow \ts11\trgaph133\trleft0\trftsWidth1\trftsWidthB3\trftsWidthA3\trpaddl133\trpaddr133\trpaddfl3\trpaddfr3 \clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4545\clshdrawnil \cellx4545\clvertalt\clbrdrt\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrl\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrb\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \clbrdrr\brdrs\brdrw15\brdrcf8 \cltxlrtb\clftsWidth3\clwWidth4814\clshdrawnil \cellx9359\row }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\insrsid9854915 \par }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 BEFORE: F. PHILIP CARBULLIDO, Chief Justice; MIGUEL S. DEMAPAN and RAMONA V. MANGLONA, Justices }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Pro Tempore}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 . \par \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 CARBULLIDO, C.J.:}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }{\insrsid9854915\charrsid663978 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [1]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab The Defendant-Appellant, Michael Warren Cruz (}{\insrsid7565567 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Michael}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 ) appeals from an order directing him to pay $8,837.21 in reasonable attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees to the Plaintiff-Appellee, Susan Elizabeth Cruz (}{\insrsid7565567 " }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Susan}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 ).}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Michael contends that the trial court erred in its determination of this amount.}{ \insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 He argues that the $8,837.21 amount is based upon erroneous billing and attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees which are not based upon credible evidence.}{ \insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 In response and cross-appeal, Susan requests that this court award her attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees for expenses incurred as a result of this appea} {\insrsid9854915 l.}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }{\b\insrsid9854915 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [2]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab We hold that the trial court}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s award of attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees was proper and therefore affirm the trial court}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s judgment. We further hold that although this court has the discretion to award attorney}{ \insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees for expenses incurred on appeal, the trial court in this particular case would be the more appropriate forum to decide this issue, and we remand for its consideration. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 I.}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\b\insrsid9854915 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [3]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab Michael and Susan were divorced in the Superior Court of Guam on May 23, 2003 }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 nunc pro tunc}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 to March 18, 2003.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 The court ordered Michael to pay Susan}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s reasonable attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees in bringing the a}{\insrsid9854915 ction. \par }{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [4]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab Susan requested an award of $20,884.21 in attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees.}{\insrsid663978 }{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 She submitted into evidence invoices for fees owed to her attorney for services rendered from February 2001 through March 2003, totaling $23,884.21.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Susan made a single payment for attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees on April 29, 2003, in the amount of $3,000.00, resulting in an outstanding balance of $20,884.21 owed to her a}{\insrsid9854915 ttorney. \par \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [5]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab The trial court granted Susan $8,837.21 in reasonable attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees to compensate her for expenses she actually incurred and which remain due and owing.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 The court considered such factors as: (i) the payments Susan testified that she made for the year 2002; (ii) a credit adjustment of $3,000.00 for a payment Susan made on April 29, 2003; (iii) a $37.00 credit for an error in billing; (iv) the balance of equities of the parties; (v) Susan}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s need to be compensated for expenses in bringing the action; and (vi) the financial abilities of the parties post divorce. \par }{\b\insrsid9854915 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [6]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab The trial court entered the order for attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees on November 4, 2003, and Michael appealed. \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 II.}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\b\insrsid9854915 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [7]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab This court has jurisdiction to hear appeals of final judgments entered by the Superior Court pursuant to sections 3107(b) and 3108(a) of Title 7 of the Guam Code Annotated (}{ \insrsid7565567 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 GCA}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 ) (2004), and the Organic Act of Guam, }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 1424-1(a)(2), 48 U.S.C. }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 1424-1(a)(2) (2004). \par \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 III.}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\b\insrsid7565567 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [8]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab A trial court}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s award of attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees is reviewed for an abuse of discretion.}{\insrsid663978 }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Fleming v. Quigley}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 2003 Guam 4, }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 14.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 This court has defined abuse of discretion as a trial court decision }{\insrsid7565567 "}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 exercised to an end not justified by the evidence, a judgment that is clearly against the logic and effect of the facts as are found.}{\insrsid7565567 "}{\insrsid663978 }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 People v. Quinata}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 1999 Guam 6, }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 17 (quoting }{ \i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 People v. Tuncap}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 1998 Guam 13, }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 12).}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 This court will not reverse a decision unless }{\insrsid7565567 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 it has a definite and firm conviction that the court below committed a clear error of judgment in the conclusion it reached upon a weighing of the relevant facts.}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid663978 }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Guam Radio Servs., Inc. v. Guam Econ. Dev. Auth.}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 2000 Guam 23, }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 6. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7565567 {\b\insrsid7565567 \par }\pard \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 A.}{\b\insrsid663978 }{ \b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Trial Court}{\b\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s Award of $8,837.21 in Reasonable Attorney}{\b\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s Fees.}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\b\insrsid7565567 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [9]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab The first issue we address is whether the trial court abused its discretion in awarding Susan $8,837.21 in attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Pursuant to Title 19 GCA }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 8402, a }{\insrsid663978 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 court may, }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 in its discretion}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , require the husband or wife, as the case may be, to pay as alimony any money }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 necessary}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 to enable the wife, or husband to . . . prosecute or defend the action}{ \insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Title 19 GCA }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 8402 (2001) (emphasis added). Section 8402 is based on former California Civil Code }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 137}{ \cs15\super\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\f112\super\insrsid663978 \chftn }{\f112\insrsid663978 }{ \i\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 See}{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 source note to Title 19 GCA }{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 8402 (2001).}}}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , and thus California cases interpreting section 137 are persuasive.}{\cs15\super\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\sa240\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\f112\super\insrsid663978 \chftn }{\f112\insrsid663978 }{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 Former California Civil Code }{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 137 has since been repealed and reenacted as California Family Code }{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt \f36\fs20}}}{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 2030. The current statute appears to have codified California case law. It states that "the court shall ensure that each party has legal representation to preserve each party's rights by ordering, if necessary based on the income and needs assessments, one party . . . to pay . . . whatever amount is reasonably necessary for attorney's fees and for the cost of maintaining or defending the proceeding . . . . amount shall . . . be determined based upon, (A) the respective incomes and needs of the parties and (B) any factors affecting the parties' res pective abilities to pay." C}{\f112\fs18\insrsid663978 AL}{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 . F}{\f112\fs18\insrsid663978 AM}{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 . C}{\f112\fs18\insrsid663978 ODE}{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 }{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 2030(a). Note, however, that Guam has not adopted the current language of the California statute. Thus, we should rely only on cases interpreting the former section 137, which is similar to Guam's section 8402.}}}{\insrsid663978 }{ \i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 See People v. Hall}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 2004 Guam 12, }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 18 (finding that California case law interpreting a California statute from which a Guam statute was derived is persuasive authority, and adopting such case law }{\insrsid663978 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 absent a compelling reason to deviate.}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 ); }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Fajardo v. Liberty House Guam}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 2000 Guam 4, }{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 17 (adopting California case law construing a similar Guam statute where }{\insrsid663978 "}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 there [wa]s no compelling reason to deviate from that jurisdiction's interpretation of these statutes}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 ).}{\insrsid14116260 \par }{\insrsid7565567\charrsid9854915 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [10]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab California courts consider various factors in determining what is }{\insrsid663978 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 necessary}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 for a party to prosecute or defend the action.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 As the court in }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Westphal v. Westphal}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 points out, } {\insrsid663978 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 the word }{\insrsid663978 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 necessary}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 has not a fixed meaning, but is flexible and relative . . . . the word was used in its broader sense, inasmuch as the action of the court rests in discretion.}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 }{ \i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Westphal v. Westphal}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 10 P.2d 119, 120 (Cal. Dist. Ct. App. 1932).}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 In }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Howton v. Howton}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 124 P.2d 837, 838 (Cal. Dist. Ct. App. 1942), the court considered the definition of the term }{\insrsid663978 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 necessary}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 as it appeared in section 137 and stated: }{\insrsid663978 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 The term }{\insrsid663978 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 necessary}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 in section 137 must be given its broadest connotation.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 What is }{\insrsid663978 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 necessary}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 rests in the sound discretion of the trial court . . . . to be exercised in view of the circumstances of the parties, their several necessities, and the pecuniary ability of the husband.}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 " }{\cs15\super\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \chftn {\footnote \pard\plain \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0 \fs24\lang1033\langfe1033\cgrid\langnp1033\langfenp1033 {\cs15\f112\super\insrsid663978 \chftn }{\f112\insrsid663978 }{ \f112\fs20\insrsid663978 Former California Civil Code }{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 137 focused on the husband's ability to pay rather than both the husband's and the wife's abilities because it was assumed the husband had control of the property at the time. Therefore the wife would be the one to bring a claim and thu s various cases reflect such language. The court in }{\i\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 Mudd v. Mudd}{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 , 33 P. 114 (Cal. 1893) stated, "Presumptively, the community property is under the control, and in the hands of, the husband and the court needs only to be advised of his ability to pay . . . in order that . . . the parties may be upon an equal footing." }{\i\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 Mudd v. Mudd}{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 , 33 P. 114, 115 (Cal. 1893). We note, however, that Title 19 GCA }{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 8402 specifically says }{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 62 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 husband or wife' and either can bring a suit for attorney's fees. 19 GCA }{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 10}{\fldrslt\f36\fs20}}}{\f112\fs20\insrsid663978 8402 (2001).}{\f112\insrsid663978 \par }}}{\insrsid663978 }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Howton}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 124 P.2d 837, 838 (quoting }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Turner v. Turner}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 22 P. 72 (Cal. 1889)).}{ \insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 The California Supreme Court similarly wrote in }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Arnold v. Arnold}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , that the }{\insrsid663978 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 discretion of the trial court . . . is not arbitrary; it must be exercised along legal lines, taking into consideration the circumstances of the parties, their necessities, and the financial ability of the husband.}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{ \insrsid663978 }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Arnold v. Arnold}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 12 P.2d 435, 436 (Cal. 1932) (emphasis in original omitted).}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 The court in }{ \i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Sweeley v. Sweeley}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 considered }{\insrsid663978 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 the circumstances of the parties, including the property which each possesses, their respective incomes and earning abilities, as well as their needs . . . .}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 }{ \i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Sweeley v. Sweeley}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 170 P.2d 469, 470 (Cal. 1946).}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 The court in }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Loke v. Loke}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 gave further guidance.}{\insrsid663978 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Necessity may be proved only by showing that her need for proper support and the expenses of the litigation exceed her available resources.}{ \insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 This means that the . . . judge must be informed in detail not only as to her needs, but also her resources.}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 }{ \i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Loke v. Loke}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 217 P.2d 477, 478 (Cal. Dist. Ct. App. 1950) (citation omitted).}{\insrsid14116260 \par }{\insrsid7565567\charrsid9854915 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [11]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab On appeal, Michael argues that the trial court erred in ordering him to pay $8,837.21 to Susan in attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 He argues that the trial court determined this award of fees by accounting for three items: (i) $5,800.21 for payments Susan allegedly made to her attorney for legal services provided in 2002; (ii) a $3,000.00 payment that Susan made to her attorney on April 29, 2003; and (iii) $37.00 for an erroneous billing made by Susan}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s attorney reflected in his July 31, 2001 invoice.}{ \insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Michael contends that there is no credible evidence that Susan paid $5,800.21 in attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees, and thus he should not be charged to pay for it.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 He further argues that he should not have to pay for the $37.00 erroneous billing item.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Michael states that the court should subtract the $5,800.21 and $37.00 charges from the attorney fee award.}{\insrsid14116260 \par }{\insrsid7565567\charrsid9854915 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [12]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab Susan argues that the trial court awarded this particular amount by beginning with her requested fees award and reducing it by amounts that Susan already paid to h er attorney or were erroneous.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 She contends the trial court took her requested fees award of $23,884.21 and reduced this amount by three items: (i) the $3,000.00 payment Susan made to her attorney on April 29, 2003; (ii) $12,000.00 derived from $1,000.00 p er month payments Susan testified she made to her attorney for each of the 12 months in 2002; and (iii) a $37.00 erroneous billing charge.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 After subtracting these 3 items, the total comes to $8,847.21, which is $10.00 more than what the trial court awarded.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Susan does not know why the $10.00 difference exists.}{\insrsid663978 }{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 She claims this is irrelevant, since the court can exercise discretion in calculating the award.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 We agree. \par }{\b\insrsid7565567 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [13]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab The record before us indicates that Susan}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s attorney submitted to the court invoices of bills from February 2001 to February 2003 as well as March 2003 for a total of $20,884.21.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 This sum is the total amount Susan still owes her attorney, and reflects the sole payment which Susan made on April 29, 2003 for $3,000.00.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 The trial court noted th e inconsistency between Susan's invoices that do not reflect her $1,000.00 monthly payments in 2002, and her testimony that she made these monthly payments in 2002.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 The trial court apparently chose to deduct $12,000.00 from the invoices, including it as }{\insrsid663978 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 credit of payments Plaintiff testified that she made for the year 2002,}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 along with the $3,000.00 payment on April 29, 2003, and the $37.00 error in billing.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Appellant}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s ER, Tab C, p.3 (Decision and Order, Nov. 4, 2003).}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Since the $8,837.21 amount that the trial court awarded for outstanding attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees is less than the $20,884.21 amount of fees that Susan still owes her attorney, we do not find that the award was }{\insrsid663978 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 clearly against the logic and effect of the facts as are found.}{ \insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid663978 }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Quinata}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 1999 Guam 6 at }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 38 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt \f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 17. \par }{\b\insrsid7565567 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [14]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab In addition, it appears that the trial court considered the evidence presented, the abilities of the parties to pay, and the fact that Michael was the sole source of financial income during the marriag e and continues to be the party generating the most income post divorce.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 The trial court also acknowledged that Michael paid Susan $10,000.00 per month without any court order.}{\insrsid663978 }{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 The court balanced the }{\insrsid663978 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 equities of the parties; the need of the Plaintiff to b e compensated for expenses in order to bring this action, and the financial abilities of the parties post divorce.}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Appellant}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s ER, Tab C, p.3 (Decision and Order, Nov. 4, 2003).}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 The court granted Susan the sum of $8,837.21 in reasonable attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees to partially compensate her for expenses she actually incurred and which remain a}{\insrsid7565567 debt.}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [15]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab While both parties disagree as to how the trial court derived the exact amount of $8,837.21, in applying the abuse of discretion standard, it does not appe ar that the trial court ordered an unreasonable amount given the facts and circumstances of the case.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 It is not this court}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s place to crunch numbers and order the trial court to provide a detailed calculation.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 The trial court considered relevant factors and ordered a reasonable amount of attorney}{ \insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees that is less than the amount that Susan}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s invoices state is still outsta}{\insrsid7565567 nding.}{ \insrsid14116260 \par }{\insrsid7565567\charrsid9854915 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [16]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab Thus, we find that the trial court did not abuse its discretion and err in awarding $8,837.21 to Susan in attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees where its decision was justified by the evidence and reached upon by weighing relevant facts. \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7565567 {\b\insrsid7565567 \par }\pard \qj \fi720\li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 B.}{\b\insrsid663978 }{ \b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Attorney}{\b\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s Fees for Expenses Incurred as a Result of an Appeal. }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\b\insrsid7565567 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [17]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab The next issue we address is whether this court has the discretion to award attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees incurred on appeal, pursuant to Title 19 GCA }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 8402.}{\insrsid663978 }{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Specifically, Susan requests that this court either award a specific amount or remand the matter to the trial court to determine the specific amount. Again, section 8402 provides: }{\insrsid7565567 "}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 When an action for dissolution of marriage is }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 pending}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , the court may, in its discretion, require the husband or wife ... to pay ... any money necessary to enable the wife, or husband, to ... prosecute or defend the action.}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid663978 }{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 19 GCA }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 8402 (2001) (emphasis added).}{\insrsid663978 }{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 According to Title 7 GCA }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 26707, }{\insrsid7565567 "}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 An action is deemed to be}{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 pending}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 from the time of its commencement }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 until its final determination upon appeal}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , or until the time for appeal has passed . . . }{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Title 7 GCA }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 26707 (1994) (emphasis a}{\insrsid7565567 dded).}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }{\b\insrsid7565567 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [18]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab As noted above, section 8402 was based on former California Civil Code }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 137. }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 See Bruce v. Bruce}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 116 P. 66, 67 (Cal. 1911) (quoting section 137, which states that }{\insrsid663978 "}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 when an action for divorce is pending, the court may, in its discretion require the husband to pay as alimony any money necessary to enable the wife to support herself or her children, or to prosecute or defend the action. }{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 ).}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Relatedly, Title 7 GCA }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 26707, which defines when an action is pending, is also based on California Civil Procedure Code }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 1049.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 California Civil Procedure Code }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 1049 states that }{\insrsid663978 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 an action is deemed to be pending from the time of its commencement until its final determination upon appeal, or until the time for appeal has passed, unless the judgment is sooner satisfied.}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 CAL. CIV. PRO. CODE }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid7565567 1049 (1980).}{\insrsid14116260 \par }{\insrsid7565567\charrsid9854915 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [19]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab California courts interpreting California Civil Code }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 137 and California Civil Procedure Code }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 {\field{\*\fldinst SYMBOL 39 \\f "WP TypographicSymbols" \\s 12}{\fldrslt\f36\fs24}}}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 1049 have consistently held that appellate courts may award attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees to a party not only for fees incurred at the trial court level, but for fees incurred at the appellate level. }{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 In }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Bruce v. Bruce}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , the Supreme Court of California stated that: }{\insrsid663978 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Following these provisions, this court has repeatedly held that the power to make an allowance to the wife for her support, or to enable her to defend or p rosecute the action, is not exhausted upon the rendition of the judgment in the trial court, but continues during the pendency of an appeal.}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid663978 }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Bruce}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 116 P. 66 at 67.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 This determination in }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Bruce v. Bruce}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 was followed in other California cases.}{ \insrsid663978 }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 See Viera v. Viera}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 236 P.2d 632, 633 (Cal. Dist. Ct. App. 1951); }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 McCahan v. McCahan}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 190 P. 458, 459 (Cal. Dist. Ct. App. 1920); }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 see also}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Grannis v. Superior Court}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 77 P. 647, 649 (Cal. 1904).}{ \insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }{\b\insrsid7565567 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [20]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab Thus, pursuant to Guam statutory law and California precedential authority interpreting similar statutes, we hold that both this court as well as the trial court has discretion to award attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees to defend or prosecute an appeal when the record before it provides enough information to determine these factors and what was }{\insrsid663978 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 necessary}{ \insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 for a party to prosecute or defend the action.}{\insrsid14116260 \par }{\insrsid7565567\charrsid9854915 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [21]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab We note a split of authority as to whether (i) a trial court is the more proper forum to determine whether to order attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees for the appeal as well as determine the exact amount; or (ii) an appellate court may order fees but must remand to the trial court to determine the exact amount.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 In }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Craft v. Craft}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 316 P.2d 345, 347 (Cal. 1957), the plaintiff requested that the appellate court award attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees for services rendered on appeal.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 The court held: }{\insrsid663978 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 The request for such fees is a matter which should ordinarily be addressed to the trial court, and we are of the view that the general rule should be followed here.}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid663978 }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Craft v. Craft}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 316 P.2d 345, 347 (Cal. 1957).}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Other California cases also follow the holding in }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Craft}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 .}{\insrsid663978 }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 See Petropoulos v. Petropoulos}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 110 Cal. Rptr. 2d 111, 125 (Ct. App. 2001), }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Schofield v. Schofield}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 73 Cal. Rptr. 2d 1, 7 (Ct. App. 1998).}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 However, in }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Hayes v. Ward}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 4 Cal. Rptr. 2d 365, 372 (Ct. App. 1992), the appellate court ordered an award of attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees for services rendered at the appellate level, but remanded the issue of the exact amount to the trial court.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 The court stated: }{\insrsid7565567 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Although this c ourt has the power to render such an award, the trial court can better evaluate these . . . factors in determining an appropriate amount to be awarded . . . for fees on appeal.}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 }{ \i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Hayes}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 4 Cal. Rptr. 2d at 372. Other California cases have followed the holding in }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Hayes}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , including }{ \i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 In re Marriage of Martin}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 280 Cal. Rptr. 565, 568 (Ct. A}{\insrsid7565567 pp. 1991).}{\insrsid14116260 \par }{\insrsid7565567\charrsid9854915 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [22]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab Notwithstanding our holding that this court may, in its discretion, award Susan attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees incurred as a result of this appeal, the record before us does not provide a sound basis for this court}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s determination of what is }{\insrsid663978 "}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 necessary}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 for Susan to defend the action, such as the costs in light of the circumstances of the parties, the necessity, and the pecuniary ability of both parties.}{\insrsid663978 }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 See Arnold}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 12 P.2d at 436; (finding relevant the }{\insrsid663978 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 circumstances of the parties, their necessities, and the financial ability of the husband}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 ); } {\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Sweeley}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 170 P.2d at 470; (finding relevant the }{\insrsid663978 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 circumstances of the parties, including the property which each possess, th eir respective incomes and earning abilities, as well as their needs}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 ); }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Loke}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 , 217 P.2d at 478 ([T]he trial }{ \insrsid663978 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 judge must be informed in detail not only as to her needs, but her resources.}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 "}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 ) (citation omitted). This court received no information regarding the fees for this appeal.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 On the other hand, the trial court has held extensive hearings and is more familiar with the facts and circumstances of this case.}{\insrsid14116260 \par }{\insrsid7565567\charrsid9854915 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [23]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab Accordingly, we find that the trial court is in a better position to determine what attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s f ees, if any, are necessary for Susan to defend this action on appeal.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Consistent with the }{\i\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Hayes}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 line of cases, because this court does not have a complete record to award attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees and determine its amount, and because there is a strong argument that a trial court is the more proper forum to litigate this issue, we remand this issue to the tria}{\insrsid7565567 l court.}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \ql \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid7565567 {\b\insrsid7565567 \par }\pard \qc \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 IV.}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \par }\pard \qj \li0\ri0\nowidctlpar\tx0\tx720\tx1440\tx2160\tx2880\tx3600\tx4320\tx5040\tx5760\tx6480\tx7200\tx7920\tx8640\tqr\tx9360\faauto\rin0\lin0\itap0\pararsid9854915 {\b\insrsid7565567 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [24]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab In sum, we cannot find that the trial court abused its discretion when it ordered Michael to pay $8,837.21 in reasonable attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees to Susan.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Applying the abuse of discretion standard, we may overturn the trial court}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s decision only if it appears that there was no reasonable basis for it.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 We hold that the trial court considered reasonable factors in determining a reasonable amount of fees, and thus we }{ \b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 AFFIRM}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 the trial court}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s decision.}{\insrsid14116260 \par }{\insrsid7565567\charrsid9854915 \par }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 [25]}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 \tab We further hold that although we have the power to exercise our discretion and award attorney's fees to Susan for the cost of this appeal, we decline to do so.}{ \insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 In this particular case, the trial court is the more appropriate forum to receive evidence and determine if Susan is entitled to attorney}{\insrsid9854915\charrsid9854915 '}{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 s fees on appeal, and if so, how much.}{\insrsid663978 }{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 It is more familiar with the facts and circumstances of this case and can make a more knowledgeable decision.}{\insrsid663978 }{ \insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 Accordingly, we }{\b\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 REMAND}{\insrsid14116260\charrsid9854915 the issue to the trial court for its consideration. \par }}