The “disentitlement doctrine” prevents a party from seeking assistance from the court while that party is in “an attitude of contempt to legal orders and processes of the courts.” This doctrine was triggered recently when the Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal from an order that John pay $200,000 towards his wife’s attorney fees and costs.
John appealed the order, stating the court did not have sufficient evidence of his financial circumstances to make such an order. The appellate court agreed, but goes further to state that the reason why there was insufficient information was because John disobeyed lawful discovery orders to provide financial information. John has an ownership interest in several business entities owned by his family. His wife, Lisa, attempted to discover information regarding their value, income and possible community ownership. John refused to provide the information, stating the family business entities will not allow him to disclose the information. The excuse was not good enough and John was ordered to comply with discovery. Because of John’s attitude of disobeying court orders, the appeal he took from the trial court order to pay $200,000 was simply dismissed rather than decided on the merits.
As the old legal saying goes, “he who seeks equity must do equity.”
For more information about annulments and other family law matters, contact the Reape-Rickett Law Firm at 661-288-1000. They are located at 25152 Springfield Court, Suite 100 in Valencia.