Stone v. Bubarry

Pennie and John DuBarry were divorced in 2013. Pennie was represented by Thomas Stone during the divorce proceedings. The family court entered a decree of dissolution incorporating a property settlement agreement. Stone subsequently filed a motion seeking leave to withdraw as counsel for Pennie and a notice of attorney’s lien and intent to hold property liable, listing the marital residence as the property subject to the lien. John, in turn, asked the court to release the lien, arguing that the lien was improper because he had been awarded the marital residence under the settlement agreement. The trial court granted John’s motion and set aside the lien. The court of appeals affirmed. The Supreme Court affirmed, holding (1) the attorney’s fees lien statute does not apply to property assigned or divided in divorce proceedings; but (2) an attorney may obtain a contractual lien through his contract of employment with a client, and that lien may be upheld against assets held by his client after entry of the decree if the employment contract so provides. View "Stone v. Bubarry" on Justia Law