House File 2188 - Introduced HOUSE FILE 2188 BY McKEAN A BILL FOR An Act relating to the award of attorney fees in proceedings 1 for modifications of dissolution orders and decrees. 2 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF IOWA: 3 TLSB 6128YH (1) 88 ss/jh

H.F. 2188 Section 1. Section 598.36, Code 2020, is amended to read as 1 follows: 2 598.36 Attorney fees in proceeding to modify order or decree. 3 In a proceeding for the modification of an order or decree 4 under this chapter the court may award attorney fees to the 5 prevailing party in an amount deemed reasonable by the court 6 if the prevailing party demonstrates that the opposing party 7 has acted in bad faith . 8 EXPLANATION 9 The inclusion of this explanation does not constitute agreement with 10 the explanation’s substance by the members of the general assembly. 11 Current law allows a court to award attorney fees to the 12 prevailing party in a proceeding for the modification of an 13 order or decree for the dissolution of a marriage. This bill 14 provides that a court may only award attorney fees in such 15 actions if the prevailing party demonstrates that the opposing 16 party has acted in bad faith. 17 -1- LSB 6128YH (1) 88 ss/jh 1/ 1