Section 6344 - Payment of attorney's fees and costs(a)After notice and a hearing, a court, upon request, shall issue an order for the payment of attorney's fees and costs for a prevailing petitioner.(b)After notice and a hearing, the court, upon request, may issue an order for the payment of attorney's fees and costs for a prevailing respondent only if the respondent establishes by a preponderance of the evidence that the petition or request is frivolous or solely intended to abuse, intimidate, or cause unnecessary delay.(c)Before a court awards attorney's fees and costs pursuant to this section, the court shall first determine pursuant to Section 270 that the party ordered to pay has, or is reasonably likely to have, the ability to pay.Added by Stats 2022 ch 591 (AB 2369),s 2, eff. 1/1/2023.Repealed by Stats 2022 ch 591 (AB 2369),s 1, eff. 1/1/2023.Amended by Stats 2004 ch 472 (AB 2148),s 6, eff. 1/1/2005Amended by Stats 2005 ch Chapter 472 (AB 2148), s 6, eff. 1/1/2005.