N.Y. Domestic Relations Law § 77-k: Costs, fees and expenses

§ 77-k. Costs, fees and expenses. 1. The court shall award the

prevailing party, including a state, necessary and reasonable expenses

incurred by or on behalf of the party, including costs, communication

expenses, attorney's fees, investigative fees, expenses for witnesses,

travel expenses, and child care during the course of the proceedings,

unless the party from whom fees or expenses are sought establishes that

the award would be inappropriate. No fees, costs or expenses shall be

assessed against a party who is fleeing an incident of domestic violence

or mistreatment or abuse of a child or sibling, unless the court is

convinced by a preponderance of evidence that such assessment would be

clearly appropriate.

2. The court may not assess fees, costs, or expenses against a state

unless authorized by law other than this article.