An attorney fee award requires one party to pay some or all of the other party's reasonable attorney fees and costs. In Arizona family law attorney fees can be awarded based on financial disparity between the parties, on the reasonableness or unreasonableness of one party's positions, on contempt findings, and on specific statutory provisions.

The AFI and the China Doll affidavit are the financial documents the court uses to evaluate a fee request. The China Doll affidavit provides the detailed billing record showing the work done and the fees charged.

Attorney fee awards are not guaranteed even when one party clearly had more resources. The court has discretion. Strong documentation of the fees incurred and a clear connection between the other party's conduct and the fees generated is essential.