Opinion
Case No. 15-20858
03-31-2017
In re: CHRISTOPHER D. ELWORTHY and MELISSA A. ELWORTHY, Debtors.
Chapter 13 OPINION ON ORDER GRANTING IN PART AND DENYING IN PART SECOND INTERIM APPLICATION OF MOLLEUR LAW OFFICE FOR COMPENSATION OF LEGAL SERVICES
This matter came before the Court on the Second Interim Application of Molleur Law Office for Compensation of Legal Services (Docket Entry ("D.E.") 47) (the "Second Fee Application") dated March 2, 2017 seeking allowance of $989.90 in fees and $82.35 in costs, for a total of $1,072.25. The fees sought include $125.00 in time billed in connection with drafting and reviewing the Second Fee Application. Molleur Law Office's prior fee application was filed approximately six months ago, on August 29, 2016 (D.E. 34) (the "First Fee Application").
In light of the fact that the Second Fee Application was filed so soon after the First Fee Application and seeks such a relatively small award, the Court finds the fees billed in connection with drafting and reviewing the Second Fee Application are not reasonably likely to benefit the Debtors or their estate, and are not necessary to the administration of this case. These fees, in the amount of $125.00 should be disallowed without prejudice to Molleur Law Office's right to request those fees at the time of its final fee application.
Therefore, the Court concludes that Molleur Law Office, as counsel for the Debtors, should be allowed the sum of $864.90 in fees and $82.35 in costs for a total of $947.25, in addition to the $7,959.85 previously allowed, which represents reasonable compensation for services rendered to the Debtors between August 29, 2016 and March 2, 2017.
A separate order shall enter. Dated: March 31, 2017
/s/ Peter G. Cary
Hon. Peter G. Cary
United States Bankruptcy Court