HRS §668-17
Who pays the costs in a partition case
This section explains who pays the costs of a partition lawsuit. The plaintiff pays first, but later everyone pays their share based on their interest. The judge can also decide how attorney fees are split, and there is a limit on the plaintiff's costs when there are many defendants.
courts
The statute, as written — Costs
All costs of the proceedings in partition shall be paid by the plaintiff in the first instance, but eventually by all of the parties in proportion to their interests, except such costs which may be occasioned by contests as to particular shares or interests, which shall be charged against the particular shares or interests involved and be paid as determined by the result of the trial of the particular issue. In addition to costs of the proceeding the judge may allow any fee or fees for legal services rendered by the attorneys for any of the parties, and apportion the same for costs for payment by and between the parties or any of them, all as to the judge shall seem equitable in the light of the services performed and the benefits derived therefrom by the parties, respectively. When more than ten defendants are named in a complaint for partition, no greater payment for costs shall be required of the plaintiff than would be required if there were but ten defendants.
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