In the Matter of Jacob Sonneborn, Regarding Fees and Costs Imposed in Bradbury-Haltness v. Haltness, III

Summary

The Alaska Supreme Court held that Jacob Sonneborn did not receive the reasonable notice and opportunity to be heard required by Alaska Civil Rule 95(a) before the trial court imposed attorney’s fees as a sanction. Accordingly, the Court vacated the fees award and remanded for further proceedings on the sanction request. The decision clarifies that “opportunity to be heard” under Rule 95(a) includes an actual hearing if the attorney requests one.