> [!tip] My personal working space > The final version of this page is at https://atharkhan.com/glossary/271-sanctions/ A [[Sanction|sanction]] under [[Cal. Fam. Code § 271]] concerns conduct that frustrates settlement or the effort to reduce litigation costs through cooperation. It is an award of [[Attorney|attorney]] fees and costs; it is not the same as every fee award in a family case. The court considers the parties’ incomes, assets, and liabilities. The requesting party does not have to show financial need, but the sanction cannot impose an unreasonable financial burden on the party ordered to pay. The statute states no fixed dollar maximum; do not describe the amount as automatically equal to fees caused by particular conduct. > [!important] Procedure and payment > Notice and an opportunity to be heard are required. Subsection (c) makes payment the party’s obligation, from that party’s property or income, including the party’s share of community property. Compare [[177 Sanctions]], payable to the court under a different statute, and [[2030 Attorney Fees]], which concern access to representation rather than punishment for misconduct. A disagreement over [[Settlement|settlement]] or an unfavorable outcome does not by itself make sanctions automatic. Source: [California Legislative Information, section 271](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=FAM&sectionNum=271.). Checked October 24, 2026.