(1) COURT AUTHORITY. The court, after considering the financial resources of both parties, may do the following: (a) Order either party to pay a reasonable amount for the cost to the other party of maintaining or responding to an action affecting the family and for attorney fees to either party. (b) If one party receives services under s. 49.22 or services provided by the state or county as a result of an assignment of income under s. 49.19, order the other party to pay any fee chargeable under s. 49.22 (6) or the cost of services rendered by the state or county under s. 49.19. (2) PREACTION AND POSTACTION FEES. Any amount ordered under sub. (1) may include sums for legal services rendered and costs incurred prior to the commencement of the proceeding or after entry of judgment. (3) TO WHOM PAID. The court may order that the amount be paid directly to the attorney or to the state or the county providing services under s. 49.22 or 49.19, who may enforce the order in its name. (4) PAYMENT BY STATE OR COUNTY. (a) Except as provided in par. (b), no court may order payment of costs under this section by the state or any county which may be a party to the action. (b) The court may order payment of costs under this section by the department or its designee, whichever is appropriate, in an action in which the court finds that the record of payments and arrearages kept by the department or its designee is substantially incorrect and that the department or its designee has failed to correct the record within 30 days after having received information that the court determines is sufficient for making the correction.
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