Reported / Citable
Background
Petitioner Christian Alexis Veliz Estrada moved for attorney’s fees and costs. The court referred that motion to U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on June 10, 2026.
At an August 18 motion hearing, the parties announced an on-the-record stipulation concerning attorney’s fees. Magistrate Judge Hawthorn then recommended granting the motion to the extent of awarding $74,061.99 in fees, costs, and expenses under 22 U.S.C. § 9007(b)(3).
The Court’s Holding
District Judge Marcia A. Crone adopted the report and recommendation in full. The court found its factual findings and legal conclusions correct after reviewing the report, record, pleadings, and available evidence.
No party objected to the recommendation, and the time to object had passed. The court therefore granted the fee motion to the recommended extent and awarded petitioner $74,061.99 in fees, costs, and expenses pursuant to 22 U.S.C. § 9007(b)(3).
Key Takeaways
- The court awarded petitioner $74,061.99 in attorney’s fees, costs, and expenses.
- The award followed the parties’ on-the-record fee stipulation at the motion hearing.
- The district court adopted the magistrate judge’s recommendation without objections.
Why It Matters
The order enforces the parties’ stipulated fee resolution through the Hague Convention’s implementing statute. It also illustrates that, absent timely objections, a district court may adopt a magistrate judge’s fee recommendation after reviewing the record.