(a) General rule.--The court shall award the prevailing party, including a state, necessary and reasonable expenses incurred by or on behalf of the party, including costs, communication expenses, attorney fees, investigative fees, expenses for witnesses, travel expenses and child care during the course of the proceedings, unless the party from whom fees or expenses are sought establishes that the award would be clearly inappropriate.
(b) Assessment against a state.--The court may not assess fees, costs or expenses against a state unless authorized by law other than this chapter.
Cross References. Section 5452 is referred to in sections 5448, 5450 of this title.