Costs of Litigation Not Reimbursable As Relocation Expenses
Highlights
A Federal employee claimed reimbursement for attorney's fees incurred incident to his breach of contract to buy a house at his old duty station. The claimant had entered into a contract to purchase a residence, but decided to break the contract when he was notified of his transfer to another state. The owner of the house and the realty company brought joint suit against the claimant for breach of contract. Federal Travel Regulations allow the reimbursement of real estate and other expenses only when the residence in question is the quarters from which the employee commutes to and from work. The house which the claimant had contracted to purchase at his old duty station was not a residence as defined in the regulations. Therefore, the claimant could not be reimbursed for attorney's fees.