Request for Reimbursement of Attorney Fees Incurred in Relocation

An employee who was transferred by the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service requested reimbursement of attorney fees incurred in the purchase of a residence. The employee claimed reimbursement of $737.50 for title insurance and $700 for attorney fees. The agency paid the claim for title insurance, but questioned whether services of an attorney were necessary. Regulations allow attorney fees to be paid if they do not duplicate payments made for other categories of real estate expenses. In this instance, itemization of the charges for attorney fees shows that the items did not duplicate any services rendered by the title insurance company. In addition, the fee was within the customary range of charges for such services in the locality of the residence transaction. Accordingly, the claim may be certified for payment.