Bear Creek Planning Committee v. Ferwerda (2011). If empowering language is provided for in the CC&Rs, architectural committees may adopt standards beyond those set forth in the CC&Rs, i.e., it can adopt new design standards related to the improvement or development of lots. However, a committee may not unilaterally establish an attorneys’ fees provision for itself. Attorneys’ fees must be reciprocal and contractual--the committee's fee provisions did not seek to clarify existing language in the CC&R's. Rather, it was an inappropriate attempt by the committee to insert a new provision that bound homeowners without their approval. Nothing in the CC&Rs gave the committee the power to insert into their architectural standards an attorney fee provision that was never in the CC&Rs.

Heather Farms HOA v. Robinson (1994). The court declined to adopt a rigid interpretation of the term "prevailing party" and, instead, analyzed which party had prevailed on a practical level. The court concluded that a a voluntary mutual dismissals as part of a global settlement does not create a prevailing party.

Salehi v Surfside III (2011). Susan Salehi sued her association alleging 10 causes of action. Three days before trial, she dismissed eight of her ten claims against the association. The association spent approximately $250,000 defending against her claims. Three days before trial, Salehi dismissed eight of her ten claims. The association subsequently sought recovery of the legal fees it incurred defending against Salehi's dismissed causes of action. The trial court denied the association’s request but the court of appeal reversed. The appellate court found that the association was entitled to recover attorneys fees from Salehi, reasoning that a party suing to enforce the CC&Rs must get their “ducks in a row” both procedurally and substantively before filing suit. Salehi had done neither.