Blake Lively Seeks Extension in Baldoni Legal Fee Dispute

Blake Lively has formally requested a deadline extension from a federal judge overseeing the financial aftermath of her settled lawsuit against Justin Baldoni, according to court documents filed Tuesday.

The actress's legal team submitted a letter to the federal judge requesting additional time beyond the June 22 deadline to file documentation detailing the attorney fees she is seeking in the case. Lively is requesting between seven and thirty additional days, which could extend the filing deadline to mid-July.

The request comes after Lively was awarded legal fees in the lawsuit, though her attempt to secure punitive damages was unsuccessful. The case between the former "Gossip Girl" star and Baldoni has since been settled, but the matter of attorney fee reimbursement remains pending before the court.

In the letter to the judge, Lively's attorneys outlined two primary justifications for the extension request. First, they emphasized the substantial preparation required to present comprehensive arguments regarding the appropriate fee award, including the compilation of detailed billing records and supporting legal documentation.

Second, the legal team cited scheduling conflicts stemming from both personal and professional commitments. According to the filing, Lively and her attorneys face a number of conflicting obligations during the coming weeks, including international travel plans that would make it difficult to meet the original deadline.

The judge has not yet issued a ruling on whether to grant the requested extension. Such requests are common in complex litigation matters, particularly when substantial documentation must be assembled and reviewed. Attorney fee disputes often require detailed accounting of hours worked, rates charged, and the reasonableness of legal services provided throughout the course of litigation.

The underlying lawsuit between Lively and Baldoni has been resolved through settlement, though the specific terms of that agreement have not been publicly disclosed. The remaining issue of attorney fees represents the final financial matter to be adjudicated in the case.

If the judge grants the full thirty-day extension, Lively's legal team would have until mid-July to submit their fee application and supporting documentation. The court will then review the submission and determine the appropriate amount of legal fees to be awarded.