The court may award to either party the costs and counsel fees that are just and proper under all the circumstances in any case in which a person: applies for a decree or modification of a decree concerning the custody, support, or visitation of a child of the parties; or files any form of proceeding: to recover arrearages of child support; to enforce a decree of child support; or to enforce a decree of custody or visitation. Before a court may award costs and counsel fees under this section, the court shall consider: the financial status of each party; the needs of each party; and whether there was substantial justification for bringing, maintaining, or defending the proceeding. Upon a finding by the court that there was an absence of substantial justification of a party for prosecuting or defending the proceeding, and absent a finding by the court of good cause to the contrary, the court shall award to the other party costs and counsel fees.