How do you get some kind of closure when you've been mistreated by an irresponsible lawyer. My divorce attourney took my retainer,($1500) then never returned my phone calls, and never filed any papers on my behalf. She even layed out of work on my first court date, sending a partner in her stead who knew nothing of my case. I lost custody of my children that day and the entire case swung out of my favor. I lost at every turn. Later I lost my job and asked her to file for my child support to be refigured. She failed to do so, and I wound up in jail. When I asked why she failed to file the papers, she told me it was because I owed her $1000. She never did anything for me, so why would I owe her another grand? She did show up at my final divorce hearing, but by then the case had swung so heavily in my ex-wife's favor, that it was too late. The final hearing was her only appearance in court with me, and it was only to have the judge approve our agreement.
2007-10-06 04:33:10 · 3 answers · asked by Jay G 3 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
When she did not come to court with me the first day, I lost custody and my case (and life) began to fall apart. She failed to notify the guardian ad-lidem that I suspected my ex was using drugs. When my 12 year old daughter told me she had witnessed a drug deal, I asked her to file a request for a drug test and reversal of custody. She said okay, but she never did. Her neglect of my case was apalling, and I missed every opportunity to get my children back. Now she claims I still owe her the $1000. When I went to pay my first weeks child support after the divorce was final, the account had not been set up yet. I was ordered to begin paying that day, but the credit went in an arrears account. When the account was set up, it showed me being a week behind. I called her and she said she was filing a paper to correct this mistake. That was April, no such paper was ever filed, I have not contacted her since. People who take your money should perform the service you paid them for. Lawyers too
2007-10-06 04:45:34 · update #1
Yes we had an agreement, but I got none of my terms,and having been jailed for child support, was in no position to argue. I agreed to expedite the divorce, and set up an arrears account for owed child support so I wouldn't go back to jail. Since I was employed at that point, I sure didn't want to serve a 90 day sentence and end up unemployed again. Don't get me wrong, it's nobody's fault I got behind, but shouldn't a retained attourney do everything they can to help your case, or is it okay for them to ignore you and charge you more fees.
2007-10-06 04:55:26 · update #2
I should add that now I am happy with the terms of my divorce. I wish I could have kept my children, but I see them every day, and I'm proud to pay my support. My ex and I get along okay most of the time, and she lets them come to my house anytime they or I ask. That being said, I was misrepresented and I feel wronged by someone I paid to help me. $1500 is a fortune to me. If she was too busy to properly represent me, shouldn't she have refused the case? I'm no longer angry at my ex or the judge who took my kids away, and I even think my ex's lawyer is a nice guy. Fact is, I could have done better had I not hired a lawyer at all. Understand also that if I had told the judge at the final hearing that I was dissatisfied with my attorney, he wouldn't have approved the agreement. No divorce, no arrears account and I would have gone back to jail. I'm happy now, but hate the fact that the person who did nothing to help me still claims that I owe her money.
2007-10-06 05:12:36 · update #3
When I first hired a lawyer, there was no agreement. I hired her when proceedings started, the agreement was much later. When did I say I hired her twice? I didn't. She was retained to represent me throughout my divorce, which she agreed to do.
2007-10-06 05:17:45 · update #4
Way to much missing information on this one two things very wrong in what info is here.
You had an agreement with your ex and then you hired a lawyer what did you expect the lawyer to do other than support your agreement?
If you were not happy with her after the first case why hire her a second time?
Oh and it is common for lawyers to send someone from there office to represent you it is all the same office.
If the second lawyer did not know anything about the case that is her the information on your trial is at her access .
to much missing information try the bar association. after additional information report her to the BBS it is free and you can do it online........she botched the case and knows it so is not likly to pusue you for the rest of the money. And all the rest worked out for the best. Good luck
2007-10-06 05:00:08 · answer #1 · answered by ASmiles1 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your last sentence is confusing. "Approved your agreement"? Sounds like you had some say in the matter. There is always the Bar Association if you feel you have been denied proper councel.
2007-10-06 11:38:53 · answer #2 · answered by sensible_man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Never hire a woman as your divorce attorney if you're a man.
2007-10-06 11:36:55 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋