what to do when your divorce lawyer gives you two different answers

Do I need a divorce attorney for my case?

Throughout your case, your attorney should give you some sense of whether the law supports your position. No attorney worth her weight will guarantee you a victory, but a knowledgeable lawyer should be able to tell you whether there is a basis for your position and what is likely to happen if the case is tried.

When should I change my divorce attorney?

Be actively involved in your case. Communicate with your divorce attorney and insist that they communicate with you. Being actively involved in your case will help you maintain a sense of control--when so much seems to be spinning out of control--and help you make informed decisions about your divorce and your future.

What to look for in a divorce lawyer?

Dec 30, 2014 · 3 attorney answers. Hiring two lawyers in your divorce to handle the same issues is akin to hiring two taxis to take you to the airport. Communication of information by, in, to or through this Web forum and your receipt or use of it (1) is not provided in the course of and does not create or constitute an attorney-client relationship, (2) is ...

What kinds of divorce cases do divorce attorneys handle?

Aug 01, 2017 · Use your head but listen to your gut. The first nine tips are all important. They are logical and rational. But, when you’re trying to choose a divorce lawyer, logic isn’t the only thing you need. If you meet a divorce lawyer and the little voice in your head is screaming “Run!,” do yourself a favor. Listen to it!

What should you not say to a lawyer?

9 Taboo Sayings You Should Never Tell Your LawyerI forgot I had an appointment. ... I didn't bring the documents related to my case. ... I have already done some of the work for you. ... My case will be easy money for you. ... I have already spoken with 5 other lawyers. ... Other lawyers don't have my best interests at heart.More items...•Mar 17, 2021

When a divorce settlement is unfair?

However, if you received a truly unfair or unjust divorce settlement, you may be able to ask a court to reopen your case and take a second look at how the deal was made and whether or not it's unjust. You should know that you will have a very heavy burden in terms of getting a divorce settlement turned over.

What is unethical for a lawyer?

Attorney misconduct may include: conflict of interest, overbilling, refusing to represent a client for political or professional motives, false or misleading statements, knowingly accepting worthless lawsuits, hiding evidence, abandoning a client, failing to disclose all relevant facts, arguing a position while ...

What is the most common complaint against lawyers?

Perhaps the most common kinds of complaints against lawyers involve delay or neglect. This doesn't mean that occasionally you've had to wait for a phone call to be returned. It means there has been a pattern of the lawyer's failing to respond or to take action over a period of months.

What is a wife entitled to in a divorce settlement?

Assets that you have built up or acquired during the period of marriage are known as matrimonial assets or marital assets. These typically include property, pensions, savings, personal belongings, and cash in the bank. These assets will always be added to the overall 'pot' and will need to be split fairly.

Can my ex wife claim money after divorce?

As a general rule, the money you earned during marriage is marital, and what you earned afterwards is separate. But your ex-wife can still get her hands on it in some cases.

What are examples of ethics violations?

Ethics violations such as discrimination, safety violations, poor working conditions and releasing proprietary information are other examples. Situations such as bribery, forgery and theft, while certainly ethically improper, cross over into criminal activity and are often dealt with outside the company.Aug 14, 2015

What are ethics violations?

Common ethical abuse examples include discrimination, harassment, improper use of company computers and unethical leadership. An ethical company code is important, but only if the leaders can live up to it.

What are the code of ethics?

A code of ethics sets out an organization's ethical guidelines and best practices to follow for honesty, integrity, and professionalism. For members of an organization, violating the code of ethics can result in sanctions including termination.

How do you know if a lawyer is scamming you?

Some common signs of a scam include:Payment needs to happen quickly. You can't ask questions or get clarification.It's an emergency. Someone may threaten you or your loved ones.Requests for money usually happen over text, email or phone.The person contacting you is not someone you recognize.Mar 29, 2021

How do you write a complaint letter about a lawyer?

Formal complaint against [name of lawyer or law firm] describe what the lawyer had been hired to do for you [for example dealing with the sale or purchase of a house] • say when this was [give the date or dates when the problem occurred]. My complaint is that [list what you think went wrong or wasn't done properly.

Who or what regulates attorneys in California?

The State Bar of California'sThe State Bar of California's principal mission is protecting the public, primarily through a rigorous licensing process, regulating attorneys, prosecuting complaints of lawyer misconduct and promoting ethical conduct.

How to choose a divorce attorney?

There are several things to look for when choosing a divorce attorney. You want to choose someone who is experienced, respected, competent, and affordable. If they are proving to not be a good fit though, change them. Because you can, even if the reason is that you don't get on with him or her. Bear in mind however that if an attorney has worked on your case, you'll have to pay her/him for their time. Also, it might damage your case to change attorney's when you are close to a court ordered deadline, so only do it after careful consideration.

How to start a divorce?

One of the best and simplest ways to do that is to start a divorce file. In this file, keep every bit of paper that could have an effect on how your divorce proceedings. Gather copies of all important financial documents and access to all account information. Keep it organized and easy to navigate.

What is fault based divorce?

Fault-based divorce is when one spouse committed an act that gives legal justification to the ending of the marriage. These acts include adultery, a felony conviction, cruelty, or desertion.

How much does a divorce cost?

Contested divorces cost anywhere from $15,000 to $30,000, though there are plenty of ways to limit the staunch the outward flow of cash before and during the process.

What does it mean to be uncontested in divorce?

An uncontested divorce means that you and your spouse agree child custody, spousal support, child support, visitation, and division of property. If you find that there is no need to fight over these things, you've already saved yourself thousands of dollars.

Is divorce law firm bigger than solo practice?

In any industry, the larger a company is, the bigger volume it's doing. Divorce law firms are no different, prompting many people to seek a solo practitioner who is more invested in the outcome of your case. Paradoxically, however, if the solo practitioner does not have adequate support staff in his or her office, your case may end up not getting the attention and care you were promised.

What is mediation in divorce?

Mediation is a process whereby you and your spouse sit down with a neutral third party to negotiate several important areas of divorce. It's a low-cost way to address practically any other disagreement you and your spouse may have. While the mediator's decision is not binding, it allows a neutral party to provide their perspective on how divorce related issues should be addressed. However, mediation can only be a useful tool if you and your spouse can come to an broad agreement.

What is a good divorce lawyer?

This is where a good divorce lawyer’s skills and experience can be invaluable. With their knowledge of family law as well as how the judges at your family court are likely to rule, an experienced divorce lawyer can offer reasonable choices for settling your divorce – and settling it out of court if possible.

What happens during divorce?

During the divorce proceedings, you’ll have to deal with a lot of paperwork. Not being in a proper state of mind you are likely to find all this quite confusing. Every form can be confusing, and once it goes to the court, the judge will rely on it heavily, so it is vital that each form is filled out correctly.

Who is Charlie Brown?

Charlie Brown is a Professional Lawyer. He consulted for all organizations. He has over 5 years’ experience as an attorney. He attributes his ongoing success to learning from mistakes and being inspired by other people in the industry.

Is divorce complicated?

Divorce can be as legally complicated as it is emotionally charged. Just as the word divorce can make you panic, and dealing with the legal process is similarly a challenge. There can be variations in divorce law from place to place, and your divorce is as unique as your marriage.

What Should You Do if You Feel Your Lawyer Isn't Representing Your Needs?

Getting a divorce can be stressful enough, but what if the attorney you have chosen to represent you doesn’t seem to be working out?

Unresponsive or Lack of Communication

One of the most common complaints regarding attorneys is that he or she is unresponsive. While you want to hire an attorney that is good enough to have several clients, you also want one that can give each client individual attention.

Lacks Compassion

Your attorney may be busy, but that doesn’t mean that you should be treated like a case file number.

Unprofessional Behavior

An attorney who is rude, impatient, condescending or disrespectful is not only unprofessional but difficult to work with.

The Promise of a Certain Outcome

Any attorney that says that they can guarantee a certain amount of alimony or that you will get full custody of your children isn’t telling you the truth. A lawyer cannot ethically--and in most states legally--promise a specific outcome, no matter how likely that outcome may seem.

No Results

Almost every legal case will have periods where nothing much seems to be happening.

Trust Your Intuition

Whether you call it your “gut,” your intuition or your “little voice,” trust your instincts!

Troy R Jensen

Hiring two lawyers in your divorce to handle the same issues is akin to hiring two taxis to take you to the airport.

John A Patti

Short answer to your question is no. I agree with my colleague in that you don't qualify for legal aid if you can afford your own attorney. I totally agree on getting an attorney to protect your children and your assets. Remember, when you pay an attorney you will know you have an attorney and the attorney will know that he/she has a client...

Christopher J. Salcido

I don't believe Legal Aid would represent you if you had a paid for lawyer. Also, I am guessing most attorneys would be uncomfortable with this type of representation, to easy to blur lines of responsibility among other potential problems.#N#More

Which state has the easiest divorce process?

According to the government research site InsideGov, the five states with the easiest and most lenient divorce laws are Alaska, South Dakota, Wyoming, Iowa and Washington. The ease of filing, fees and processing times are all considered as part of the rankings.

How much does a divorce cost?

It's no secret that divorce can be expensive. In fact, according to Narris, the average cost of legal fees in a divorce is an astounding $15,000! One way to cut down on these expenses is to use a mediator.

Why is divorce so stressful?

Some people even see divorce as a way to seek revenge on a spouse by seizing money and assets. Although divorce can bail you out of an unhappy marriage, it can also milk you for all you are worth if you don't know your rights.

Who is Todd Huettner?

Todd Huettner, president of the residential and commercial real estate mortgage bank Huettner Capital and a financial analyst who has helped many individuals dealing with divorce, advises clients to seek professional help at all costs.

How long does it take to get divorced in Arkansas?

Arkansas takes the longest amount of time at 540 days. If you live in one of these states, you and your spouse might want to consider relocating to expedite the divorce process.

Is alimony taxable income in divorce?

On the contrary, if the transfer of money in a divorce is not considered alimony, the receiving spouse is in luck: these funds aren't regarded as taxable income, according to Christian Denmon, founding partner of Denmon & Denmon, a personal injury, divorce and criminal defense law firm in Tampa.

Is a divorced property divisible?

While most assets are divisible in divorce, there are some exceptions to the rule. Documents can help preserve what you believe to be separate property when it comes to divorce proceedings and should be collected beforehand.

How to deal with divorce emotionally?

If you have the financial means, it can help to speak with a therapist or other mental health professional. At the very least, speak with friends who have been through divorce. Let your family and friends know that you’ll be leaning on them for advice and moral support. Being emotionally stable will better prepare you to make smart decisions as your divorce progresses.

How to decide on financial goals for divorce?

You can’t decide your financial goals for your divorce without having an accurate picture of your assets and debts. While it’s not usually necessary to hire an accountant prior to filing for divorce, it’s a good idea to put together a simple balance sheet showing all of your assets and debts. Include real property, cars, retirement accounts, bank accounts and other assets, as well as any mortgages, notes, credit cards, and other debts. This can give you an idea of what you and your spouse will split, and you can start working on your desired division of the marital estate. Determining your total assets can also help you set a budget for how much to spend on your attorney and the divorce litigation.

What does a divorce decree mean?

In most jurisdictions, the judge automatically issues an order at the beginning of your divorce case that prohibits you or your spouse from selling, buying, or otherwise encumbering or disposing of any marital property. Courts do this to prevent either spouse from draining the bank accounts, or dissipating the marital estate out of spite.

Can a divorce be granted if only one spouse wants to end the marriage?

The court can grant a divorce even if only one spouse wants to end the marriage. If you’d still like to give marital counseling a try, do so before you file for divorce.

Should I close my credit cards before filing for divorce?

Depending on how you and your spouse handle your joint financial accounts and credit cards, your attorney may advise you to close the accounts or leave them the same. You don’t want to be in a situation where your spouse has the ability to run up bills in your name or drain the bank accounts – both circumstances may take the entire divorce to sort out. Your attorney can best advise you about whether you should divide the accounts in half, close them, or leave them the same before filing for divorce.

Can I have a relationship with my spouse before divorce?

Additionally, a judge may consider money you spend on a paramour dissipation of the marital estate, and could require you to reimburse your spouse for those expenditures. In any case , it typically doesn’t help your case to have started another relationship before your divorce has been filed. In some states you can begin a relationship after filing for divorce; speak with your attorney about how the court will view dating before your divorce is complete. See Divorce and Dating for more information.

Can I start a relationship after divorce?

In any case, it typically doesn’t help your case to have started another relationship before your divorce has been filed. In some states you can begin a relationship after filing for divorce; speak with your attorney about how the court will view dating before your divorce is complete.

What is a good attorney for divorce?

An experienced family law attorney is often a good idea for situations where the divorcing couple has a large amount of assets, property or other complicated financial matters. In more contentious divorces, an attorney can make sure that your interests are represented in court.

How to prepare for divorce?

If you’re thinking about divorce, you need to immediately begin to set aside money for the all the expenses involved. Make copies of all your financial documents and legal records before your divorce proceedings begin.

Can you use your kids to manipulate your spouse?

This should go without saying, but unfortunately, it still happens, even unintentionally. Check your own behavior and don’t use your kids to punish or manipulate your spouse. In the end, this will cause resentment and have a negative impact on the relationship you have with your children.

Is it normal to want to tell someone about divorce?

Emotions are running high, it’s perfectly normal to want to let others know what’s going on in your life. You may desperately want support, you may not want to suffer in silence, or you may just want to punish your partner and embarrass them. This doesn’t mean that you have to keep your a divorce secret from everyone, you just need to decide who you tell and why.