8 Weeks Since I First Asked for Status Update... Is this Normal?

[HBW]

Hi there! I have been working with this particular divorce lawyer for 14 months and am seriously contemplating changing lawyers. But because this is already my second divorce lawyer, I want to be absolutely sure that I’m making the right decision.

When my lawyer has actually worked on my file, he’s brilliant. However, I’ve sensed right from the beginning that he is highly disorganized and overloaded (Even more so now that his assistant lawyer went on maternity leave and his legal assistant moved to a different department). Also, few days ago, I discovered that HE HAS HAD CHARGES OF MISCONDUCT AGAINST HIM in 2012. Needless to say, my trust is dwindling.

But that is not what is really worrying me. The main issue is that I can’t seem to get my lawyer to tell me what the status is of some of my files. It has been 8 weeks since I first asked.

Some background info: In April, I completed my Spousal Support claim and Child Support claim with my lawyer’s assistant and in July I completed the first settlement proposal directly with my lawyer. On August 6th, I contacted his office to confirm whether the claims were actually filed and if the proposal was sent to my X-husband’s lawyer (I don’t communicate with my husband). I have since sent several emails to my lawyer and have only received one response from him to tell me he was going to look at my file in a few days… which he never did, and which was few weeks ago. And, yes I sent him a couple emails since. (Now, I feel like I’m just bugging him.)

Could someone PLEASE, please give me your opinion whether I should change lawyers… or just stick it out. I don’t know what’s normal and what isn’t

Thank you kindly for your thoughts

[Rioe]

Don't bug him directly if you have any choice in the matter at all. He's charging you to read each of those emails. I would stop trying to reach him and instead inquire with your ex's lawyer whether he has received the materials.

My lawyer always got back to me within a day or two about anything.

[plainNamedDad44]

Hi there! I have been working with this particular divorce lawyer for 14 months and am seriously contemplating changing lawyers. But because this is already my second divorce lawyer, I want to be absolutely sure that I’m making the right decision.

When my lawyer has actually worked on my file, he’s brilliant. However, I’ve sensed right from the beginning that he is highly disorganized and overloaded (Even more so now that his assistant lawyer went on maternity leave and his legal assistant moved to a different department). Also, few days ago, I discovered that HE HAS HAD CHARGES OF MISCONDUCT AGAINST HIM in 2012. Needless to say, my trust is dwindling.

But that is not what is really worrying me. The main issue is that I can’t seem to get my lawyer to tell me what the status is of some of my files. It has been 8 weeks since I first asked.

Some background info: In April, I completed my Spousal Support claim and Child Support claim with my lawyer’s assistant and in July I completed the first settlement proposal directly with my lawyer. On August 6th, I contacted his office to confirm whether the claims were actually filed and if the proposal was sent to my X-husband’s lawyer (I don’t communicate with my husband). I have since sent several emails to my lawyer and have only received one response from him to tell me he was going to look at my file in a few days… which he never did, and which was few weeks ago. And, yes I sent him a couple emails since. (Now, I feel like I’m just bugging him.)

Could someone PLEASE, please give me your opinion whether I should change lawyers… or just stick it out. I don’t know what’s normal and what isn’t

Thank you kindly for your thoughts

Normal Shmormal!! Fire him. He works for you. There are lots of lawyers or you can self rep. I went through 4 lawyers before I found one that I keep on retainer. Note, I keep her on retainer, but I represent myself.

No lawyer will give your matter the attention that you do.

[HBW]

Don't bug him directly if you have any choice in the matter at all. He's charging you to read each of those emails. I would stop trying to reach him and instead inquire with your ex's lawyer whether he has received the materials.

My lawyer always got back to me within a day or two about anything.

Thanks so much Rioe! Good point about the emails. I've already decided that the next time I message him, it will be asking for my retainer fee back. (If I decide to go that route... which I probably will!)

I have thought about contacting my x's lawyer, but wasn't sure if that's common practice...

Thanks again!!

[HBW]

Normal Shmormal!! Fire him. He works for you. There are lots of lawyers or you can self rep. I went through 4 lawyers before I found one that I keep on retainer. Note, I keep her on retainer, but I represent myself.

No lawyer will give your matter the attention that you do.

Thanks plainNamedDad!

It's a sad reality that I'm learning first-hand that, despite their insanely high costs, lawyers really don't give a hoot. Sorry I shouldn't generalize, I've just had a lot of bad luck and I'm getting frustrated

[plainNamedDad44]

Thanks plainNamedDad!

It's a sad reality that I'm learning first-hand that, despite their insanely high costs, lawyers really don't give a hoot. Sorry I shouldn't generalize, I've just had a lot of bad luck and I'm getting frustrated

If your not afraid of 'taking the bull' by the horns do it. Its a lot less frustrating and you will not go bankrupt.

I won't say all, I will say a lot family lawyers I have dealt with are parasitic thieves that play on peoples grief. Now before I go to far with the hate, I have met lawyers that have souls. Not many.

See the problem is they see people like us everyday. So its inevitable that they become desensitized to it. Its business!!!