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abandoned by divorce lawyer... now what?

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schadenfreudett

Junior Member
State: Texas

On January 3, 2006, I visited a lawyer to file divorce. I had a legal plan through my employer and a no-contest divorce was convered under the ARAG policy. She took my case, I gave her $250 to cover any court fees, and she sent me on my way. I was advised that it would take 2-4 weeks to draw up the papers and to give her a call after that.

So I start calling in February. No response. Send a fax. No response. Repeat for March. No response. Finally, on April 13, I drop by her office in person. Her son is there, working on my file coincidentally, and we go over my case AGAIN.

It is the simplest case ever. My ex is not protesting. We've agreed to the standard visitation for the kids. We have no property or assets to divide. We've been separated 2 years. We just want the paperwork finalized.

Here it is, another 2 months have passed and I've not heard from her. When I called today, her phone has been disconnected, as well as her fax.

So, should I kiss my $250 goodbye and shop for another lawyer? Do I have any recourse in this matter? Is this LEGAL?

Frustrated and still married,
Ashley
 


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seniorjudge

Senior Member
schadenfreudett said:
State: Texas

On January 3, 2006, I visited a lawyer to file divorce. I had a legal plan through my employer and a no-contest divorce was convered under the ARAG policy. She took my case, I gave her $250 to cover any court fees, and she sent me on my way. I was advised that it would take 2-4 weeks to draw up the papers and to give her a call after that.

So I start calling in February. No response. Send a fax. No response. Repeat for March. No response. Finally, on April 13, I drop by her office in person. Her son is there, working on my file coincidentally, and we go over my case AGAIN.

It is the simplest case ever. My ex is not protesting. We've agreed to the standard visitation for the kids. We have no property or assets to divide. We've been separated 2 years. We just want the paperwork finalized.

Here it is, another 2 months have passed and I've not heard from her. When I called today, her phone has been disconnected, as well as her fax.

So, should I kiss my $250 goodbye and shop for another lawyer? Do I have any recourse in this matter? Is this LEGAL?

Frustrated and still married,
Ashley
Click to expand...

File a complaint with the state bar.

http://www.texasbar.com/Template.cfm?Section=pamphlets&Template=/ContentManagement/ContentDisplay.cfm&ContentID=7085
 
A

Alex McGrady

Junior Member
schadenfreudett said:
State: Texas

On January 3, 2006, I visited a lawyer to file divorce. I had a legal plan through my employer and a no-contest divorce was convered under the ARAG policy. She took my case, I gave her $250 to cover any court fees, and she sent me on my way. I was advised that it would take 2-4 weeks to draw up the papers and to give her a call after that.

So I start calling in February. No response. Send a fax. No response. Repeat for March. No response. Finally, on April 13, I drop by her office in person. Her son is there, working on my file coincidentally, and we go over my case AGAIN.

It is the simplest case ever. My ex is not protesting. We've agreed to the standard visitation for the kids. We have no property or assets to divide. We've been separated 2 years. We just want the paperwork finalized.

Here it is, another 2 months have passed and I've not heard from her. When I called today, her phone has been disconnected, as well as her fax.

So, should I kiss my $250 goodbye and shop for another lawyer? Do I have any recourse in this matter? Is this LEGAL?

Frustrated and still married,
Ashley
Click to expand...
Yes, I agree with seniorjudge. Your lawyer should have been more professional. Especially during such a difficult time for you.

Try here (located on the Texas Bar website):

For help in resolving problems between clients and attorneys. Contact CAAP at (800) 932-1900 or (800) 204-2222, ext. 1790. Send letters: Attn: CAAP, PO Box 12487, Austin, Tx 78711-2487.

Get you money back and if your lawyer has not completed any work on your case, just look for someone else. See if you can find a lawyer that one of your friends or family members can recommend.

Good Luck!

Alex
 
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