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Legal Aid lawyer not helping me. Should I complain?

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spinkitten

Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Oklahoma

I drove 5 hours to attend my divorce hearing, things happened so fast I had no idea what was going on, I didnt even hear the judge say one word. Next thing I know my lawyer is turning his back on me, I got his attention and wanted to know what was going on, he then turned to my husband who was standing right there and asked him if he was going to try and get an attorney, of course he said yes but I ever doubt this will happen. I asked my lawyer that I would like to at least get my animals, he asked my husband if I could get them, my husband got right in my face, sneered at me and said "NO!" mind you I have a protective order against my husband.

My lawyer told me that he gave a promise to the board that he would be fair, and that my x2b was not given a chance to obtain a lawyer, Ummm when you get served to be in court isnt that your "warning" to get a lawyer?

My lawyer also told me not to expect much when it comes to child support because my x2b is only making minimum wage, Umm HELLO?! Not my problem, if my x2b has to work 3 jobs to pay his part then thats what needs to be done.

Also I am now a resident of another state and wondering if I could file for divorce here. I cant afford to keep driving over a thousand miles every time.

I'm really upset, at least my lawyer could have done was set me aside and explain to me what was going on, my lawyer talked more with my x2b than me, I feel he is working more for my x2b than ME.

Should I complain?
 


Zigner

Senior Member, Non-Attorney
Sounds to me like the case was continued in order to allow your husband to get representation. You're not going to get this case moved to a different state.

The attorney is right. Don't expect child support. You should never rely no child support as a source of income.
 

Antigone*

Senior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Oklahoma

I drove 5 hours to attend my divorce hearing, things happened so fast I had no idea what was going on, I didnt even hear the judge say one word. Next thing I know my lawyer is turning his back on me, I got his attention and wanted to know what was going on, he then turned to my husband who was standing right there and asked him if he was going to try and get an attorney, of course he said yes but I ever doubt this will happen. I asked my lawyer that I would like to at least get my animals, he asked my husband if I could get them, my husband got right in my face, sneered at me and said "NO!" mind you I have a protective order against my husband.

My lawyer told me that he gave a promise to the board that he would be fair, and that my x2b was not given a chance to obtain a lawyer, Ummm when you get served to be in court isnt that your "warning" to get a lawyer?

My lawyer also told me not to expect much when it comes to child support because my x2b is only making minimum wage, Umm HELLO?! Not my problem, if my x2b has to work 3 jobs to pay his part then thats what needs to be done.

Also I am now a resident of another state and wondering if I could file for divorce here. I cant afford to keep driving over a thousand miles every time.

I'm really upset, at least my lawyer could have done was set me aside and explain to me what was going on, my lawyer talked more with my x2b than me, I feel he is working more for my x2b than ME.

Should I complain?

You are angry because an attorney you are not paying for (or paying lower than market rates) was not sweet, hugs and kisses to you?

Had your SBTX had an attorney he would have communciated with that attorney, he had no choice but to speak to him.

If you don't like the counsel you have now, pay for a high-price lawyer to coddle to your needs.
 

Proseguru

Member
If you are not happy with your lawyer's representation you should speak to your lawyer about your concerns.

The court will not require your Ex to get multiple jobs. He will base any child support, if any, based on his earning ability.

The court will allow your Ex time to get a lawyer.

Why did you move 1000 mi away knowing that you would be going to court on this matter? You'll be taking quite a few trips to the courthouse.
 

spinkitten

Junior Member
Not to be rude but I never implied I was or would only rely on support as my only income.

My x2b has had since march of 2011 to get a lawyer. I would think if you were served for anything that is your cue to find yourself a lawyer.

15 years of marriage, it's not like it was a quick thing because of a child. My lawyer should have never allowed this man to get into my face like he did.

My X2B has paid child support for another child and no matter how much he was making he had to pay a certain amount. And when in the rears it came out of our tax refund.

As far as my lawyer goes, he has been wonderful up until this day. Totally on my side. I felt like I drove all that way for nothing. I had no idea what was going on. He really never explained what the process was going to be.

To be quite frank, I could care less about money at this point, I just want to be divorced.
 
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Proseguru

Member
I had no idea what was going on. He really never explained what the process was going to be.
.
You can ask your attorney regarding the next hearing date: what is this hearing for & do I need to be there... then you can make a decision as to if you feel like a trip to the courthouse is worth your effort.

And don't bash your Ex .. I don't know either of you personally. Have a question, post it .. this is not a mental health board.
 

spinkitten

Junior Member
Well I had filed last march, and in between then and a few months ago, I tried working things out with this man. My lawyer knew this. He told me the easiest way to get this done was to continue the case from last march.

First off, I moved out of state to be closer to my family. My X2B knew this, never had a problem with it. When we were in court for my protection hearing in the state I live in now, I didnt know what the legalities of being a resident. Little did I know after I contacted my lawyer in the other state, that I could file here and have the same lawyer who represented me in my PO represent me in a divorce case.

I know a judge cant order him to work 3 jobs, but if thats what it takes to pay a certain amount then thats what it takes. My child shouldnt have to go unsupported because his dad decides to be lazy. My X2B I can say has always kept a good job to pay his part for his other child. He knew his job was going to go away and had ample time to find another one. The past couple of months we were together he was working 2 jobs to pay off debts (he has an addiction problem)

Like I have stated when you get served, that right there should be your "warning" to seek counsel
 

Zigner

Senior Member, Non-Attorney
Not to be rude but I never implied I was or would only rely on support as my only income.

My x2b has had since march of 2011 to get a lawyer. I would think if you were served for anything that is your cue to find yourself a lawyer.

15 years of marriage, it's not like it was a quick thing because of a child. My lawyer should have never allowed this man to get into my face like he did.
S/he's an attorney, not a bodyguard.

My X2B has paid child support for another child and no matter how much he was making he had to pay a certain amount. And when in the rears it came out of our tax refund.

As far as my lawyer goes, he has been wonderful up until this day. Totally on my side. I felt like I drove all that way for nothing. I had no idea what was going on. He really never explained what the process was going to be.

To be quite frank, I could care less about money at this point, I just want to be divorced. The lawyer who represented me in my protection order told me "This man is crazy" My X2B does not make a good impression in the court room.

I only wish I would have had the nerve enough to leave him a lot sooner. I'm learning a lot about this person and what I am learning horrifies me.
Other than my point above, the rest of this sounds like venting.
 

Ohiogal

Queen Bee
Not venting, well kinda about my lawyer.

The court room should be a safe place. In fact The "safest"
If you are so terrified about this man why did you approach to him to demand your animals? You could have allowed your attorney to handle the whole matter while you sat safely in another area.

So how many jobs are YOU working currently?
 

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