Question about having someone else pay attorney fees

[DivorcingSlowly]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Tx

I'm in the middle of a divorce and have an attorney, whom my parents are paying, as I can't afford to pay her fees myself.

I've noticed that my attorney tends to call my parents first and ask what they want done, rather than speaking to me. I am 35-years-old, so there's no question that I am an adult, capable of making my own decisions.

So I'm wondering despite the fact that I am the one getting divorced, since my parents are paying her, does that make her my parents attorney? Sometimes what my parents want and what I want are not in agreement. Do I have any right to confidentiality between my lawyer and myself that excludes my parents, even though they are paying the bill?

 

[LdiJ]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Tx

I'm in the middle of a divorce and have an attorney, whom my parents are paying, as I can't afford to pay her fees myself.

I've noticed that my attorney tends to call my parents first and ask what they want done, rather than speaking to me. I am 35-years-old, so there's no question that I am an adult, capable of making my own decisions.

So I'm wondering despite the fact that I am the one getting divorced, since my parents are paying her, does that make her my parents attorney? Sometimes what my parents want and what I want are not in agreement. Do I have any right to confidentiality between my lawyer and myself that excludes my parents, even though they are paying the bill?

Yes, you do. The attorney is representing YOU, not your parents. However, if you make that point to the attorney, and then the attorney stops talking to them, are they going to get mad and refuse to continue helping you with the fees?

 

[Zigner]

What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Tx

I'm in the middle of a divorce and have an attorney, whom my parents are paying, as I can't afford to pay her fees myself.

I've noticed that my attorney tends to call my parents first and ask what they want done, rather than speaking to me. I am 35-years-old, so there's no question that I am an adult, capable of making my own decisions.

So I'm wondering despite the fact that I am the one getting divorced, since my parents are paying her, does that make her my parents attorney? Sometimes what my parents want and what I want are not in agreement. Do I have any right to confidentiality between my lawyer and myself that excludes my parents, even though they are paying the bill?

Have you asked your attorney to communicate only with you?

 

[DivorcingSlowly]

Thank you. I don't think my parents will stop paying, though I imagine they'll be frustrated when our opinions differ.

I have not asked my attorney to only speak to me; I wasn't sure if I was allowed to do so since my parents are footing the bill. But I'll ask today. I think this will help everything! Thanks so much.

 

[Zigner]

Thank you. I don't think my parents will stop paying, though I imagine they'll be frustrated when our opinions differ.

I have not asked my attorney to only speak to me; I wasn't sure if I was allowed to do so since my parents are footing the bill. But I'll ask today. I think this will help everything! Thanks so much.

If you direct the attorney to speak only with you, he is ethically obligated to oblige. As was said previously, YOU are the client, regardless of who is actually paying the bill.