Changing divorce lawyer (NJ)

pegleg_legal · 2021-09-02T11:00:24+00:00

If you are not comfortable with your attorney, you should change.
If you think your attorney is behaving unethically, those are serious allegations that you should take up with the bar.
If you have a problem with your attorney's fees, you should talk to your attorney about the fees.
Sorry to say this but usually the client has misperceptions about the lawyer, their activities and their role, which are exaggerated by the emotional and financial strain of the situation. Never forget, you control your attorney, not the other way around. You set their goals, if you change direction or waste time, you will pay.
Changing attorneys has a time cost and a repeated-efforts cost to it but usually won't damage your case.
Attorneys are wary about taking clients who will write what you've wrote above because it seems you're making some serious accusations. If they fire one lawyer, they have a high chance of firing two, if they fire two - don't be #3. So for your own benefit, don't complain too strongly about your current lawyer. The stuff about experience is fine but if you go into the BAD FAITH and FRAUD for billing, well ... some lawyers will take your case but not many good or smart ones.
You should talk openly about your case and your budget and finances with your lawyer. You should paint an accurate picture of yourself, not try to impress them or show them you're a victim. Save your heartache and emotions for you therapist. Lawyers are for business.
Be cautious? Make sure they have the experience your current one seems to lack. Make sure they are litigators because you are in a custody fight. Ask their philosophy on settlement and seeking settlement opportunities.

ToolManMasterGeneral · 2021-09-02T13:06:32+00:00

I did it, best move I made during the divorce. Wish I did it sooner. (Also, NJ)

benbutton7 · 2021-09-02T13:55:50+00:00

I think what is more important to think about is that, by not changing, what do you have to be cautious with your existing lawyer. Imagine going through this entire process with someone whom you have less and less confidence with. Trust in your lawyer is VERY VERY important. He/she is basically helping you set your life up, for the rest of your life. The risk of not switching far far outweighs the cost of switching. Understanding divorce will cost you a lot to begin with, the cost of switching is small as compared to your mental well being throughout the entire process. I cannot emphasis enough the importance of peace of mind during the entire process.

SwamiSweatSocks · 2021-09-02T17:20:31+00:00

My suggestion: Interview multiple attorneys, also get referrals from people you know. Be aware attorney will put on a big show in the interview but once they get the retainer, all bets are off.

25_years · 2021-09-03T12:00:05+00:00

What things should I be cautious about changing attorneys?

I changed lawyers during my divorce. The big suggestion from me: Get your original file from the first lawyer.

Your lawyer has a big folder in their office about your case. It contains all their notes and all the correspondence, etc. Your lawyer keeps this folder in their office as a matter of convenience. But IT IS YOUR PROPERTY. Get the original folder when you leave. It's yours. The new lawyer will need to see it.

My first lawyer objected to my request, and offered to fax me every single piece of paper in my folder. Yes, fax me ten thousand pages (whatever). That was absurd. They ended up FedEx'ing it to me in a large box, but not before I threatened them (a law firm!) with legal action. They just couldn't believe I was right, that it was MY property.

Don't get copies. Get originals.

velesxrxe · 2021-09-04T03:16:22+00:00

If your lawyer is not meeting your (realistic) expectations, definitely consider interviewing others. If you choose to replace your current lawyer: remember that in the vast majority of jurisdictions in the US your current lawyer must hand over to you your entire file, which will be incredibly helpful to your new lawyer. That would save you some serious cash.

Title	Changing divorce lawyer (NJ)
Author	Ok_Reporter7884
Upvotes	2
Comments	7
Date	September 2, 2021 9:25 AM UTC (4 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/Divorce_Men
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/Divorce_Men/comments/pgecwr/changing_divorce_lawyer_nj/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/Divorce_Men/changing-divorce-lawyer-nj.1066670 https://theredarchive.com/post/1066670

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