Question about using one lawyer to start.. then moving to another lawyer...

fifitsa8 · 2023-02-05T17:01:25+00:00

as a family law attorney - I wouldn't advise and I don't clean up other attorneys' messes or if I do, I'm very clear with my clients that they've put themselves in a less than ideal situation. The 1st attorney may have had a completely different strategy, approach, legal advice about how to start the process. Once he or she has made concrete steps towards that, what's written can't be unwritten.

For example, Lawyer #1 may file a motion asking for everything to be split 50%, 50% and advise you to move out asap.

I (hypothetical, not legal advice) might advise to stay put until I file a motion for you to get exclusive use of the marital home and/or write a formal letter of demand protecting your rights while allowing you to leave the marital home. I might find also grounds for why in your particular situation, you should get more than your half. How would you want me to go back from what lawyer #1 already filed? The Courts have seen it as this point and you're moved out.

I've also had cases I've taken over where the previous attorney busted deadlines or missed important factors that could have seriously helped the client out, but it was too late, we were already set for trial and my hands tied.

I get it, lawyers are expensive, but good ones are expensive for a good reason. It's an investment towards the life you want without your current spouse. Don't cheap out on this one. If anything, maybe have a consultation with an attorney who offers the 20 free hours without your work's package. If they inspire trust in you and you feel a start of a good professional relationship, maybe just stick to them even after the 20 hours. Best of luck!

dday_throwaway3 · 2023-01-27T22:42:55+00:00

YMMV. Some attorneys don't want to clean up from another attorney.

> want to move out

Terrible idea. Here's why: https://forum.mensdivorce.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=81622

No-Tomorrow8150 · 2023-01-27T22:51:29+00:00

Don’t move out! Also don’t argue or discuss and always communicate through an attorney. You can always switch attorneys not a big deal . You will need more than 5k as the divorce process is one the most broken corrupt practices I’ve ever seen. A true money pit.

IcyMycologist4837 · 2023-01-28T03:31:20+00:00

You can somewhat manage costs by not paying too much attention to her demands or her attorneys. Just have your attorney respond only if necessary. All the back and forth make attorneys rich. You don’t need to participate just ignore and don’t do anything that gives her any basis for legal actions. Frivolous stuff just ignore or file objection. But don’t sweat it. You can control your end and let her run up her own fees. It’s a game the attorneys like to play to drive up fees. Don’t play along. Judges or mediators can see right through it if you behave and take the high road. Ignore her.

egogceo · 2023-01-28T08:23:35+00:00

It’s not ideal, but maybe try to do all the leg work for the attorney ahead of time to get the one you want. They may have a different strategy. Ask them what you can do to reduce it.

Also, maybe get an office space. You can’t afford to have your job impacted by this. It should help offset your income, and gives you a place to crash if needed

upvotersfortruth · 2023-01-28T10:57:59+00:00

The starter and the closer are equally important. Seems like a penny wise pound foolish tactic. There are strategic and tactical reasons to change lawyers during a case and sometimes you need to change because of the performance of your lawyer - but planning ahead to change seems odd. If your expensive closer is caught in a bad position because your starter did the work on the cheap or didn’t have the experience, you’ll be worse off.

Data_Fan · 2023-01-28T22:14:56+00:00

View lawyers the way you view your dog. Keep them on a leash at all times, don't let them do anything you don't want, and don't worry about what they think; they will still be your dog....

The work lawyer should just be used as is, then when you hit 20 hrs, switch. Tell the expensive lawyer what you are doing and why you are doing it. If he/she whines, ignore it.

Title	Question about using one lawyer to start.. then moving to another lawyer...
Author	ta182829318182
Upvotes	1
Comments	18
Date	January 27, 2023 10:38 PM UTC (3 years ago)
Subreddit	Posted in /r/Divorce_Men
Original Link	https://old.reddit.com/r/Divorce_Men/comments/10myc8k/question_about_using_one_lawyer_to_start_then/
Archive Link	https://theredarchive.com/r/Divorce_Men/question-about-using-one-lawyer-to-start-then.1150003 https://theredarchive.com/post/1150003

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