Posted by just plain jane on October 23, 2004, at 20:32:10
In reply to Well, I saw my lawyer today..., posted by Colleen D. on October 22, 2004, at 22:48:18
Colleen,
Congratulations on taking the first step.
Things could get pretty hairy, but I'm sure you'll be able to handle it. After all, you have God and PB supporting you. :-)
When I lived in Port Huron and needed to get divorced I called Social Services and asked them if there was legal aid for someone in my situation. There was, then. I know you probably prefer to go with this lawyer you have already seen, but... legal aid is always an option.
What ever you do, whomever you deal with, please, please, DON'T let anything slide. Ask, comment, disagree, just make sure you say what's on your mind. Anything you want to know should be answered, not brushed off with a "that'll all be taken care of" or any other blow offs.
I had already been through it when I got divorced here where I live now. I had an attorney. The first thing I told him, and stressed often, was that I wanted my surname changed. He always assured me, yeah, yeah, it'll be taken care of.
So, we get to court, I mention it again to my attorney while we are waiting. He says, yeah, it's in here, and pats my folder. I say, I'd like to look at that. He acts offended, but I just took it from him and opened it up. LEafing through the papers I see NO MENTION of my name change. I point this out to him. He says, oh, well, don't worry, I'll bring it up while you're on the stand.
I'm on the stand, the lawyer presents my case, the judge says okay, looks like everything's in order... and the DUMBA$$ attorney had still said NOTHING about my name. I had to address the judge myself.
"It appears that my lawyer forgot an important part of my divorce." And I state my request.Yes, my attorney was embarrassed in front of about fifty people. But I got my name change incorporated in the divorce.
Not that you have a similar desire, but my point being, make SURE your lawyer or legal aide has things exactly the way you want them. Be prepared for the unexpected from hubby. Divorce proceedings have a weird way of changing the man's behavior... waaay for the worse. They'll say and do things you'd never imagined.
Or, you could have a smooth, simple divorce. Which I hope you do.
And that starts with the money for the retainer. BTW, the $170 an hour comes out of the retainer until it's gone. just in case you didn't know -- you'd be surprised how many people don't!
Got any vehicles paid off you could get a loan against? Borrow $20 from each person you know who would lend it? (I'm reaching here)
just plain jane
poster:just plain jane
thread:406198
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20041016/msgs/406475.html