I am no legal expert, but...

Avatar for autumnstar02
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
I am no legal expert, but...
2
Wed, 03-01-2006 - 8:21am

Hi all,

I have a simple (but maybe not so simple) question for you all. My bf just got his divorce final. We had been dating during his separation, but the physical separation lasted for over 5 years before it finally went through. Which leads me to my question.

My bf and his ex had a lawsuit pending from a mistake by their mortgage company. At this point there was only a 40-50% chance of seeing any money, but they didn't know that. Both of their lawyers apparently had a pact to keep the divorce proceedings pending until the settlement in the lawsuit. They wanted to collect on the "big windfall" of money. So for years and years...about a week or so before the divorce hearing date...they would both get letters of postponement. The lawyers apparenty did NO work on the divorce because both my bf and ex weren't arguing about anything. They had everything settled and simply were waiting for a hearing.

This only came out after the last postponement, my bf fired his lawyer and got a new one. Then it all came out. Ex's lawyer quit right before the hearing. Probably didnt want to feel the heat from the judge...who was pissed off about what the lawyers had done.

Is there any way that they can do anything about these lawyers? Are there complaints departments or something with the Bar? My bf is really mad because this could have been over 3-4 years ago. Any advice? I know this is none of my business...and I am keeping out of it in person...and completely kept myself in the background while it was pending...but I just don't see how the lawyers can be allowed to get away with this. They kept putting the proceedings off and lied to their clients about why for 3-4 years.

Thanks,
Autumnstar

iVillage Member
Registered: 02-23-2005
Wed, 03-01-2006 - 9:11am

Hi Autumn,

Not sure about all the details but I would think they would be able to file a complaint with the bar association (sp?). Your BF could also ask his new lawyer how to handle it. I would think that something could be done after all these lawyers wasted the courts and youu bf and exs time.

K:)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-19-2003
Wed, 03-01-2006 - 9:58am

I agree with lifesp's advice... otherwise... I have no idea!


Welcome to the board, though.... glad you're here!


Karen ~ wildlucky4me


Karen ~ wildlucky4me ~