I can't believe he's doing this!!!!
Find a Conversation
| Wed, 10-18-2006 - 7:53pm |
I asked my attorney today if I'd be divorced by the end of the year and she never called me back after trying to get in touch with stbx attorney. She frustrates me to no end with not calling back!! I get home this evening after picking boys up and get served. The papers state stbx is asking for joint legal and joint physical custody-- he lives over 200 miles away!! How do you do joint physical custody with that amount of distance between you? It seems impossible to me!
Also, he's suing me for court and attorney fees! WTF???!!!! He asked for the divorce, he left me! Now he wants me to pay for his fees?!? I am so angry. I am very concerned my attorney isn't very good either since she never calls me back. What am I supposed to do? I've called around, and the other recommended attorney's need a min. of $200 to talk to them, not including hiring them. Should I hang in there with mine? Should I start from scratch? I'm scared.
The papers were filed in the city courts, which I thought they had to be filed in the county courts since that's where we were married and lived. The boys and I still live in the county. Is that right?
Please, any advice would be appreciated. Any experiences similar? Could a judge really make me pay for all the fees and do joint physical custody with that distance between us?
Laura

Check for a family law website for your state and then look for the clauses on long distance visitation.
Peace,
Di
***If you cannot define yourself, your circumstances will.***
Laura, I wish I could give you advice regarding your children and the issue of custody but I can't as I don't have kids with my STBX. However, having joint custody of them when your husband is 200 miles seem impossible. And not only that hasn't he thought about what all that traveling would do to the kids. I would be very surprise if the judge rules for joint custody.
As for your attorney, I can tell you from personal experience that you have to get one that your trust and know that that person is doing everything within his/her power to represent you. You have to believe in your attorney since right now she is your best allie. Your attorney in turn has to respect your situation and keep you abreast on what is going on. This is especially important when you call and ask to be called back. If you don't feel comfortable or dissatisfied with the way you are being represented, I would advice in finding another one. This is too important of an issue to have one that isn't even returning your calls. Financial circumstances of course keep us from getting the better lawyers but perhaps you can call the bar association in your area for recommendation and financial assistance.
I changed my attorney 2 months ago. While I was all gungho about my first attorney it got so bad that every time he would call I got sick to my stomach and my anxiety attack would hit full force. It didn't seem right that I should feel this way about someone that is suppose to be out there helping me fight battles. I thought I should be ablt to feel comfort and secure with him. When this didn't happen, I set out to look for a new attorney. Yes, it cost me more money that I don't have but in the end I think it will be worth it because would lose just as much if not more staying with an attorney that will not do his job to the fullest extent and allow my STBX walk away with everything.
Good luck and I hope everything works out for you.