Divorce Advice for Men | Fathers Rights Divorce | Child Custody

By Matt Allen

Editor, DadsDivorce.com

When asking a group of family law attorneys for divorce advice for men, most will say client communication is essential to a successful case.

Throughout the divorce process, it is vital that you communicate openly and honestly with your attorney.

It’s difficult to do since family law often involves very sensitive and personal matters and you are expected to open up to someone you barely know.

"But never think it is a good thing to hide something from your attorney because you think there is no way anyone will know about it, or because you are embarrassed or ashamed of something," said Chad Jerome, a Cordell & Cordell attorney in New York.

Cordell & Cordell attorney Maura Cunningham talked with DadsDivorce.com editor Matt Allen about your initial consultation in a divorce case and what questions you should be asking any potential attorney.

Selecting an attorney is one of the most important decisions in your case. As a client, you want to make sure your attorney is right for you.

The full audio version of the podcast is available here.

Question: Twelve weeks ago we sent a settlement agreement to my wife's attorney. We got no response. 

He was supposed to set a court date and half a dozen other things. He has not returned calls or taken action on any of the action items we discussed in over 8 weeks. 

What do I do about lawyer abandonment? And what about the money I have already paid him?

Question: My daughter is now 19 and in her second year of college and my son is 17 and still in high school. In 2007 I signed a contract of services with a local attorney. We went to settlement meetings with her attorney in March 2009. We went to court in July 2009 only for it to be delayed.  My attorney gives me all kinds of excuses as to the reason it is taking so long. I have paid over $4,500 and all I want is to stop child support on my daughter and modify my old order under the new laws concerning my son. To date, nothing has been done. My attorney won't answer my calls or return my e-mails. It seems the only way to get in touch with her is call her from another phone number different from mine. Can I get my money back from this attorney and how do I file for damages? I have a job offer in another state that I want to take but this is holding me back. My question is: how long should this process take? Am I being jerked around? How should I approach my attorney to let her know that I will pay her for her services, but that I expect a result in a given amount of time?

Question: I recently hired an attorney. I have found out that he is good friends with my ex-wife's attorney. I would have thought that this wouldn't matter to a professional, but he did nothing to further my case. After terminating his services, he made several excuses about returning my original documents. He is in possession of all original documents pertaining to my case prior to hiring him. Is there some way that I can ensure that all my documents are returned to me intact and quickly?  Are there general rules that apply regarding conflict of interest of the type that began my problems with this attorney?