Question: I live over 100 miles away and have to provide my wife 14 days notice prior to picking up my children on the day of my choosing. At first she was forthcoming with the kids, meeting me 2-3 times per month for the first six to nine months. Things have gotten bad lately though and I haven’t seen my children in over 2 months. 

I am broke and my attorney has withdrawn from the case. Worse yet, the attorney that she has hired is being paid for through the garnishment of my wages. What are the possible outcomes, best and worst, without having knowledgeable representation?

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: I would like to know if I might be able to obtain a draft of a previous Motion for Clarification (so that I can get an idea of the correct terminology) to draft one of my own in a proactive step to avoid any interruption with regard to my children's parenting schedule? 

It is a Motion for Clarification of the Parenting Responsibilities and Parenting Time. I have to do this on my own, but don’t know where to find the previous draft.

by Dorothy Ripka of Cordell & Cordell, P.C.

How can a woman represent me as a father in family court?

It is a common question- Is it better to have a man or a woman represent me in family court? 

The short answer is- It is better to have a competent attorney who cares about your case and will provide you with the kind of representation that you are paying for. 

by Spencer Williams of Cordell & Cordell, PC

In any case there are opportunities that a client will be required to testify on the record.  Depositions, motions, temporary (PDL) hearings and trial to name a few.  Prior to any event that a party would be required to testify it is important to schedule a meeting in person with your attorney.   It is important not to meet too far in advance as the “rules for testifying” may be forgotten, but any closer to the event may not allow the client time to practice and prepare.  

The attorney will not provide a client with a response.  It is unethical in most jurisdictions for an attorney to give their client the response.  However, it is appropriate and expected that the attorney will help mold the response.  This can be important to work with the attorney so responses can fit within the strategy and “theme” of the case being presented.  

There are basic rules for testifying at any event.