Legal Question in Family Law in Kentucky
I recently got divorced. My ex hired a mutual friend as their attorney, a person who is friends with most of my close friends, including the lawyer's paralegal. I felt it was rude of the attorney to take the case, but there wasn't enough to complain conflict of interest.
The case was long and the attorney used some shady practices to drag it out. The msa responses made wild, easily refutable claims against me and the attorney repeatedly changed numbers without telling us and used other tricks to give my ex more than their share. They gave us a half-filled verified disclosure and never provided documentation when my ex switched jobs.
I find out later that my ex has been sleeping with the married attorney the whole time and the attorney has given my ex large gifts worth more than $750 during the case. I have chats where my ex states these things.
Questions:
1. Could the attorney be disbarred for this? Is it worth bringing this to the bar's attention?
2. Is it worth bringing this to the attorney's boss' attention?
3. Could either of these actions backfire on me? I did leave money on the table just to finish this, but I just want to be done with my ex and losing that money is worth it to me to get away from the ex. I don't want my case reopened, but I think this skeevy attorney should face repercussions for these unethical practices.
Thank you!
1 Answer from Attorneys
There is no question that this is not ethical behavior as attorneys have rules that say we are not to engage in sexual relationships with clients. It is also unethical to provide financial assistance to a client. With this said, you would have the burden if you were to go back to court to show that any of this had an outcome on your case. Even if it did, it would be hard to prove and you do not want the case reopened. A bar complaint may be possible, however, you should have some proof of this relationship and gifts and understand that your ex will find out and might use it against you if that is possible. I am not sure this would result in disbarment, but i do not think it would be ignored either. Bringing it to his boss' attention could get him in trouble, but depends on who is his boss. Again, if your ex finds out she could try to hold it against you. Feel free to contact me if you need further information or would like to reveal who this attorney is as you have my curiosity peaked.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
