Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

Contested Divorce

I am currently involved in a nasty divorce. I have been dropped by my atty. because I cannot afford to pay up front. Is there an atty. in my area that can help me and wait for the sale of the marital home for compensation?


Asked on 10/24/02, 3:06 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

G. Joseph Holthaus III Law Offices of G. Joseph Holthaus

Re: Contested Divorce

I cannot fathom why an attorney undertook representation knowing your circumstances and then cut you loose.

Is your estanged spouse represented? If so then this may be a case that I will take. I require an modest upfront fee before taking your case to ensure that you are serious about my representation. I may then be willing to accept the balance of my fee upon the sale of the property.

Before we discuss your matter, please make available a copy of the mortgage balance and a recent market appraisal of the property. My fax number is (410) 799-9002.

You need not pay for an appraisal, two relator's appraisals are accepable. I also require a signed fee agreement, which is standard practice. I would also want to discuss the "nasty" aspects of your divorce BEFORE accepting to represent you. Feel free to e-mail this information to [email protected]

Feel free to call me to discuss, and please reference your question on the BBS.

G. Joseph Holthaus III

(410) 799-9002

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Answered on 10/24/02, 10:56 pm
Ranji Garrett Law Office of Ranji M. Garrett

Re: Contested Divorce

I am not aware of any attorneys who would be willing to forego payment altogether until the sale of a house, but you might be able to retain someone who is willing to represent you on a reduced fee basis whom you can afford. Your zip code indicates you are in Washington County, perhaps in Hagerstown. I do not know if the Washington County Bar can help you with this, but I know that the Montgomery County Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service has a panel of attorneys who are willing to work on a reduced fee basis. Whether or not you qualify for such an attorney will depend on your income. You should call the Montgomery County Bar Association at 301-279-9100 for further details, and be sure to ask to be referred to a family law attorney who takes reduced fee cases. Good luck!

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Answered on 10/24/02, 3:30 pm


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