Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland

obtaining a lawyer

I have 2 questions

I have been in and out of court for the past 7 years concerning divorce, child support, custody, visitation, etc.

I have had 3 attorneys who have done no justice and I am losing faith in the court system but need to continue to fight for the best interest of my daughter.

1st question- How do I go about locating a GREAT attorney who will fight for my right and my daughters?

2nd question- My ex-husbands attorney use to represent my current husband in a divorce and child issues, some 10 years ago. He lives in our town and my husband and this attorney have literllay known each other for years, they are somewhat friends. I have been told it would be ethically, the right thing for him to do is withdraw himself from the case due to a conflict of interest. This lawyer has degraded my current husabnd in past court appearances, then when they run into each other, he is just as friendly, like he has done nothing wrong.

My thought process on this situation is- If my husband ever needs togo back to court concerning his children, how can he asked this attorney to represent him when he has already bad-mouthed him. FYI- My husband had this attorney way before my ex-husband chose him.

Thanks for any suggestions


Asked on 4/03/07, 2:27 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Robert Sher Wagshal and Sher

Re: obtaining a lawyer

There is no set "formula" for finding a "great" lawyer. If you know people who have worked with family lawyers before, their recommendations are a good source. You can use search engines like google to find lawyers in your area who practice family law and see if they seem to have the credentials you are looking for.

I have always felt that you must feel comfortable with an attorney from the outset in order to have a good working relationship. I have been practicing family law for over 30 years. I make it a practice to tell my clients exactly what I can, and cannot, accomplish for them from the outset. If their goals are incompatible with realistic expectations, then it's guaranteed they will be dissatisfied with the outcome. By the same token, once I commit myself to undertake the representation of a client, I will do whatever is necessary to achieve the best possible result for my client.

With respect to your second question, technically speaking it's not ethically improper for your ex's attorney to represent him just because he represented your husband many years ago (presumably before you had a relationship), but it seems somewhat inappropriate. Obviously your husband would want to choose a new attorney if he had to revisit his case.

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Answered on 4/03/07, 5:10 pm
Joseph Laumann Law Office of Joseph Laumann, PA

Re: obtaining a lawyer

It takes time and energy to find an attorney that is appropriate to your matter, needs and personality. The biggest issue is finding someone who you are confortable with and someone that is not going to "sugar coat" your matter. If the representation has unrealistic expectations, then no matter the outcome, you will not be happy.

As for the second question, there is nothing unethical, however, there may be a moral issue. Also, I would suggest finding a different lawyer if things happen and the matter needs to be reopened.

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Answered on 4/03/07, 6:56 pm


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