Legal Question in Family Law in New Jersey
Help! Lawyer talks great but lies to me - how can I depend on him
Help!My attny is a good talker, but does very little and I am afraid of getting screwed in my divorce.He did not familiarize himself with the fundamentals of our case-ex.,I earn salary of 125k,spouse shows only $6k income last year,after business expenses of 14k.Spouse has an MBA from Monmouth university. At Case Management conf. attny did not bother to ask Judge for spouse skills test to determine earning potential.I discovered it much later, and had to prod attny to make it happen. He then sent letters to spouses attny asking for extension of discovery and waited 2 wks, but no reply. He assured me he had also asked for spouses voluntary subjecting herself to skills test, and last Monday would file a motion to judge to pass an order to that effect. Now he tells me he did not even send a letter to Sabita's atny asking for skills test, and did that today (Wednesday), after prodding him for a week. He has lied to me a number of times and when he now assures me that Judge will definitely pass the order when a motion is filed, I cannot be sure since this Judge is very strict on keeping to schedule.Discovery ends June 15, ESP June 20. What are chances of judge allowing our motion, yet to be filed? Time is of essence? Should I chg attny
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Help! Lawyer talks great but lies to me - how can I depend on him
First, let me say that I live and practice in Ocean County.
You said it best, if you don't get good representation you will be suffering for a long time. It would be wrong for me to give you definite answer without knowing more facts, but I would not be surprised if what you say is in fact true. With family law, there is what I call "the good old boy club" with may attorneys. These attorneys feel free to, in my opinion, steal their clients money by taking the money and not giving them proper representation. I've seen this happen and I've heard it happen a lot as I have many clients that come to me to "clean up the mess". At the same time, I've yet to have a client leave me in the middle of a family law case (or any other case for that matter, at least, not that I remember).
My consultations are always free. Call me ASAP at 732/247/3340 and we can discuss your case. After I hear more about your case, I'll give you a no BS answer as to what you should do and how I can help you.
I hate to hear about situations such as yours as I see it far too often. Whatever you choose to do, I wish you good luck in your case.
Re: Help! Lawyer talks great but lies to me - how can I depend on him
You write out your concerns to your lawyer, listing his shortcomings as you see them and listing instances in which you believe he lied to you. You should immediately give your lawyer the letter and insist that he immediately respond to your concerns and perceptions, in person.
Based on attorney's responses you should decide whether to stay with him or obtain a new attorney. If you still feel that your attorney has lied to you and failed you in substantial ways you should take the next step which this conclusion requires and do it quickly so that the
new attorney can enter the case and assess it and advise the judge of the need for more time to
properly prepare your case.
I do not mean to advise that your present attorney should be fired by your or that he has failed you in any way because it is not possible to evaluate his performance without a great deal more information.
Gary Moore, Esquire
Hackensack, New Jersey
www.garymooreattorneyatlaw.com
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