Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

divorce delays

I am the mother of 6. More than a year ago my husband, a diagnosed paranoid schizophrenic, attempted suicide in front of the children and a couple days later almost killed me in the kitchen before school one morning. My kids and I have since moved while my husband has the home. All the divorce paperwork is complete, including 8 hours of mediation. He has his own attorney. Apparently he has the 'final decree' - while I have no such paperwork - I don't know because my lawyer hasn't communicated with me for months in spite of repeated requests. In fact, her mother, who is her secretary, called me and cruelly accused me of harassing the lawyer 2 weeks ago. My husband is also not paying full child support so the children and I are barely surviving. Can my husband hold off indefinitely in order to deny me a new start, hold onto his retirement which he now controls, and be free of requirements to pay child support? Can a third party intervene and get this moving? Is there a legal action that can be taken against him? His behavior seems criminal to me and the children.


Asked on 4/30/08, 2:22 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
James Grissom Law Office of James P. Grissom

Re: divorce delays

I don't know what makes some lawyers do those things - but sometimes the finger may point my direction. You could file a grievance with the State Bar, at least she would have to take time to respond to them. I would expect that the next step would be to withdraw from your case. That doesn't sound like much help, because then you'll have to hire a new lawyer - money you don't have. Check with the State Bar website. Resources are available there. Our county bar association offers pro bono services to some abused women and I do a couple a year. Maybe you could get some help there. Good Luck.

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Answered on 4/30/08, 4:44 pm


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