Legal Question in Family Law in Texas

My female friend just got a new attorney for her divorce case. Her husband is angry about her filing and is trying to manipulate her by making the case difficult and using their 4 kids. Even though she has no history of any substance abuse and hardly ever drinks, he had his attorney order her to get a substance abuse eval and is digging for any ammunition against her. One hour after her substance evaluation today she went to her brand new attorney in tears (worried about the results) and he invited her out for drinks. He spent 45 minutes consulting her in the office and 1.5 hrs in the bar at no charge. I am a little concerned about ethics with this attorney and want to make she she has a good one. Before today she met him once for an interview. In that interview he criticized her former attorney by telling my friend that her previous attorney had an emotional breakdown in court once and that she screwed up her case. Her new attorney (35 yr old male) told my friend (very attractive 37 yr old) that she is an "adorable" mom of 4 kids who deserves better representation and that he will take care of her. He said he is more concerned about her than his money. Then this evening he invited her out for drinks after business hours where he consumed 3 gin and tonics in 1.5 hours. Im just a little concerned about his emotional investment and possible risk-taking with alcohol being included in first meeting, especially with a client who is under the microscope. SHOULD ANY OF HIS BEHAVIOR RAISE RED FLAGS ABOUT HIS ETHICS, INTEGRITY, OR COMPETENCY? Thank you


Asked on 8/08/12, 7:26 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Bruce Zivley Bruce C. Zivley, Attorney at Law

The actions which you have described should be hugh red flags and warnings to not get involved with this attorney, especially on a professional level, since his actions decry any professionalism. I am a board certifed specialist in the field of family law practicing in the general Houston area. I would be glad to visit with your friend if she is feeling uncomfortable and looking to change attorneys. I have a great deal of experience handling cases such as the one she is currently involved in. Tell her to call me at 713-600-5500 to schedule an appointment if she cares to do so.

Bruce C. Zivley

Read more
Answered on 8/09/12, 12:40 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in Texas