Legal Question in Family Law in Virginia

custody & visitation

I hired a lawyer to represent my case and the court date is July 6. All interrogatories etc have been completed long ago, and since my first meeting, I have not yet met or talked with my lawyer. When ever I call, if I am lucky, a paralegal talks with me. Most of the time, they dont even call back. Still, most things seem to be set, since they also sent me a copy of the interrogatories sent to my ex.

My question is - Dont I need to have a preperatory meeting prior to the court date? Doesnt my lawyer need to meet with my child (in my custody at present and who wants to live with me)? Wouldnt I need to prep certain questions that the judge is sure to ask?

I have asked for a meeting several times, and as yet noone has called back to confirm as promised.

I am extremely anxious as I am new to all this. If I dont have a meeting prior to the court date, can I tell the judge that I am not ready for the hearing on July 6? Will he allow me to push the date forward either to have a meeting, or change my lawyer? Can the lawyer still demand fees?

Also, my ex does not reside nor is he a citizen of this country. Would he be present on this date or can his lawyer represent him?

Please guide me as I am growing more anxious by the day!


Asked on 6/18/07, 10:27 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: custody & visitation

Yes, the kind of pretrial conference between you and your attorney would likely be very advisable if it can be arranged. However, your attorney is the one who should be deciding whether your case is ready to go forward with the scheduled hearing rather than you.

If you are unhappy with the services

which your attorney is providing and no changes in the attorney's conduct towards your case can be expected, you have the right to hire someone else and to ask the court for the additional time needed to arrange for this substitution of counsel.

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Answered on 6/18/07, 3:43 pm


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