Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

conflict of intrest?

I had retained an attorney to get the parenting plan that my ex and i agreed upon enforced. I went 4 months without seeing my daughter, due to a restraining order. We had filed contempt of court on my ex for not abiding by the parenting plan, but that issue was never brought up in court as my atty. was'nt present. My attorney informed me 2 days before our hearing that he was going to have to withdraw from my case as my ex had met with him for a consultation over a year ago. I had to represent myself that day in court and the judge awarded temporary visitation sat 9am until sunday at 5pm every week until a permanent order is issued. I do not have the money to retain another attorney and kind of feel like my attorney should have known at least 2 days before we went to court that there would be a conflict of interest. I paid my attorney $1000 retainer and owe another $600 for services that basically amounted to nothing. Now Im stuck with no money to retain legal help, and have court papers coming in the mail that I do not fully understand. any help greatly appreciated.


Asked on 8/22/02, 5:54 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lori Wheat Lori L. Wheat, Attorney at Law

Re: conflict of intrest?

If you qualify based on your economic circumstances, you may be able to obtain free or low cost legal assistance. The wsba.org website is an excellent starting point for information. Try Columbia Legal Services for possible free legal help.

Your former attorney's behavior appears to be in violation of the Washington Rules of Professional Conduct. If you cannot reach an acceptable resolution directly with your former attorney, I recommend that you contact the Washington State Bar Association's Office of Disciplinary Counsel. You can find free information about filing a grievance against your former attorney at www.wsba.org/discipline.htm. You may be able to obtain a partial or full refund of any attorney's fees you have paid, depending on the circumstances of your case. Good luck, and feel free to contact me if you need any assistance.

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Answered on 8/22/02, 2:32 pm


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