I am very dissappointed.  This attorney was recommended to me and I also checked out her ratings in Matindale Hubble.  So, I was expecting something more than an attorney with pat responses and self-serving advice -- especially since I was paying a very high hourly rate in excess of $250.

Prior to going to meet the attorney I had stated that I wanted to get some answers. I was not immediately ready to file for divorce.  We had some things to take care of first.  I wanted to know what my legal liablility is in the event my husband, the a, drives while intoxicated and harms someone.  We own a business together and he drives for business purposes.  So, instead of giving me an answer, she tells me to call my insurance company.  Did I need to pay money for that response?

Then she began putting pressure on me. She told me to file for the divorce immediately. When I told her that I wont file until the business is sold, she told me I should give my share of the business to my husband and walk away from my lifesavings which I have invested in it.  I told her that was not an option.

Then she told me that she can tell that I am depressed because I am unwilling to file immediately and I seem confused as to my intentions.  I wonder how many people going to see a divorce attorney walk in with a smile on their faces and joy in their hearts?

I've decided that she is not the attorney to represent me.

<sigh> is life ever easy?

Hi ditto

I went to see an attorney in July for similar reasons.

I realized that my husbands drinking was out of control and I wanted legal protection for his actions.

I was told the only way to legally protect myself in my state (NJ) was to file for divorce.

So I filed for divorce. It is not the answer I wanted but legal separation does not exist in my state

 

My attorney was kind and gentle and has led me through the process with strong support.

Sometimes I have had to follow up to make sure things were proceeding but mostly, I am hands off the process.

My lawyer was recommended to me by my sister who just graduated law school. The senior partner was my sisters family law teacher.

 

Please keep looking for answers....

Oh and I am depressed too - good point who has a smile when walking into the divorce lawyer...

I spoke with an attorney last week for the same reasons. I wanted to see how to get my a to leave. Well, she didnt tell me what I wanted to hear either. SHe said " you cant" .. You have to leave or file for divorce and get a temporary injunction to make him leave. She went on to tell me that a temporary injunction doesnt happen often so i might want to make other arrangements. I would probably end up with the house with the kids but in the meantime, either deal with it or move yourself and your kids.. My point ??? I am with you, it is so hard I am just going to keep praying and protecting myself and my kids.. Taking it one day at a time.. That is ALL I can do.. Tammy

Thanks for that post.  It makes me feel so much better.

I'm not sure about my attorney either and I have filed the divorce and had a few very expensive phone conversations.

He has a great rep--but he lacks a bit of the emotional factor if you know what I mean.

To him my A is just another "son of a gun" who is not supporting his family.  And that is a true fact---but the addiction is running his life and he is running from life.

I too wanted an easy fix to get him to move out.  That's not easy to do.  My A continues to come and go and I have no legal leg to stand on.  I could move out--but with 2 toddlers that's just not easy--or is that an excuse??

He's here right now and I really want him to leave.  He's not drinking--never does at home.

But the next binge is inevitable.

mom to 2