Stevenb
New
Reged: 08/06/07
Posts: 5
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I have represented myself in the county where I originally got my divorce. It didn't turn out well. I did my absolute best, but my ex had an excellent attorney and the judge was in their corner.
Now, it looks as tho I will have to pursue my ex again in court. I know the laws and the court rules and have even represented myself in the court of appeals. It's just that I'm gun shy of this court and the "good ole boys" network in this po-dunk missouri town.
I contacted a very good attorney who wants a retainer that I just cannot afford. What would you do?
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KGrow
Platinum
Reged: 01/27/06
Posts: 3153
Loc: Colorado
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What are your choices?
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gigi
Platinum
Reged: 11/06/06
Posts: 5191
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what is your issue & how great of an attorney do you need? If you're looking for a complete change of custody, you're best off getting the best available & paying fo rit, wtih teh understnading that it's very rare that these things happen. Realize that you'll probably also need to be prepared to pay for a very good therapist to do a custody evaluation.
If you're looking for a realistic change of support or details of the parenting plan (withotu entirely changing custody) and you need someone who won't tick off the court personnel while your reasonable position is being presented, then get a lawyer who is NOT considered the biggest junkyard dog on the block, maybe they'll be more able to tactfully present your position without coming at it like a junkyard dog and be even more persuasive & win for you, despite costing less. Not all the best lawyers are the most expensive, and sometimes the most expensive are also the ones who do a better sales job than they do litigation.
Your attitude that it's a po-dunk town will certainly not get you points with the judges of that town, so you probably don't want ot try to represent yourself again.
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Stevenb
New
Reged: 08/06/07
Posts: 5
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Thanks for the reply. My issue is post secondary education. In my separation agreement, my ex and I are to split the costs by income proportion. The ex makes a LOT more money than I do. The ex is refusing to cooperate as far as exchanging W2's so we can determine the exact amount each of us will pay. When I posted this query, I thought I was going to have to file a show cause/contempt order.
I sent my ex certified letters along with my W2 from last year. I just want to figure this out and move on with my life. My son is in college and I don't have to deal with the ex anymore! Anyway, the ex sent me a nasty gram yesterday stating that they were only going to pay x amount, which is less than what they should pay. Still no W2 from the ex, either.
I emailed back, explaining that I wouldn't expect her to take my word for how much I earned, so why would she expect me to take her word??
I found a FREE mediation group and invited her to do that. Then she could give her W2 to someone else and they could figure this out for us. Jeez! I still may have to file a contempt order later on. I just HATE the idea of going back to court. I just want it figured out.
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KGrow
Platinum
Reged: 01/27/06
Posts: 3153
Loc: Colorado
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I think your choices are fight and lose or accept her offer.
The agreement to split college expenses is only marginally enforcible. Even if the court ruled in your favor, it would be very difficult to collect.
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jbar
Platinum
Reged: 12/16/06
Posts: 1134
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I just HATE the idea of going back to court. I just want it figured out.
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According to Gigi and Jada, if she can afford an attorney and you can't, the judge may order her to pay your attorney's fees--even as they are billed! It's worth a try!
Disclaimer: Not legal advice
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