Charmed is right on about the games between lawyers. Once they see the emotions of the parties/the money they will use to THEIR advantage. It could take a year to finalize, so don't call lawyer daily etc. I had a lawyer that charged me $12.50 for her assistant taking my message. Got the bill and was charged like $200 for just asking if lawyer was in and to call me. Make sure you get copies of all important things and before a meeting/hearing call to verify what will take place. My father said to me that once ex filed to not speak with him and that he now was out of your life. Only talk to lawyer. I didn't agree. I was hoping that ex and I could talk about settling some issues and visit about the kids if needed. It actually was him agreeing on the settlement I proposed to him, but when he told his lawyer,she must of said something because he reneged and then 6 months later $20K fees..he settled to what he and I agreed to earlier. So it was his lawyer that stalemated us for one reason..$$$$.