Just a quick update. Sons tonsil surgery was a success. He's in a good bit of pain, but otherwise is doing well. Was a long day at the hospital with W yesterday (9 hours), but I guess that was ok too.
A friend from out of town is visiting this weekend and we had planned to hang out tonight. Not sure if I should go w/ son being in pain and stuff though.
Married: 15yrs Ages: Me 49, W 44 Kids: S12 BD: around 4/14
The attorney I had my consultation with, I called today to schedule to pay her retainer. She said she's happy to do it, but, she's going on maternity leave in 5 weeks. After which if needed, I would have to pay an hourly rate to one of her partners.
What the hell should I do? Is it possible to have all the big things completed in 5 weeks? Should I try finding another lawyer (there aren't many in our town, and 3 of them already have a conflict of interest)? Ugh
Married: 15yrs Ages: Me 49, W 44 Kids: S12 BD: around 4/14
It is possible to have the big things wrapped up in under five weeks. However, an impending maternity leave will put you at a disadvantage. If W found out, and she likely would as her lawyer will know your lawyer, she would have leverage over you (hard to leave the heavy lifting to her with a 5 week deadline). It’s best to not even get into a situation where it is more difficult to extent things and take more time if needed.
My L was a flat fee for the divorce. One fee included everything unless we went to court, then it was an hourly rate. If flat fee is your situation then having to paid one of the L’s partner hour by hour would be wasteful. If your L is just hour by hour, with no flat fee, then you certainly can start out with her and if necessary transfer over to a partner for the remainder.
A bit of a coin toss. Yet overall, I’d likely recommend going to a different lawyer. Less variables that way.
D
Feelings are fleeting. Be better, not bitter. Love the person, forgive the sin.
It is possible to have the big things wrapped up in under five weeks. However, an impending maternity leave will put you at a disadvantage. If W found out, and she likely would as her lawyer will know your lawyer, she would have leverage over you (hard to leave the heavy lifting to her with a 5 week deadline). It’s best to not even get into a situation where it is more difficult to extent things and take more time if needed.
My L was a flat fee for the divorce. One fee included everything unless we went to court, then it was an hourly rate. If flat fee is your situation then having to paid one of the L’s partner hour by hour would be wasteful. If your L is just hour by hour, with no flat fee, then you certainly can start out with her and if necessary transfer over to a partner for the remainder.
A bit of a coin toss. Yet overall, I’d likely recommend going to a different lawyer. Less variables that way.
D
Thanks. I called another lawyer, and her secretary said she charges a retainer, plus like $300 an hour if we have to go to court, plus a retainer, etc. This just [censored], but it's my fault for dragging my feet.
Married: 15yrs Ages: Me 49, W 44 Kids: S12 BD: around 4/14
Quick update. Had a 20 minute conversation with a new lawyer today. She seems really cool. Said our case should be pretty quick and easy, and she'll only charge me $1500 for a retainer fee. She also strongly suggested that we try to get W to give me an extra $10 grand from the sale of the house due to me letting her keep our vehicle, not going after her retirement, etc.
Anyway, I'll meet her next Thursday and she'll review the custody agreement. Feeling pretty good about this.
Married: 15yrs Ages: Me 49, W 44 Kids: S12 BD: around 4/14
