I swear we are going through parallel lives on 2 different continents.
I know exactly what you mean. I have doubts about my L as well. He seems to think his job is simply to reduce the amount that I will have to pay my X.
My view is that we need to make clear that X has systematically defrauded me, my parents and the kids over a long period of time. He should pay us, not vv.
MY x's strategy has been to try to make me cave by withholding money too. As my mum said "He doesn't know us at all."
Is there anyone you could ask to find out about who has a good reputation as a D lawyer in your town?
I know how you feel about this matter - it seems to be the key. You need someone who you can believe will fight for you. Not just go through the motions.
Is there anyone you know - extended family or friends - who knows someone in the legal business. Put out your feelers and do your best Kalinda Sharma. You need to get the good oil on a few Ls.
Believe me, everyone in the L business will have an opinion on everyone else, so as soon as you find an 'in' you will get good feedback and you can start to triangulate results.
As weird as it sounds, my hairdresser did a good job for me. She asked all her legal clients who was the best L in town, and they came up with a list of 3 for me.
