How did you find a lawyer?

KTdidit

When BF and I got divorced it was pretty amicable. He lived close and had a regular work schedule so we verbally agreed on the days that he would have DS and he generally stuck to it. A distant cousin of mine is a lawyer and agreed to do the paperwork for us no charge so that we wouldn't have to go to court, with the stipulation that she would only do it if we agreed on everything but not if things got ugly. Our divorce decree was basic and outlined things like child support, tax deductions etc. As for parenting time it stated that the NCP was to have "regualr and frequent visits" and that's about it, no mention of holidays, transportation, etc. Well when BF got a GF and moved an hour and a half away things started to get messy. We came to an agreement on a visitation schedule, but he always wants to change it. Transportation is always a problem, who will drive 3 hrs round trip. This is going to sound pretty bitchy and flame me if you must...One reason he constantly changes transportation is because of his GF's kids. Our agreement is that every 4 weeks he comes and picks DS up Wednesday night and I go pick him up on Sunday. Well the past couple months he "has to" come up through my town to pick up her girls from their dads and he wants to change the driving agreement because of it. The driving agreement is the way it is for a reason: I commute an hour and a half each way for work so I don't get home until 6:15 and he is supposed to be at my house to get DS at 6:30-6:45. This is how our state's parenting guidelines divide travel. Also whenever he brings DS home at the end of his time he is ALWAYS at least 3 hours late with no call or notice, and no phone to let me know, so with our arrangement I KNOW when DS will be back home.

Anyway, it has come to a point where we need to get an actual schedule in writing that addresses everything, and I have no idea where to start. Do I have to get a lawyer? If so how do I go about finding a good one? My cousin isn't an option, she isn't a family lawyer.  I don't know anyone that can give a good recommendation. Help?

kimmygirl77

Is there a reason why you dont pick your DS when your parenting time begins? If you split transportaion and pick up DS on Sundays when your time begins, then you will not have to worry about being late. I think it is fair if your ex does the driving to get him on Wednesdays and you pick him up on Sundays. It is only once a month, so i dont see the big deal. As for finding an attorney... We used one that a friend used and recommended.

KTdidit

The way we were doing it I WAS picking DS up on Sundays at the beginning of my time. Just recently BF has been requesting to switch, saying that he has to come up my way anyway. Sorry if it didn't make sense the way I wrote it out.

Holly_1007

honeslty, hit up google... call around to see if they have free consults andask what the fees are for modifying an agreement... assuming your original complaint was filed with the court. meet with a few and go from there

+j+k+

FIrst, determine what kind of lawyer you want. There are lawyers out there that are all about drama and will sit and listen to you cry and give you a shoulder to do it on. There are ruthless lawyers that will go for blood.  There are lawyers that are just business.  I chose one that is just business. 

Ask friends and family if they have a lawyer or law firm that they work with that they really like. That lawfirm may know of lawyers that suit your needs and will also recommend those that you should stay away from.

If you don't know anyone who has a lawyer, just find out who the most reputable lawyers are in town and start calling. Most give you one free consulations.

SHop around and keep shopping until you find on that suits you.

Ooglybear

Our lawyer was recommended by my dad, who has employed him for his own custody case. Do you have any family or friends who have been through this and might have a recommendation?

KTdidit

Thanks everyone, I know I don't want a lawyer that will drag stuff out or fight dirty. So I guess I just start calling random firms....

fellesferie

Can your cousin recommend a family attorney? Do you have any friends who have gotten divorced and liked their attorneys? Do you have any friends who have friends or family members who are attorneys?

I'd only go the yellow pages route as a last resort.

I found my attorney through my mom--she went to college with a lady who became an attorney and that lady gave her the names of half a dozen good family attorneys. I made some calls and ended up kind of going with my instincts.   

katie_cj

I started the court process without a lawyer and just had a different duty counselor each time.

I ended up retaining one of them to be my lawyer. It worked out well.