How Do I Find a Good "Child Support Attorney"

Updated on April 18, 2011
L.M. asks from Woodruff, SC
4 answers

I appreciate the responses to my previous question, but I think I didn't quite convey my current problem completely. I need to take him to court, because he has made it clear to me that he is going to have his attorney send me papers with the intention of reducing the child support he pays. He is basing this on a change he will have (starting in October) in his job position. He has willingly taken a salary reduction (from $105 an hour to $75 an hour) to keep his current position. He keeps an attorney on "retainer" at all times...and he is a very expensive and very good attorney. The last time we went to court, he basically "ate my attorney for a snack". :) The attorney that originally handled our divorce and child custody (7 years ago) is no longer practicing, and I definitely don't want to use the one that was "eaten" by my ex's lawyer last time. I have learned through my own research, that he has been "underpaying" on child support for some time and really has no grounds to further reduce what he is paying (even with his job status change). But, if he serves me papers, I will have to go....so I would like to make the first move. I just don't know how to find an attorney that is GOOD and won't deplete my savings and children's college funds.

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More Answers

L.G.

answers from Eugene on

Most Bar Associations have a referral service where you can see an attorney at a very reduced fee. It is the first visit at around $35. interview the attorney and see if she is the right person for you.

Your children must be old enough to know what he is doing. If you were divorced 7 years ago go ahead and tell them what is coming up and how worried you are. They ought to learn as much as possible about their father and his motives. They are teenagers. They can give him a piece of their minds. The can tell him off or they can go to another state for school where it is hard for him to see them or refuse his phone calls. These things they must do on their own not prompted by you. Life pays you back remember that.
My ex cheaped one of our children so badly that although she let him walk her down the aisle she barely sees him.
At $75 dollars an hour your pig is hardly a pauper and keeping an attorney on retainer takes quite some money.
I hope you get a female judge who'll take him and his lawyer apart

3 moms found this helpful

T.L.

answers from St. Louis on

I know this isn't something that usually comes up while having dinner with your friends, but if you know someone who has recently been through a divorce or going through one ask them. Word of mouth referrals are the best. If you go to church as your pastor, I'm sure he deals with these issues on a daily basis and could recommend one. Also, just because you go have a meeting with one attorney doesn't mean you have to go with that attorney. I always look at it like car shopping, see what they can offer at what price then so some more back ground looking to make sure this is what you want.

2 moms found this helpful

G.T.

answers from Modesto on

Get suggestions from local friends, and definitely "interview" the attorneys until you find one that you get a good feeling for.

1 mom found this helpful

J.G.

answers from St. Louis on

I don't know any attorneys in your area but I would recommend you ask for a consultation before you proceed. For a flat fee you go over what your chances are or succeeding and such.

One possible reason your last attorney was snacked on is he procceeded where a win was not possible. Some attorneys will do this knowing they will get your money until it runs out, no loss for them, ya know?

You need to find an attorney who will tell you either you have a snowballs chance in hell or outline a plan and what is possible.

You may already have a better deal than the courts would give you. He may be reducing it to reasonable. In that case an attorney is just taking your money.

I guess I am saying find an honest attorney less than one that snacks on other attorneys.

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