QUESTION

what to do?

Asked on Sep 18th, 2011 on Divorce - Illinois
More details to this question:
I hired a lawyer for my Divorce and paid retainer, all while stessing that this is all I had to my name $3000. He got things started, all the while I knew that it would be added cost at end. I wasnt aware that he was charging me $500 an hour and their would be two lawyers work the case($425 an hour). Well we are only half way through it and the end of month bill is nearly $10,000. The question I have is do I stop with the divorce knowing that im way above my head financially, or do I HAVE to continue with him while the price sky rocket. And if I do leave him, can I walk away and have another lawyer that is less expensive but will get me the same result? Or will their be consequenses for trying to leave him and finding another lawyer.
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1 ANSWER

Divorce Attorney serving Des Plaines, IL at Law Office of Sven M. Sommers
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Anonymous: There are really two main issues here. The first is the contract with your lawyers, and the second is the progress of your divorce case. As to your contract, that is a private issue between you and your lawyer. Any contract or retainer agreement MUST have the fee structure laid out, as well as other pertinent information. If your contract did not have this piece of information, you may be able to avoid paying him/her at all. Obviously without seeing what the retainer agreement actually includes, it impossible to say what, or if, you'll have to pay. As for the additional of a second lawyer, that, too, should be laid out in the retainer. You generally should know if the attorney may bring another lawyer on board and what the fee will be. Since I don't know what the specific complexities of the case are, it's again impossible to say if two lawyers are really necessary. You may also certainly fire your lawyers if you wish and continue without them or with new counsel. Some people do wish to proceed on their own (pro se), while other hire a different attorney and proceed with him/her. You may also wish to dismiss the case if that's what you want.  It really depends on what you want. If the divorce is really in your best interests, then you may want to go forward in any way you can. Of course, you may decide it's in your best interests to wait, or possibly give your marriage another try.   This answer is for informational purposes only and does not create a binding attorney/client relationship.
Answered on Oct 01st, 2011 at 7:55 PM

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