QUESTION
Since I cannot afford my own representation, can I directly contact my ex-husbands attorney?
Asked on Jun 27th, 2011 on Child Custody - California
More details to this question:
Since I cannot afford my own representation, can I directly contact my ex-husband's attorney to discuss modifications to divorce decree?
14 ANSWERS
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Huntington Beach, CA
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The English Law Firm
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If you have no attorney, then yes, you could contact your ex's attorney directly.
Answered on Jul 11th, 2013 at 2:04 AM
Administrative-Regulator Attorney serving Seattle, WA
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Law Offices of Karen A. Clark
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There is no prohibition against an unrepresented spouse contacting the attorney of a represented spouse to discuss the case. If you feel comfortable discussing resolving your legal marital issues with that attorney, then you should do so. If you feel uncomfortable speaking to that attorney, you might want to seek out some form of alternate dispute resolution.
Answered on Aug 18th, 2011 at 8:06 PM
General Civil Trial Practice Attorney serving Beaverton, OR
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Vincent J. Bernabei, LLC
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Yes. If the attorney still represents your ex husband. Otherwise, you should discuss this with your ex husband.
Answered on Jul 05th, 2011 at 11:51 AM
4 Awards
You may always discuss matters with the other side's attorney if you are not represented. They will not give you legal advice, and are bound to advise you that they are representing your spouse's best interests. If you are truly indigent, you should seek representation or advice from your nearest Legal Services Corporation grantee (legal aid).
Answered on Jul 01st, 2011 at 4:32 PM
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Yes. You may contact the attorney. You are representing yourself ("Pro Se").
Answered on Jul 01st, 2011 at 10:15 AM
Theodore W. Robinson
Yes you can, but it is not suggested. If your ex has money and has started a law suit against you, you may be able to get the court to direct him to pay for your attorneys fees. Ask for a free consultation with a matrimonial attorney and ask about that. Good luck.
Answered on Jun 30th, 2011 at 9:12 AM
Probate Law Attorney serving Colorado Springs, CO
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John E. Kirchner
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Not only can you contact the attorney, you absolutely have to deal with the other party's attorney because you are choosing to "be your own attorney" and the court will expect you to do what an attorney would do, if you had one.
Answered on Jun 30th, 2011 at 9:06 AM
Medical Malpractice Attorney serving Clermont, FL
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Joanna Mitchell & Associates, P.A.
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Yes. If you are not represented, then you can discuss your case directly with his attorney.
Answered on Jun 29th, 2011 at 2:16 PM
Yes. If you are representing yourself, you can talk to your ex-spouse's attorney. However, there is no requirement that the attorney talk to you.
Answered on Jun 29th, 2011 at 1:44 PM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving North Olmsted, OH
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James F. Lentz Attorney & Counselor at Law
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Hmm..."modifications to the divorce decree." If the court has issued a judgment entry including a decree of divorce, there is no easy way to change that. You certainly may contact opposing counsel, who will likely tell you that since the divorce is over, he no longer represents your husband. Best bet: contact your husband, get him to agree to your change. get a lawyer to have the court accept the change and do not try this without counsel.
Answered on Jun 29th, 2011 at 11:42 AM
Family Attorney serving Seattle, WA
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Seattle Divorce Services
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If you are not represented, then you are your own representative and as such can communicate directly with your husband's attorney.
Answered on Jun 29th, 2011 at 10:53 AM
Glen Edward Ashman
You could do it, but frankly that would be extremely foolish and there is nothing worse that you could do. (In other words, do NOT do it!) His lawyer is required to represent ONLY his interests and do everything he can to completely win the case against you. Everything you say will be used against you. No one can afford not to have a lawyer, especially where the other side has one. Bear in mind that making things worse could be very costly to you. Find a way to get counsel. That is perhaps the most important thing you can do to improve your position in your case.
Answered on Jun 29th, 2011 at 10:17 AM
Employment Attorney serving Culver City, CA
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Law Offices of Helmer • Friedman, LLP
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yes, you can certainly represent yourself "in pro per."
Answered on Jun 29th, 2011 at 10:08 AM
YES. Since you do not have a lawyer you are acting as your own lawyer. This means you can contact your ex husbands lawyer directly.
Answered on Jun 29th, 2011 at 10:05 AM