Full question:
I got married shortly after my first wife of 27 years died; I was grief stricken and vulnerable. I and this second wife never lived together, never shared assets (although I paid her bills often) and we have no children. I filed for divorce over a year ago and have not seen or spoken to her for longer. My attorney keeps charging me fees and my spouse has responded through a lawyer that she refuses to divorce unless her demands are met, yet she also refuses to state her demands and keeps cancelling scheduled meetings. This would be her third divorce in the state of Connecticut, where we were married and still reside in separate towns. I want this to be resolved; she seems to want to drag it out forever. My attorney isn't doing anything, yet I am still paying him. Is there anything I can do?
- Category: Courts
- Subcategory: Attorneys
- Date:
- State: Connecticut
Answer:
An attorney may file a motion requesting that no further continuances be granted. Sometimes, requesting a trial date is an impetus to settlement. A failure to appear at a scheduled court hearing may lead to contempt and other sanctions, such as costs and attorney fees.
A lawyer must act with reasonable diligence and promptness in representing a client. A lawyer has a duty to keep a client reasonably informed about the status of the case. The Connecticut Rules of Professional Conduct (CRPC) are used to judge the fees charged by attorneys in Michigan. CMRPC 1.5, which governs fees, sets forth in subparagraph (a) the factors which must be considered in determining the reasonableness of a fee. Subparagraph (b) requires the fee to be communicated to the client, preferably in writing. Subparagraph (c) allows contingent fees under written fee agreements unless otherwise prohibited.
For further discussion of fees and the client-lawyer relationship, please see:
http://www.law.cornell.edu/ethics/ct/code/CT_CODE.HTM#Rule_1.5
This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.