What do divorce lawyers actually do?

Question

I'm asking in behalf of my mom. My mom is currently going through a divorce after being married 23+ years. in the state of HI. My mom's english isn't that great but she's a smart woman and I just don't want these lawyers taking advantage of her and taking all of her money. Well the reason I'm asking because my mom already paid these lawyers about $3000 and it just seems nothing happening. They want her to go get all this information and do all this work but it's hard for her working 7 days a week. I mean isn't that what you hire lawyers for, so you don't have to do the work? thanks

Answer 1

That's not too bad. That's 10 to 20 hours, depending on rate. And keep in mind that includes telephone calls. They want her to gather information because it's no doubt something she can do a lot more easily than they can, and because she'd probably rather do it herself and avoid paying $150 an hour or more for them to take longer to do it.

Her lawyer is just like any lawyer in a lawsuit, which is what a divorce is. He is to know the law and what's possible and what's not. And to know what's usual in local courts. He knows, without whatever she imagines is "right" or "fair," what can actual be done. He draws up the citation and petition and has them filed and served. (He may see if she will serve them to save some money.) He draws up the decree and negotiates with his attorney. He appears in court with her.

What you don't say is what else is going on. Does her husband have an attorney? How many issues can they not agree on. Is her husband's attorney contesting things or asking the court to delay? She can get a detailed billing at any time and see what he says he is spending his time and her money on.

If you want a lawyer to absolutely everything for you, you'll need to bring a lot more money to the table. You may have to bring a lot more, anyway, depending on how hard her husband fights.  

Answer 2

they really just take your money, sorry to say!!! I spent $6000 on my attorney and basically gave my ex wife everything!! I think all the lawyers, judges and Friend of the courts are all in it together...If they can keep dragging out the divorce preceedings they will!! A typical divorce with minor children in my State usually takes 6 months, mine took 1 year!!  They also want us to do all there leg work for them, and then go into hiding and stall tactics. It sure would be nice if two people getting divorced could just be civil and get divorced without lawyers...it would save both parties alot of grief!  good luck!!

Answer 3

It sounds like you were talking about my mom's divorce. She complained about the same thing. Lawyers expect a lot of money and seem to do nothing.

There is no real solution to it, just give it some time and see what happens.

Good luck to your mom!

Answer 4

Umm .. they really do NOTHING. They make things worse. The only thing they really do is make it all legit. I wouldn't EVER waste money on one. They s***w you out of all the money you get in the divorce ANYWAY.

Tell your Mom to fire the lawyer.

Also, I worked for a prominent law firm in my area, and I'm telling you right now -- attorneys aren't as "professional" as they seem. The practice I worked at was considered the best in the area, and I couldn't work there anymore to see all the "ETHICS" these lawyers did not have.

Answer 5

$3,000 for a divorce lawyer is a bargain.

Answer 6

Hahahahaha you think the lawyer will actually do anything? Maybe fill out a few papers.  What do divorce lawyers actually do?  They take your money.  Believe me he will be getting more than just $3,000.

Spouses should always try to agree beforehand how to divide things. Why give it to the lawyers?