I CONSULTED AN ATTORNEY REGARDING ANOTHER CASE AND DURING A FRUSTRATING MOMENT I DESCRIBED MARITAL PROBLEMS I WAS HAVING. THIS ATTORNEY SAW HIS OPENING. HE DID NOT FAIL TO MENTION MY 'DIVORCE' OR 'WAS I READY YET' I EVEN RECEIVED A BILL FOR 'DISCUSSING IT' BE VERY VERY CAREFUL WHEN YOU CHOOSE AN ATTORNEY. DESPITE THE LAWS REGULATING THEIR BEHAVIOR, THEY NOT ONLY VIOLATE THEM ON A REGULAR BASIS, THEY COVER FOR EACH OTHER. AND MONEY-WOW. IF YOUR SPOUSE HAS MORE MONEY THAN YOU DO, BE SURE YOUR ATTORNEY IS 'NOT ABOUT MONEY' BECAUSE IF HE IS, YOU WILL LOSE DESPITE THE FACTS, DESPITE HIS FALSE PROMISES. THERE IS NO LAW FIRM THAT SHOULD GO UNRESEARCHED. FIND PAST CLIENTS. CHECK THE NET. THAT SMILE, THE INITIAL AGREEMENT 'OH YEAH HE'S A BUM' THE FEE AGREEMENT. THERE IS NO ANGLE AN ATTORNEY WILL OVERLOOK WHEN IT COMES TO MONEY. NOW, I AM CERTAIN THERE ARE A FEW, BUT NOT MANY, WHO HONESTLY CARE ABOUT YOU. DO WHAT EVER YOU NEED TO DO TO FIND THEM THE WRONG ATTTORNEY CAN RUIN YOUR LIFE.

First, please turn off caps lock and use paragraphs. It makes our eyes water trying to read stream of consciousness shouting.

From your description, the attorney simply billed you for time that you used. It was up to you to set the agenda for your discussions. 1 hour is 1 hour no matter how it is spent, and you *will* be billed for the time. If you spent time discussing your marital problems, it is natural that the attorney ask if you will need representation in the matter. The attorney did nothing wrong in your description, though he/she could have been more tactful.

Attorneys are *always* about the money. It is their job and how they support their families. If you want charity, look elsewhere. I do not work for free and do not expect an attorney to do so. They are paid to represent your interests, not to be your friend.

I am going thru a difficult divorce at this time. He has a lawyer that defends him over the stupidest things. He has to know that he is lying to the court and him. I am confused why a lawyer would want to represent someone that is so difficult and can make him look bad. All I can see is that its about the money. His lawyer has had to treat stbx like a child while on the stand in front of the judge and tell him to answer my lawyers questions.

Lawyers are nothing but crooks....you should go to legal aide...

You can't paint all people in an occupation with the same brush. Yes there are some very unethical lawyers but there are also some unethical doctors, accountants and on and on. Hiring a lawyer requires alot of investigation on your part. Seek referals from friends or family who have been happy with their attorneys. At the end of the day it is the judge who welds the power in these matters. I realize this is such a emotional issue with us all. Many times we pay them with money we don't have! They go to school a very long time and many times owe as much as 300,000 to 400,000 in student loans. The going rate for my area is $450.00 per hr. The clock starts the minute you have communication with them. So be organized list your questions and don't use them as a therapist.( a therapist is actually alot less money) Oh by the way my daughter is a lawyer. She just left a position high paying, close to home, worked around her children ( one who is autistic) because she was asked to over look things which violated her ethics. So believe it or not there are some good ones out there. I know this is the hardest thing you have ever been through in your life. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I guess anger is better than tears any day. May you find peace and happiness in your future.