Missed Judgement After Divorce Trial

by David from Kissimmee, Florida, Osceola County

Missed Judgement After Divorce Trial: Isn't my lawyer supposed to let me know of the date? I just Missed my court date for the judges decision after a trial. My lawyer says after the trial "The court date is the twenty something, I don't remember, I will let contact you and let you know by email the date, you should be there".



Well, she didn't ever e-mail me or call me. This is causing me a lot of problems, I filed for the divorce in the first place. Is my lawyer by law supposed to let me know when the court date was?

Also, my lawyer arrived late and I was told that the judge was upset with both of us. The decision was of course in the favor of my ex. This just happened September 28th. What can I do?

I work an average of ten hours per day then my drive to and from work, I have a dangerous job and I try to keep focus on what I do. Shouldn't my lawyer at least have e-mailed me the date?

I had a witness with me when she stated that she was going to contact me to let me know the court date. My lawyer has been busy as well as me. She promised me a lot from the beginning and did not do the things that she said she would do. Isn't she supposed to by law, supposed to let me know of the judgement date and time?

Answer to Florida Court Forms Question

Dear David,

I am so sorry to hear of your experience.

We hear many stories about attorneys not doing their jobs.

And of course, as in any industry, there are many great attorneys, and others who are not.

Posted on the Florida Bar's site is the following:

10 BASIC RIGHTS

When I retain a lawyer, I am entitled to one who:

1. WILL be capable of handling my case.
   
   
2. WILL represent me zealously and seek any lawful means to present or defend my case.
   
   
3. WILL preserve my confidences, secrets or statements which I reveal in the course of our relationship.
   
   
4. WILL give me the right to make the ultimate decision on the objectives to be pursued in my case.
   
   
5. WILL charge me a reasonable fee and tell me, in advance of being hired and upon my request, the basis of that fee.
   
   
6. WILL show me courtesy and consideration at all times.
   
   
7. WILL exercise independent professional judgment in my behalf, free from compromising influences.
   
   
8. WILL inform me periodically about the status of my case and, at my request, give me copies of documents prepared.
   
   
9. WILL exhibit the highest degree of ethical conduct.
   
   
10. WILL refer me to other legal counsel, if he or she cannot properly represent me.

Even more interesting is a Florida Supreme Court case disbarring a lawyer for a list of infractions of Bar Rules.

The following is a link directly to that case -
Florida Bar v HANS CHARLES FEIGE,
Respondent. June 29, 2006 PER CURIAM.

Notice: We provide these answers to the general public and our website visitors as a means to further their online legal research. These answers are merely suggestions and should not be regarded as legal advice.

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