Should I get another lawyer?

[Anonymous]

Our case is uncontested and I have a separation agreement signed. I had a free consultation with an attorney and I really like her. However, it's been a week since I first contacted her and the ball is still not rolling.

I kind of feel obligated to use her and I know I can be impatient. Should I wait another day or hire someone else? Not sure what to do. I have not paid her anything yet and there's no obligation to use her.

What's the typical timeline in your experience? I'm in Virginia. Thank you.

[Anonymous]

Send her an email and say that you need to know if she will begin working on your case, because otherwise you need to hire different counsel.

[Anonymous]

She probably won't work without money. Never heard of free.

[Anonymous]

OP: I am ready to hire her and pay her. That's the frustrating part. I asked what's the next step and never got an answer.

[Anonymous]

Did she give you any paper? Is there a retainer agreement in the paper?

[Anonymous]

A week doesn't seem like that long to me. I agree with sending her an email or calling her.

[Anonymous]

OP: Thanks. Just asked her receptionist to check if the lawyer will have time to take my case.

10:52, no paper, no retainer. She never confirmed if she's taking my case. She did give me advice on my case and I really like her. However, if she does not have time then I must move on. I just need to know.

[Anonymous]

This is a symptom, I would suggest you look around for another attorney, unless she calls by 2:00 and asks for a retainer.
This is not an easy path and you will need someone responsive.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP: Thanks. Just asked her receptionist to check if the lawyer will have time to take my case.

10:52, no paper, no retainer. She never confirmed if she's taking my case. She did give me advice on my case and I really like her. However, if she does not have time then I must move on. I just need to know.

Well how did you leave things at the end of your discussion? Did you ask her to take the case and she was going to get back to you after a conflicts check with paperwork to retain her, or were you going to call her to initiate the process?

[Anonymous]

OP: Thanks 13:48. That's what I am afraid of. I have a feeling this will be an ongoing frustration with her.

13:53, she had some questions about my situation and said she would get back to me after I answered them. I did. She hasn't called back so I am still waiting. So frustrating.

[Anonymous]

she will only come if blood money is in the water

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP: Thanks 13:48. That's what I am afraid of. I have a feeling this will be an ongoing frustration with her.

13:53, she had some questions about my situation and said she would get back to me after I answered them. I did. She hasn't called back so I am still waiting. So frustrating.

I would find someone else. If this so the way she treats you before even getting your retainer, that is not a good sign

[Anonymous]

I'm a lawyer and I hired a lawyer for my own divorce. A week is too long to wait for a response from an email (unless she told you she'd be on vacation). I'd find another lawyer.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP: Thanks 13:48. That's what I am afraid of. I have a feeling this will be an ongoing frustration with her.

13:53, she had some questions about my situation and said she would get back to me after I answered them. I did. She hasn't called back so I am still waiting. So frustrating.

Has it been a week since you first contacted her, or since you answered the questions?

[Anonymous]

OP: A week since I first contacted her. Almost 3 business days now since I last heard from her.