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What if money isn't the issue? The problem is that your ex-spouse has custody of the children but refuses to send you their school reports. |
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If you still have a lawyer, you can ask that she call your ex's lawyer about the problem. Sometimes a phone call is all it takes. If the lawyers are no longer in the picture, you might want to write a letter to your ex. It may not do any good, but at least you'll be making a record of the problem should you later decide to pursue the issue in court. (First make a copy of the letter. Unless your agreement requires you to do so, you don't have to send it by certified mail. Some people don't pick up certified letters.) |
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Of course, some compliance problems must be addressed by a judge. A woman lived in Missouri, but her daughter flew to New York every summer to visit her father, in accordance with the parties' Separation Agreement. At the end of one summer, the father refused to send the daughter home. He claimed his daughter's stepfather spanked her. The judge ruled that the child should not be spanked by anyone except a parent, but that she should be returned to her mother in Missouri. |
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When Your Lawyer's Job Is Over |
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Some people are surprised to discover that once the Judgment of Divorce is final, their lawyer is no longer their lawyer. Technically, the case is over, and any new problems that may arise can be addressed by any lawyer you hire to work for you. |
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Will lawyers help if there are problems after the divorce decree is final? That depends. Some will assist and bill you for the work. Others will tell you they can no longer handle your case. They might be too busy, or they might not like your ex-spouse's lawyer, or they simply do not want to be involved in your case anymore. Still others may take a call or two from you without asking for payment. |
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In some jurisdictions, a lawyer must take formal steps to withdraw from your representation after the case is completed. Since family law matters are ongoing because of support payments or later division of assets, someone must be of record to receive service of process in the event that there is a reason later to go to court. When your lawyer withdraws, the person of record is, by default, you, and your address must be on file with the court. |
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Breaking Up Is Hard to Do |
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After months or years of a dependent relationship with your lawyer, some people feel lost once the Judgment of Divorce is final. Others feel angry that the lawyer who won them a big award is not willing to help them collect it. |
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