New attorney consult

[Bunnyme]

I have a consultation with a new attorney who is apparently a beast in the courtroom.  I dont know that I will be able to afford her, but I'm interested in what she has to say.  My current atty is competent, and very experienced.  She's been practicing since '79, so she has seen it all and knows all of the judges.  She keeps pushing mediation...especially since I don't have a lot of money.  I totally get her position, but want to hear someone else's strategy and how this may shake out if I take it to actual court.  Normally, I'd agree with her, but I think mediation will be a waste of time and money and I will end up in court anyway. 

[Bunnyme]

I should add...right now I have full custody.  That stays in place until we get an agreement or go to court.  He knows this.  He is not giving me the money he should, not turning over paperwork, and generally playing games with me.  He knows that he has nowhere to go but up when this goes to court.  Part of me thinks I just suck it up and deal with the financial abuse to keep the kiddos safe.  I just feel so lost

[hhaw]

Properly document everything.

Don't let the pd trick you into appearing unsteady.

Your job is to stay steady and SHOW this court what youre5dealing with, IME.

Take care if those kiddos.  If the pd was ordered to pay X by the court, but fails to comply, file contempt against him.

Certainly get that second opinion.  You might hear what you need to prepare your case for the best possible outcome.

Info on your Judge.....what you can do to help yourself with trial prep.....dont fear court.  Try to save your money for trial and not waste it on false settlement discussions.....agree ahead to handwrite the agreement at that meeting, everyone signs it, your attorney files it.

Only then, when you have that stamped copy in your hand do you consider cancelling court DATES, IME.

PDs will argue and fritter expensive hours away then, after the Agreement us just how they demanded it....
Say they decided to go to trial anyway, and they can do that!

Your attorney needs to know you want to settle BUT you have a short list of things you MUST have.....fir your Children's best interests.

Tack on a thing or 2 to give in on, but let your attorney know you can't spend all your money on discussions if the pd won't accept your short reasonable list bc if the kids.  Repeat its bc if the kids when people lean on you to cave.

Breathe and stay focused.