Victoria G asked:


The attorney was for me on my first child custody case and went against me on my second child custody case.. what can I do about it?

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12 Responses to “is it legal for an attorney to represent you in a child custody case and then go against you in another one?”

1. rocket man on March 28th, 2011 2:37 am

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   no

2. RP McMurphy, Freethinker on March 31st, 2011 12:24 pm

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   Yes, it’s legal.

   Unsolicited advice, with multiple child custody issues it sounds like you probably have some bigger issues than attorneys you don’t like.

3. Lillian on April 3rd, 2011 7:24 am

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   You can do nothing. Get another attorney.

4. Emmanuel M on April 3rd, 2011 4:00 pm

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   Get a Lawyer

5. Qwyrx on April 4th, 2011 9:27 pm

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   Contact the state bar association. I believe that this is possible, but there would be some very complex rules that this lawyer would have to follow (i.e., not using private information that you told that lawyer previously in the present case). For that matter, talk to your current lawyer, and explain the situation in detail

6. TexarkanaGirl on April 5th, 2011 6:02 pm

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   there’s nothing you can do.. you should’ve gotten to your original lawyer first. or held a retainer with them.

7. tony w on April 6th, 2011 10:47 pm

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   As long as it does not involve any thing to do with the other case I believe to my opinion that attorney in most states can do so .

8. Tommo is here to help on April 10th, 2011 7:57 am

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   it’s not illegal
   get another attorney

9. upgrade on April 10th, 2011 11:39 am

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   sometimes it goes like that…attorneys work for money not for the person

10. Courtney B on April 10th, 2011 11:48 pm

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    It might be considered a conflict of interest. I’d hire another attorney and ask them what they think.

11. JeffH on April 12th, 2011 12:21 am

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    One might reasonably think that attorney-client information you shared during the course of your fist custody case and it’s potential direct relevance to your current custody case would make it unethical and perhaps illegal for that attorney to represent an opposing party… But, we all know lawyers write the laws now don’t we?

    I’d call your state’s bar association and find out what the law in your state says regarding your situation.

    Good luck.

    BTW, I don’t think every lawyer is a scumbag, so you may have some luck in finding a good one.

12. LegalBeagle on April 13th, 2011 1:52 am

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    You may be able to file a motion with the court asking to disqualify the attorney based on conflict of interest. In general, it is unethical and improper for an attorney to represent you on one matter, and then represent an opposing side against you on a matter that is substantially related to the matter in which the attorney first represented you. You should consult an attorney in your state, or contact your local bar association. I wouldn’t recommend doing it yourself.