Well its not really free... I pay my monthly dues. Its like insurance.... You never know if you need an attorney. The last time I was in any sort of trouble was fall of 1996 (speeding ticket) Since being a member in 1997 I have called them 15-20 times. My questions have been mostly about rental disputes. I was managing a upstairs condo for a friend and the association said I was breaking the rules by alowing a child to live on the second floor. It was even in their by-laws but I knew it was discrimination. They even had the attorney that drew up the rules call me direct. I argued with him and had my attorneys write them a letter. Last I heard on the issue. The drawing up of a will and changing it as my life changes more than pays my dues. In Europe its as common as car insurance here. I could care less if anyone gets it or not. Just wanted to inform people its out there. Its also about the same cost as renters insurance. Next to nothing.

LOL - I sincerely doubt that anyone here took your statements as a lawyer, rather than as a realtor, which is what you said you were. I also doubt the OP (who posted in *June*) was still around to even read your post in August...she probably had already found her info and done whatever it is she was doing by then. Besides, just by posting for her friend, she was theoretically "practicing law without a license" herself if she was giving her friend legal advice (which most people do - give friends advice based on personal experience, and don't even think twice about it). IMO, said lawyer should have posted online and in public if she felt that strongly about it...too bad she couldn't have just answered the OP's question in the first place, as a lawyer, giving a credible answer and info in the first place. The OP posted her question in a public forum...she should have known that the answers would be largely from non-professionals in the field. The point to all my ramblings? I'd just ignore emails like that - if the OP didn't want opinions of the general public, she wouldn't have asked the question on a public forum. :-)

Dick and the way he handles his payments or lack of them is really no concern to you...and really doesn't affect what Nick owes. Not only are you taking on Nick's problems, but also Cari's, (who you barely know). Their payments and arrangements are their business and aren't an excuse or reason for Nick to not pay, or pay less. I wouldn't get involve with their legalities just on Cari's word and what you see (maye the in-laws bought the car, someone died and left an inheritance, etc). Nick and Jane's arrangements (and their kids) are the only thing you should even be thinking or worried about. You're focusing too much on personalities and who is right or wrong, what is fair, what should be, etc...when, in fact, you should be focusing on solving the actual problems.... getting all the orders to stop, getting money back if due for the oldest when not in school, making sure the billing is set up right for the kid's medical bills, and making sure your stuff is protected if you marry, right? How Jane is living, and how big a bit&h she and Dick may be really doesn't matter. Your hatred for them is going to drive you crazy. They are not worth worrying about. Repeat, they are NOT worth it. Quit thinking about fairness and try to resolve only what needs to be resolved that you can afford to do. Life isn't fair and people aren't nice and you will probably never be able to change Dick and Jane...They've taken enough from you financially, don't let them take your psyche and relationship too.

Only thing I can add is document everything, and anything she photocopies, put is a safe place even a safe deposit box maybe in your name. Tell her to do a credit check to find out if there are any accounts he has that she is not aware of. It seems to me if her attorney is "too busy" she needs a different one. Is she near a college that has classes for future lawyers. Maybe a grad student could help--as they are pretty sharp. Maybe a legal aid person will help. Just make sure if they are grad students they understand the privacy laws. If the husband wrote his own letters, DO NOT CHANGE ANYTHING on the paper. Instead on a separate sheet, got thought/sentence by sentence and clarify the words, but prove what you (she) writes. Check the other forums for ideas. If the children seem to be mistreated, again document with Dr. check ups Meds not being given, when or not etc. Who has primary custody? That should be determined first,. even if CPS is involved. \ I do wish you the best.