Divorce Business is Slowing Down

A blog reader referred me to an interesting article about the decrease of divorces during times of economic recession. Couples simply can't afford the process - primarily due to the real estate slump. The substantial legal fees for both sides in a divorce represent a heavy, often prohibitive burden.

"For divorce lawyers, the economic slump is beginning to have a real impact. In a nationwide survey of divorce lawyers by the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, 37 percent reported a drop in divorce cases during the recent tough economic times..." - Alex Johnson, reporter for MSNBC.com

I wonder if my former divorce lawyer, Barry Finkle of Fort Lauderdale, has experienced this trend? I imagine that if people are price shopping for legal represenation, Finkel would be ineligible since his rates are at the high end of the scale compared to other lawyers practicing family law in Broward County. (note to self: Why do they call it "practicing" law and not "mastering" law?).

In retrospect, I wish that I had chosen to be a Pro Se Litigant - a person who appears in court without the assistance of a lawyer. I would have saved thousands of dollars!!! The Broward County Self Service Web Application gives assistance in preparing court documents online for those who choose not to have an attorney draft them. It looks pretty do-able, especially for cases like mine where there were no children in the scenario. I was the best person to represent myself to a judge, yet I foolishly put my faith and funds in someone who does not service my best interest. You will never find a better advocate for yourself than - yourself.

I think Finkel is nervous.

I just got an email from Jim Horn, Search Science, Inc. with the message "I FOUND YOU." (by the way, for a company who promotes website design, I don't care for the look of their site design at all. It's very old school. But I digress....)

Finkel hired Horn to find out who is behind the letsgetback@barryfinkel.com email address.

Does this mean that Finkel has so many disgruntled clients that he needs to hire a consultant to figure out which one is posting this information about him? I hope he doesn't have that many! It only makes me look like a fool for hiring him in the first place. I don't think I'm a fool - just a person who wants justice at a fair price from a member of the bar.

Here is a list of Finkel's cases for the last few years. It's great that they have the Broward County court records online so that you can research your attorney's work. You just have to pay a fee to read the details.

The meek will inherit the land.

Today in church, they read the Gospel words from Matthew 5:1-2

"...Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the land.

Blessed are they who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be satisfied..."

I feel good about my decision to create this blog about attorney Barry Finkel (of Fort Lauderdale, FL) and share stories with those who put their faith in men, only to reap disappointment. I don't want to inherit the earth, just my little patch of fair share.

Barry Finkel will not represent me again.

BACKGROUND: My divorce case in Florida was easy and simple - but not only do I feel screwed by my ex-husband, I was screwed by my own attorney, Barry Finkel, who is one of the rudest men I have ever met.

FINANCIAL FUZZINESS: While still holding thousands of dollars as a creditbalance from my initial retainer, Finkel refused to perform any further services until I remit thousands more to him to pursue the enforcement of the terms in the same divorce case. With no written retainer agreement, he is blaming me for not knowing his billing policies. His own website states:

"That’s how clients are represented at The Law Firm of Barry I. Finkel P.A. No forms, no questionnaires."

Finkel is so proud about how he doesn't barrage his clients with paperwork when they consult with him...Well, BEWARE...Because in my case, his intial impression of casual confidence backfired and turned into ugly, greedy arrogance. I found some other poor reviews about Finkel's performance.

ACTION: I am filing a complaint with the Florida Bar Association, which I will post here soon in PDF format. I will also file a Civil Action in Broward County.

Buddha said it best.

"It is Karma that differentiates beings into low and high states."