What should I do about someone who I believe is pretending to be my wife’s divorce attorney?
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What should I do about someone who I believe is pretending to be my wife’s divorce attorney?
My wife abandoned us and left about 2 months ago and have zero communications from her; 3 weeks after she left I got a text message from someone claiming to be her attorney. I asked his name and what firm he was with and he would not say only stating that my attorney should contact him. I said I do not have an attorney and that I am currently representing myself. He got upset over the text messaging saying that he will see me in court and that my wife is seeking marital assets, as well as full custody of the children. I am concerned that this person is not a real attorney but someone pretending to be one because he would not reveal his/her name or who they work for. What is my best course of action if this person is not a real attorney?
Asked on October 24, 2015 under Family Law, Maryland
Answers:
SJZ, Member, New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 8 years ago | Contributor
1) Report this to your state bar association, including providing whatever information you did get and the number you were texted from...they may be able to help determine if this was a lawyer or not.
2) File a police report: someone trying to threaten intimidate you in regards to assets or custody rights is a crime. Again, give them all information you can.
3) Don't worry about it unless and until you receive some provable correspondence from an attorney or court papers...someone blustering and pretending to be a lawyer is just bluster.
4) Keep all your notes and documentation to bring up if/when you divorce your wife: this behavior, if it turns out to be someone affiliated with her, could influence support, asset distribution, and custody.
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