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Original poster

Family lawyer called back to say conflict of interest... What does this mean?

12 replies

AllabouttheE · 10/09/2013 10:43

I had been recommended a family lawyer by a friend, for divorce

But they called me back and said they can't represent me due to a conflict of interest.

What does that mean? I've never in my life had dealings with lawyers.

I did say to the secretary my husband had admitted adultery. My cynical brain says they don't want the case as there's no money in it......

I know it doesn't really matter but I have so many unanswered questions in my life right now, I don't need another one.

OP posts:
Leopoldina · 10/09/2013 10:45

that means that your husband has already consulted them (or if there's an OW, that they represent her?). Admission of adultery makes no difference on the likely scale of fees so it's not that.

makemineapinot · 10/09/2013 10:46

Maybe your ex is being represented by another lawyer in the same firm? If you're in Northants I an recommend a fantastic family lawyer who eked me through my very hostile divorce x

Original poster
AllabouttheE · 10/09/2013 10:52

OH hasn't approached a lawyer, this one isnt near our house and I didn't name OW.

???

OP posts:
Leopoldina · 10/09/2013 11:35

you need to call back and ask exactly what the conflict consists of then. Unfortunately you may discover OH has previously consulted them without you knowing. that would still rule them out. Not sure what other conflicts would arise on a divorce so do ask.

Collaborate · 10/09/2013 12:18

He need not have consulted them over a divorce. It could have been for something else. It would be most improper for them to tell you what it was about though.

mumblechum1 · 10/09/2013 16:28

Agree, he must be on their database for them to have picked up the conflict (they do a check before opening a file for you).

So he has consulted them about something at some point. Doesn't necessarily mean that he consulted them previously about divorce proceedings; did they act for both of you on a conveyancing matter?

Gunznroses · 10/09/2013 16:34

your friend isn't the OW is she? Hmm

Original poster
AllabouttheE · 10/09/2013 19:45

No my friend is def not OW. Incidentally my friend is also baffled because this firm represented her ex on a totally diff employment matter before they split. So even if DH was on their database, maybe for work, it still goes against the grain.

We have never used this firm, they aren't in our town.

So I am coming to the conclusion he has taken legal advice over our split.

OP posts:
Sparkleandshine · 10/09/2013 19:49

I have seen on here before women being advised to consult every lawyer for a 20 mile radius, as if you take up the "free consultation" 1/2 hour, you effectively block your ex from using them.... I wonder if he is using this nasty tactic?

Original poster
AllabouttheE · 10/09/2013 20:20

Well clearly. The OW has been divorced 3 times. Figures.

OP posts:
blubellebee · 03/02/2020 17:57

Can anyone please advise me further on Conflict of interest.

I contacted our joint layers, who have mainly acted as conveyancers for the past 25 years.
I was told categorically that as they had represented us both in the past they could not represent my in Divorce due to a COI,

I since employed another Layer but Ex never responded to any correspondence from them and i ran out of cash,

Late last year i was contacted by the joint lawyers representing the EX,
i contested this due to them telling me of the COI and refused to engage with them,

how do i stand?

Helpinghim · 03/02/2020 20:31

Start your own thread @blubellebee that previous one is 7 years old.

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