Legal Question in Family Law in California

Allowable Funds Useage for Respondent

I have just been presented with a summons for which I appeared in person unexpectedly to answer on divorce and child custody. This was brought about my estranged husband of over one year. I have a child who is 6 years old. I do not have all of the funds necessary to hire my own good attorney at the moment and get started with a retainer. May I withdraw from accounts I recently learned about that the petitioner has been hiding such as credit cards, checking accounts and other accounts placed in inconspicious places such as gambling online game accounts? Can an attorney withdraw his/her fee with the proper account names and numbers given to begin a case? Would I be breaking the law if I were to pay an attorney with these funds which have my husband's name on them since I am still his legal wife and I need representation as well? Thank YOU!


Asked on 2/06/05, 4:51 am

1 Answer from Attorneys

Lyle Johnson Bedi and Johnson Attorneys at Law

Re: Allowable Funds Useage for Respondent

You need to take this information to an attorney and discuss the possibility of taking some of this money. The court can and often will order him to pay your attorney fees. An advance payment is not uncommon in a case such as this.

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Answered on 2/10/05, 12:41 am


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