"What can I do if my divorce lawyer doesn't return my calls?"

This is a common problem. I can't tell you how many cases I have picked up from divorce lawyers who simply do not adequately communicate with their clients.

To begin with, you should make a pest of yourself (unless, of course, your divorce lawyer has stopped calling you because you are already being a pest. You need to consider whether that is the problem). However, a common problem simply is that the lawyer is too busy, as many are. You need to call several times a day. If it fails, you need to send letters requesting the status of the case. If the divorce lawyer has an e-mail address, you could e-mail him or her as well. You can ask the secretary to set up a time to meet, or even a time to talk on the phone. When you do reach the divorce lawyer, you should make a list of subjects to cover so your time with the lawyer is well-spent.

Failing to get any satisfactory response, you will need to change divorce lawyers. It is important to begin your search right away, because if the lawyer misses deadlines or messes up your case, it will affect you. In most states, the judge will not let you use "my lawyer messed up" as an excuse, because the lawyer is authorized to act on your behalf.

Things not to do:

• You should not contact the opposing divorce attorney.
• You should not contact the judge. (I know this is tempting, because a divorce lawyer not returning calls is so frustrating.)

About the author of this Illinois Divorce FAQ:

Paul L. Feinstein has more than 25 years of experience in complicated family law cases, including appeals. He can be reached at (312) 346-6392. View his website and his Divorce Magazine profile.