Has anyone had any experience with Bill Eddy helping choose an attorney

[Newyoungfather]

Hello Everyone,
As I am approaching the next wave of filing for a custody modification, I am wondering if anyone has any experience with having author/lawyer Bill Eddie selecting and interviewing the attorney.  I believe I am up against a true borderline/narcissistic person.  Does anyone know anything about the cost, process, etc.

[ForeverDad]

I don't have an answer for your specific question, but our divorce cases do tend to take one to two years, sometimes longer, so having a good, experienced and proactive lawyer is crucial.  A lawyer may say he or she is up to the task, but if they have limited testimony and trial experience then that's not a good sign.  A typical lawyer expects cases to settle, if not at first, then eventually.  When dealing with acting-out PDs — Cluster B includes Borderline, Narcissistic, Antisocial, Histrionic and may as well include Paranoid — a lawyer who depends on filing forms and holding hands is way out of his or her depth.

When you're interviewing attorneys, it's good to ask, "If you were facing my situation, who would you choose to represent you?"  That's a quick way to get a short list of lawyers you need to consult for strategies and options.  Don't be timid, good lawyers know they won't get every person walking in the door as a client.

Bill Eddy does host seminars across the country.  Years ago I bought DVDs of one of his seminars with lawyers, judges, social workers and other professionals.  It would be a plus if a lawyer you're meeting has attended one.  Not a guarantee of course.

My lawyer just said (eventually) my ex was "crazy" and a other few choice words as well.  He had predicted a 7-9 month divorce... it was two years.  However, he did have trial experience and knew how focus on the important issues.  Overall it did work out.  I moved up from alternate weekends in the temp order to 50/50 in the final decree.  Having a most excellent Custody Evaluator was also crucial.  I had to go back twice more over the years to change the order, once to get custody and one last time to get majority time.

[MeandThee29]

Billy Eddy is good, but not a must IMHO.

As long as you say "high conflict" and probe their level of experience, you may find one that has never heard of Bill Eddy but gets it.

[Newyoungfather]

Hello All,
So these are some questions that I am going to ask, if anyone can think of anything else please chime in.
1.  Have you dealt with an opposing BPD or npd counsel/client before.
2.  Do you practice in all areas or just child custody
3.  What is your experience with my judge xyz
4.  I have a proposed custody modification I would like to file, does this align with your opinion.
5.  Have you dealt with opposing counsel and if so how do you mitigate tension. (Opposing counsel is a bully attorney).