Do we have to tell her?

[starbud99]

We are hiring a lawyer, and while we are saving up money for the retainer we had a question... Do we have to tell her that we have a lawyer before we go to court? I know the lawyer will have the answer, but I was just wondering if any of you guys knew since its late at night. I know she is obviously going to want to hire one when she knows we have a lawyer, but if we can do this by not telling her for the longest amount possible that would make everything the easiest, considering all she does is live to make my life living hell.

[patton]

No you do not have to tell her anything, but if you are filing something against her it will be sent to the other party and then the other party will know you have an attorney.

Then if the other party contacts your attorney, then your attorney will attempt to find out her attorney's name.  Attorney's will not speak with the other party if they also have an attorney in most cases.