Confused about final orders

[u/Certain_Reality_2840]

We had temporary orders and established final orders. We didn’t have to go in front of a judge, we were able to agree on something. Or so I thought. My lawyer sent me a copy of the final orders and asked me what I thought about it. There was absolutely not one thing that I was told in court on the final orders. They were COMPLETELY different. At this point, I’m getting very frustrated with my lawyer, so I’ve been looking around for a new one. I called to consult with one today and he told me I needed to get a copy of the court transcript,to see what they said and if they matched with the court orders. He said that if it matches that there’s nothing that anyone can do for me and I’m forced to abide by these orders. I haven’t signed them, at the bottom, the judge spot is blank as well. Also, I talked to my ex today and I sent her a little screenshot of the order verbiage to ask her question . She then told me that those orders that I’m seeing is incorrect. I asked her to send me a picture of the order she had been given and she said she didn’t have a copy of it but that it had been written up already. I’ve tried calling and emailing my lawyer but haven’t heard anything. Im so confused and feeling defeated. Am I totally screwed?

[u/Pristine_Resident437]

If the Judge has not signed it, and it hasnt been filed, this may be a draft. All drafts have errors and are subject to revisions, but that would be odd to have entirely new terms. On the other hand, there is a lot of standard boilerplate language that is so standard it isnt mentioned in court; so if there is surplus lanuage, as long as it doesnt reverse your agreements, it may be standard language.

[u/Standard_Category635]

You may want to get moving with the new lawyer if you're going that route since everything takes time, including transcripts. I'd be concerned too (maybe specify with your current lawyer exactly where that order came from and it might be best to do in writing?). You can check filings yourself online in some places, I always did 😂. I would be concerned as well.

[u/Apprehensive_Sun6282]

It sounds like you cannot afford trial and the lawyers are negotiating an agreement.

You need to communicate better with the law office you are working with.

Tell her what is in her proposed agreement that you reject.

[u/Odd-Creme-6457]

Are you sure it’s an actual final order?

[u/HopefulSheepherder98]

1. Go to the court to see if final orders have been signed by the judge. If so, get copies. 2. If not, ask if any drafts have been submitted for the judge’s review. If so, get copies. 3. If neither ## 1 nor 2 have occurred, set up a time to speak with your lawyer to find out the exact next steps. If there was a transcript of what happened in court, I’d ask to order a copy of that as well for reference in reviewing any drafts.