My question involves divorce in the State of: California/Pennsylvania
Background - I initiated a divorce over the internet in 2006. It kept getting rejected for paperwork not being filled out properly, so I hired a lawyer on June 3, 2008 to take over. I gave him all the paperwork that was filed in the original court. He decided to dismiss the first case and start over in the new county (I'm in the military and moved to a different California county during the process). The first case wasn't dismissed until Nov 17. NOTHING was done since I gave him my original paperwork even after several phone calls checking on status. Only after asking for my money back did he start the dismissal paperwork. Then, the new divorce paperwork was submitted to the CA court on Dec 9 and was sent to a process server on the 11th. I got served by my wife (PA resident) on the 17th and now I have a conciliation conference on the 22nd which they are allowing me to do over the phone. However, my son is coming to visit that day and I'll be in the airport picking him up during that time. Is this a standard tactic or even legal? The paper sent to me states that ALL CHILDREN AGED 7 OR OLDER MUST ATTEND, but they know he'll be in transit (he's 11).
When I checked with my lawyer to see if she had been served first, he said he cannot help me anymore and that I need to find a PA lawyer regarding this matter. He won't even give me legal counsel, no information or anything pertaining to the divorce or custody which "should" be on the same court case number. I hired him a LONG time ago and because he didn't do anything in a timely matter, I'm out the retainer and have to find a new lawyer in a state I've never been and is on the other side of the country?
What are my options? If more info is needed, I can answer any questions.

