Man sues ex-wife's attorney over divorce rules

A Galveston County man is suing over claims his ex-wife's attorney withdrew from divorce proceedings without following legal rules.

Gerald Lee Ricks filed a lawsuit Oct. 15 in Galveston County District Court against Anthony D. Gunn, citing intentional infliction of emotional distress.

According to the complaint, Ricks is incarcerated at the William G. McConnell Unit in Beeville, and on June 4, 2008, he was granted a divorce from Eletha Lachon Ricks, who was represented by defendant Gunn in the early divorce proceedings. Ricks says the divorce stated the couple's home was to be sold, and debts and taxes removed from the proceeds before it was split between the two, and Lachon Ricks agreed to assume the responsibilities of contacting realtors due to Ricks' state of incarceration.

The complaint states Gerald Lee Ricks communicated with Gunn because of a previous order preventing him from communicating with Lachon Ricks, but when he attempted to learn from Gunn whether his communications to his ex-wife were being properly delivered, he was informed Gunn no longer represented Lachon Ricks.

Gunn is accused of negligence per se and intentional infliction of emotional distress, as his sudden withdrawing without following the rules of civil procedure allegedly caused confusion as to whom Ricks needed to deliver legal documents.

Ricks seeks more than $100,000 in actual and exemplary damages, including interest and costs of court. He is appearing pro se.

Galveston County District Court case number: 14-CV-1095