Judy Garland News

David Gest, estranged husband of entertainer Liza Minnelli , and his lawyer, Raoul Felder, have parted ways.

"I resigned from the case over two weeks ago," Felder said Monday. "I sent him a very nice letter praising his fortitude ... and telling him that I admired his strength in adversity. But I told him to get another lawyer."

Felder, who was former Mayor Rudolph Giuliani 's lawyer in his divorce from TV personality Donna Hanover , said he decided that he and Gest should part because there had been a lapse in communication between them.

Gest's change in legal representation was revealed Monday during a scheduling conference before state Supreme Court Justice Jane Solomon.

James Doherty of Eisenberg Tanchum & Levy said his firm will represent Gest in all actions against Minnelli.

Gest, 51, and Minnelli, 58, are in the midst of a divorce, the terms of which are governed by a prenuptial agreement. Gest also is suing Minnelli for $10 million for alleged assault, and she is suing him for allegedly stealing $2 million from her.

Doherty told the judge the change in lawyers "indicates that there's been a change in direction," but he later refused to explain that remark.

Felder said Gest is in Hawaii, where he went for treatment of injuries he suffered from Minnelli's alleged beatings. He said he expected Gest to return next month and to be questioned for a deposition.

Minnelli and Gest were married on March 16, 2002, at a star-studded ceremony that featured best man Michael Jackson , who had introduced them, carrying the bride's train and Elizabeth Taylor serving as maid of honor. They separated in July 2003.