Sometimes a family law attorney isn’t the right one for you. That may not be a reflection on that individual’s skills or abilities. In fact, and I know this will come as a suprise, there are even people who do not like MY style!!!! Hard to believe, I know. But it is possible that the approach an attorney takes is not the one you prefer and you have a right to change attorneys at nearly any stage of the process if you can find one willing to pick up that you like.
Here are some reasons TO change attorneys:
- Your attorney is not giving you the kind of information you need to make decisions or communicating with you at all
- Your attorney won’t take a reasonable action that you’ve requested, such as accepting an offer
- Your attorney is not being transparent about billing or you suspect they are increasing their billing in a way not consistent with the work they are doing
Here are some reasons NOT to change attorneys:
- You don’t like the answer you’re getting. You can get a second opinion but it’s possible the problem is not your lawyer it’s that the lawyer is right about what the legal system does
- You think that the lawyer is charging too much but they are charging a reasonable rate and charging for time spent — it is possible your matter is more expensive than you want it to be without it being the attorney’s fault
- You want your lawyer to be just — nasty. Or unnecessarily aggressive. There is a difference between assertive and nasty. Sometimes strategically being aggressive in court does the opposite of what you think it does in front of the person that matters – the judge.
However, if you are uncomfortable with the attorney you have don’t forever have regret that you did nothing about it. Talk to an attorney you think may suit your needs better. If that attorney is me, I will tell you honestly if I think your attorney is being reasonable and you should stay with them unless you’re completely sure this isn’t right for you. I have no interest in taking a client from an attorney who is doing the right thing if you’re just nervous. But I’ll tell you the truth, even if it doesn’t make me money. Because you deserve the truth.