Changing attorneys in the middle of your divorce or child custody proceedings is a major decision, but can be necessary depending on the circumstances. There are many situations where a change of representation is essential to the outcome of your case, but how do you know it’s time for a change? Consider the following.
Personal Reasons – It is not essential for you and your attorney to agree on every aspect of your case, and disagreements with your chosen representative can occur. If this problem becomes repetitive or you are experiencing regret about following your attorney’s advice, it might be time to seek advice from a different lawyer. When approaching the idea of switching attorneys, try to put your emotions aside. If your attorney is telling you things you might not want to hear, this could be a good sign that he or she are looking out for your best interest. If you find yourself expressing concerns to your lawyer but are continually frustrated with your attorney’s lack of communication or failure to address certain issues, then it might be time to seek out another attorney’s opinion.
Ethical Concerns – Unethical activity by an attorney could drastically impact your case so do not take chances – take your concerns to a new lawyer and ask for a case review. You may find that your concerns were unwarranted, but the peace of mind will be worth it.
How to know when is the right time – Although changing attorneys in the middle of a case is difficult, it is not impossible. However, changing attorneys right before a trial or hearing could harm the outcome of your case. Before informing your current attorney that you have hired someone else, be sure to consult with your new representative about how and when to facilitate the transition and whether he or she will have enough time to prepare for upcoming court appearances.
If you or someone you know is in need of legal counseling, contact one of Hatcher Law Group’s experienced family law attorneys today.