Can You Change Divorce Lawyers?

Can You Change Divorce Lawyers?

When going through a divorce, you expect your lawyer to work in your best interests at all times, keep you updated on the status of your case, and help you navigate the process. Unfortunately, this does not always happen. Sometimes, clients feel as though their case is not receiving the proper attention, yet they feel stuck working with the lawyer they originally chose. In Michigan, it is possible to change your divorce lawyer, even when you are in the middle of your case. If you want to change your divorce lawyer, there are some specific steps you should follow.

Reasons to Fire Your Divorce Lawyer

People have many different reasons for firing their divorce lawyer. The three most common are as follows:

• Refusal to listen: Attorneys sometimes pressure clients to accept terms that are unfavorable to them when it comes to factors such as property division and even child custody. Although divorce lawyers should guide you through the case and offer advice, they should never pressure you into accepting terms with which you are not comfortable.
• Lack of communication: You have the right to receive regular updates on your case from your lawyer. You also have the right to have your questions answered in a timely manner. When these things do not happen, you may want to change your divorce lawyer.
• Lack of timeliness: Divorce cases have many deadlines, and missing them could have a real negative impact on your case. When lawyers miss these deadlines, it puts your whole case in jeopardy, and you should consider hiring a new divorce lawyer.

These are not the only reasons people sometimes fire their divorce lawyers and find a new one. If you are not happy with your current counsel, there are steps you should take when hiring a new lawyer.

How to Hire a New Divorce Lawyer

The first step in finding a new lawyer is to do just that. Find an attorney who you are comfortable with and who you believe will do a better job. From there, your new attorney will largely do most of the work to make the new relationship official.

First, your new attorney will reach out to your old lawyer to receive all of the files pertaining to your case. Your new attorney will also know how to notify the court and all other attorneys involved in the case to notify them that you have replaced your lawyer and that they will now act as your legal representation.

It is important to understand that when switching attorneys, you may still owe legal fees and other costs to your old attorney. It is still your responsibility to pay these fees, so switching attorneys may cause you to incur additional costs. Still, working with a lawyer you feel comfortable with and who will secure a fair settlement for you is worth it, as you will not have to suffer negative impacts for years to come.

Call Our Michigan Divorce Lawyers Today

If you are going through a divorce and are unhappy with your current attorney, our Clinton Township divorce lawyers at Iafrate & Salassa can help. Our skilled attorneys will always work in your best interests, keep you informed about your case, and will never pressure you to accept terms that are unfavorable or that infringe on your rights. Call us today or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more about how we can help.