When is it Too Late to Fire your Attorney?

Are you unhappy with your present attorney? Are you wondering when is it too late to fire your attorney?

Your attorney is going to be the deciding factor in your family law case. An experienced, professional, competent, and responsive attorney can handle your case efficiently and achieve your goals. On the other hand, an inexperienced, unethical, or unresponsive attorney can break your case. Thus, it is necessary to change your legal representation in such situations. 

A client can fire their attorney at any time during their case, but the timing is of utmost importance. Firing an attorney is a big decision, and if you are unhappy with any aspect of your attorney, you have the right to change your counsel. But there are a few consequences of firing your attorney too late in the case. They are:

·        Additional Fee

Your previous attorney has the right to claim all legal fees for the work done in your case, including filing, moving records, and travel fees. Read your client-attorney agreement thoroughly to ascertain it doesn't give them to right to claim their full fee if the trial concludes. In addition, you also have to pay your new attorney, who will begin working on your case from scratch. 

·        Delays

Changing attorneys if a verdict is near or a settlement agreement is in sight can potentially delay the outcome. Your new attorney will need time to study documents, talk to witnesses, and assess your situation. They may also have a different strategy than the previous attorney, thereby jeopardizing the negotiation process. If your previous attorney made significant progress in your case, your new attorney will need time to catch up. 

Consult with Jos Family Law Before Changing your Legal Representation 

Consult with our experienced attorneys to know how firing your current attorney can affect your case. We will let you know the repercussions and advise if it's the best way forward. If you decide to hire us, we will negotiate or litigate on your behalf, keeping your best interests in mind. 

Call (714) 733-7066 or send an email to jos@josfamilylaw.com for a free consultation with our seasoned attorneys today.