When is it Too Late to Fire your Attorney?

Family law is vast and complex. Most clients hire an attorney to simplify the process and achieve their goals. They look for qualities like ethics, honesty, communication, promptness, and of course, expertise. However, it is not uncommon for even the most experienced attorneys to fall short of expectations. As a client, you may have doubts about whether you should continue with them or not. 

But when is it too late to fire your attorney? 

While you are within your rights to terminate your legal representation at any time during the case, doing so too late can negatively impact your case. Thus, firing your attorneys too late in the case can have unintended consequences.

Firing your Attorney Too Late Can Cost you

·        Delays

If your attorney has made substantial progress in your case, firing them may prolong the negotiating litigation due to date changes and postponed hearings. 

·        Costly

Your previous attorney may have a claim to all work done in your case, and in some cases, their complete legal fee even if a resolution isn't reached. Read the attorney-client document carefully to know. In addition, hiring a new attorney will also add to the cost.

·        Conflict of Strategy

Changing attorneys may cause disruptions due to the time your new attorney will need to come to speed with the facts of the case. They may also have a different viewpoint, further prolonging or adding expenses to your case. 

·        Stress

Changing attorneys may also result in added stress.  

So when is it too late to fire your attorney? As a general rule, if your previous attorney has made substantial progress in your case, firing them may not be in your best interests. 

If you are unhappy with your current attorney's progress, consult the seasoned lawyers at Jos Family Law. We will provide your options and the potential risks of changing attorneys. 

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