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No matter how perfect they seem at first, some relationships are destined to fail. Your relationship with your lawyer is no exception. No matter what the reason, you have the right to replace your attorney whenever you want. How do you know when it's time to take action and change attorneys? Review this video clip for a list of warning signs to watch for, suggestions on how to handle the situation, and more. Access all the material referenced in this video and more here.

 

 

Replace a Lawyer Video Transcript

No matter how perfect they seem at first, some relationships are destined to fail. Your relationship with your lawyer is no exception.

It may start with a lack of communication: your calls went unanswered or you heard nothing about your matter for weeks or months. Or maybe you have the sense your lawyer is not on top of things - he or she can't remember even the simplest details about your case. Or worse, the attorney that seemed so perfect now recommends a strategy that you totally disagree with.

How do you know when it's time to take action and change attorneys? Watch for these warning signs:

• If your calls aren't returned within 48 hours, this may signal that your lawyer is too busy to deal with your matter.
• If you're asked to provide documents that you've already provided or to fill out forms you've already completed, this is a sign that your lawyer is not attentive to your needs.
• Another sign: your lawyer asks for repeated time extensions from the court without a good explanation, or consistently cancels meetings with you.
• If you receive notices from the court or from another party saying that a deadline has been missed or that your case is about to be dismissed for lack of activity, that's a sign your lawyer is not giving your matter the proper attention.
• Finally, if documents you've been promised aren't ready when they're supposed to be, you may want to look elsewhere.

If you're uncomfortable approaching your lawyer face to face, then write your lawyer a letter or email.

Whichever route you take, be polite, calm and specific. Provide your lawyer with a list of instances that have raised concerns. Ask for an explanation, making sure to be fair and open-minded.

If you still think the relationship can't be saved, you should find another lawyer. But before you do, keep in mind that you shouldn't fire your attorney until you have found another. Lawyers.com can help you with your search.

Understand that no matter how much information your original attorney gives to the new one, it will take your new attorney time to get up to speed. And you may be billed for that time.

No matter what, it is your right to replace your attorney whenever you want for whatever reason. Even though the decision can be difficult, finding the right lawyer can affect the outcome of your matter. Need help with the steps you should follow?

Lawyers.com can help you select another attorney. Go there to conduct a search or view video clips that walk you through the process of selecting a new lawyer.

Have questions about other life events? Then go to the Life Events section on lawyers.com for more helpful video tips.