Ideally, it is best to keep the same lawyer throughout your proceedings. It will keep the costs down and provide continuity. If you make a change, however, you will likely have to start your case from the beginning and bring your new attorney up to speed.
Don’t change attorneys simply because you dislike the advice you are getting. If you think your attorney is really off base, get a second opinion, but if you find another lawyer tells you the same thing, or if during a hearing, the judge confirms the advice your attorney has given you, realize you just may not like what you’re hearing.
Still, you don’t want to stick with a lawyer you don’t connect with. Examine the reasons for your displeasure and make sure they are valid. Some legitimate reasons to change attorneys are:
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Your attorney refuses to return your telephone calls
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Your attorney fails to meet deadlines
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You are uncomfortable with your counsel and feel you can’t be honest
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Your legal bill is going up but you don’t see progress in the case
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Your lawyer is not listening to you
Don’t fire your attorney until you have found a replacement. The second lawyer will want to know you are no longer working with your original attorney so you will need to hire and fire in quick succession.
Also, remember that your lawyer is not your therapist. While it’s comforting to rely on your biggest champion, remember your case is not the only one that your lawyer is handling.
No matter what stage you are at in the divorce process, the lawyers at The Massachusetts Family Law Group have earned the reputation as zealous advocates for their clients’ legal matters.
Between our offices in Plymouth and on Cape Cod, we cover all the towns and cities in Plymouth, Bristol, Barnstable, Dukes and Nantucket counties and gladly offer no-obligation consultations to those seeking legal representation. Contact us to set-up an appointment.
We’ve reviewed, represented or even litigated family law matters in Hingham, Plymouth, Brockton, Scituate, Easton, New Bedford, Barnstable Hyannis, Falmouth, Orleans and even Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket. Call (800) 910-DIVORCE or contact us today.
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