When Should You Consider Changing Your Divorce Lawyer
Getting divorced is one of the most difficult experiences a person can go through. The last thing you want is to have that stress compounded by unprofessional behavior from your lawyer or ineffective legal help. Still, changing your divorce lawyer is not something to take lightly. You will have to pay your first lawyer’s bill up to the time of dismissal and also pay your new lawyer’s retainer. Because of the delay it will cause, if your court action has commenced, you may also have to convince the judge that there is a good legal reason to fire your present lawyer.
Nevertheless, there are definitely circumstances when changing your divorce lawyer is the best thing to do. If you learn to look out for the warning signs, you will have a better sense of when this is necessary.
Do You Understand The Cost?
Your lawyer should be willing to fight for your best interests, but he or she should also know when it’s in your best interest to avoid going to court. The best divorce lawyers know when to litigate and when to negotiate.
Early in the process, your lawyer ought to have a discussion with you about how much it will cost to obtain your objectives and what your best options are for keeping the cost low. A good divorce lawyer will understand how to compromise and avoid ugly, costly battles that are not justified by the outcome – even over matters relating to children.
At the same time, you should never feel as though your lawyer is trying to pressure you into settling for less than you are legally owed. Feeling pressured to do something that you don’t want to do is a definite warning sign. Still, if you have never had a frank talk with your divorce lawyer about money, it may be time to make a change.
Do You Know The Plan?
Once you are far enough along in the process, your lawyer ought to be able to give you an idea of strategy. In the initial stages, your lawyer is gathering information that affects your case, such as:
- Financial information about you and your spouse
- The roles performed by you and your spouse in the marriage
- The parenting arrangements that existed during the marriage
The purpose of gathering that information is for your family lawyer to gain an understanding of ho w to resolve your case. If after a few months have passed you have no idea what the overall plan is and what your lawyer expects to happen, it’s time to find out if you can get answers. If no answers are forthcoming, you may have to change lawyers.
Do You Feel Comfortable?
Above all, it’s important to feel comfortable with your lawyer during the process. This is a difficult time. You have a right to expect empathy. You should always feel as though you trust your lawyer and understand his or her explanations. If you don’t feel as though your lawyer has your best interests at heart, or if you feel that he or she does not understand or does not agree with your position, these are warnings signs.
Related: How to Find the Right Divorce Lawyer in Toronto and Get a Free Consultation
Communication is part of comfort and trust. You should understand the direction of your case, what to expect, and where you are in the process. If your case is progressing and your lawyer keeps in regular contact with you about it, you shouldn’t ask for updates constantly. However, if you are respectful of your lawyers time but your calls don’t get a response within a day or two, you should probably consider changing your divorce lawyer.
A compassionate divorce lawyer at our trusted family law firm in Toronto (with offices in North Toronto, Markhma and Oakville) can assist you and your problems. Pick up the phone today to speak with one of our family lawyers or schedule a free phone consultation.