The client-lawyer relationship is a very important bond. The family law attorney-client relationship is that much more important. Your family law attorney hears the most intimate details of your marriage, issues and events that many don’t tell their best friends or parents. But when does it become time to fire your attorney in Oklahoma?
Your family law attorney will get to know your children’s names, ages, likes and dislikes. They will know the moment you no longer loved your spouse, or times your spouse may have cheated on you. Topics such as the wedding china, family photo books, and where the children will be during the holidays will be regular conversation.
If you no longer feel comfortable with your family attorney, or you feel that your attorney is no longer representing your interests, it is time to ask yourself “when do I fire my attorney?”
Reasons to Fire Your Attorney
There are a few very important and legitimate reasons for wanting to fire your attorney. These don’t include the judge not ruling in your favor despite your attorney’s best efforts, or the court system moving your case along too slowly. These are issues your family law attorney cannot control no matter how hard they work.
The following are situations your family law attorney can control and reasons why you may want to consider the option to fire your attorney.
Unprofessionalism
First, if your attorney is unprofessional, it is time to move on. For example, if your attorney is constantly arriving late to court, is unprepared for your hearings, or is disorganized and leaves key documents at the office, this is blatant disregard to your interests and gravely unprofessional.
You do not want this type of family law attorney representing you.
Uncommunicative
If your attorney is avoiding your calls, not returning e-mails, or just failing to communicate, this is a red flag. Although the lack of communication itself can be frustrating, what is happening is a loss of efficient work time.
Failing to work together on your case results in the case being dragged out and inefficient use of time. Consider hiring a family law attorney that is well-versed in communication.
Inexperienced
A common scenario is when an attorney attempts to venture outside their primary practice area. The attorney believes they can easily look up case law or study statutes and be able to grasp the legal issues in your case.
However, it takes years to understand the nuances of family law, understand the court system, and become familiar with the judges.
You have good reason to be uncomfortable with an attorney that appears to be “winging it” and should seek other counsel.
Aggressive
Many times, family law attorneys will strongly encourage their clients to settle against their wishes, or to give an asset to the other spouse to reach a compromise.
When you feel like your case should go before a judge or you feel unduly pressured by your attorney to settle, that should be a signal that something isn’t right with the situation.
Similarly, it’s time to get a new attorney if you want a quick settlement, but your attorney is refusing to communicate or negotiate with your spouse.
Apathetic
Lastly, if you feel like your attorney is just not empathetic to the issues that are most important to you — for example not supporting your desire for a specific item of furniture, the importance of the family business, or custody of your child — this is the strongest sign that a new attorney would be best.
The relationship between a family law attorney and their client is one of the more important relationships in the law, when that begins to break down, changing attorneys is essential to your case and your well being.
Free Consultation with a Tulsa Divorce Lawyer
A strong relationship filled with mutual respect and understanding is important between a family law attorney and their client. Losing confidence in your attorney is both scary and stressful because you question whether you should start over with a new attorney, or try to make the current relationship work.
If any of the above situations are occurring, you can rest assured the relationship is no longer working.
Contact an experienced Tulsa divorce attorney when you need to go through the Oklahoma divorce process.
For a free confidential consultation, call now: 918-924-5526.
