Divorce is a very difficult process. However, it can be even harder if the client-attorney relationship is suffering. There are many reasons why a client may want to fire their family law attorney. Some of the reasons are valid while some reasons can be from miscommunication or differing expectations. 
Regardless of the reasons, there is important information to consider before firing your attorney and issues you definitely want to watch out for in your case.
Identify the Issue
The most helpful first step in deciding whether or not to fire your family law attorney is to understand what the actual issue is that is bothering you. Do you feel like your case is moving too slowly or results you were hoping for are not coming to fruition?
Other common issues clients experience involve the attorney not returning calls, or that they are being charged too much and have little to show for it. These issues can and should be brought up with your attorney at the first occurrence.
Reasonable Expectations
You and your Tulsa family law attorney may have completely different goals and expectations concerning your case. However, if you do not discuss these ideas openly, both of you will become frustrated.
The divorce process and court procedure is nothing like most people have experienced in their lives. The closest they have come is watching court room shows on television, or friends or family talking about their experience. The family court system moves a lot slower than most think. The process requires (many times) multiple hearings on a single issue, and can last more than a year or two.
Make sure the issue is not your unrealistic expectations about a court system that may or may not be working in your favor.
When the Attorney is the Issue
There are several common issues that will force you to reconsider whether your family law attorney is right for you. Consider the following.
- Not returning phone calls for several days or ever
- Missing court appearances
- Failing to update you on your case
- Promising to do something and then not follow through
- Yelling at you, insulting you, calling names
- Refusing to send your bill with itemized costs
These events, if not addressed when you first bring the issue up, are good reasons to look for another family law attorney before your next hearing.
Court Procedure
If your hearing is coming up soon, there may be a problem with changing your family law attorney before the hearing. You may need to request permission from the judge to fire your attorney. The judge may grant your request based on your answers to the following questions.
- Will you proceed with your trial on schedule even if you do not have an attorney by the trial date?
- Will you ask for a continuance?
- Will you proceed with your case even if you are unable to find an attorney that is willing to represent you?
Most judges do not have an issue granting permission to fire your attorney, however if you are in the middle of the trial, or a trial fast approaching, judges are reluctant unless you are willing to stick to the schedule.
Free Consultation with a Tulsa Family Law Attorney
When the attorney-client relationship breaks down, this can be damaging to your case and extremely frustrating. Your family law attorney is supposed to be your advocate, so when you feel like that is not the case, it is time to rethink your legal team.
Hiring a knowledgeable and compassionate family law attorney will ensure the process is expertly conducted and your interests are well represented.
Contact an experienced Tulsa divorce attorney when you need to go through the Oklahoma relocation process.
For a free confidential consultation, call now: 918-924-5526.
