When is it too Late to Fire your Attorney?

There can be various reasons why a person would want to fire their attorney. Whether it’s due to a lack of communication, disagreement over strategy, or lack of experience or professionalism on part of the attorney, a client is under no obligation to retain the attorney for the entirety of their case. 

As a general rule, you can fire your attorney at any time, barring a few exceptions. For example, in case of criminal charges for domestic violence against you with the trial imminent, you need to have the court’s permission to change your attorney. 

But when is it too late to fire your attorney? Let’s take a look:

·        Ongoing Trial

If you’re in the midst of ongoing court proceedings, changing your attorney may require the court’s permission. 

·        Significant Progress

If your attorney has invested significant time and effort in your case, you may have to pay their retainer fee for all work done.

·        Significant Costs

Changing attorneys between a case may involve huge costs, potentially double. This may put a financial burden on you during an already challenging situation. 

·        Significant Time

If you’re racing against time to meet a deadline or a court date, chanting an attorney and finding a new one can take a significant amount of time. 

Make an Informed Decision

It’s important to consult with another attorney and evaluate the decision carefully before you fire your present attorney. 

Firing your attorney can be tricky, but it’s not impossible. Consult with Jos Family Law to know if the timing is conducive for your case or detrimental to your interests. 

Call (714) 733-7066 or send an email to jos@josfamilylaw.com to schedule a free consultation with our attorneys today.