During a divorce case, you maintain the right not only to legal representation but assistance from an attorney that instills confidence in you, according to the American Bar Association Section of Family Law. A process exists to change attorneys, if you find yourself at a juncture where you do not desire to keep your current lawyer. The procedure to switch lawyers is the same no matter where you happen to reside in the United States.
Step 1
Sign a contract for professional services with your newly selected attorney. Make certain that you have officially retained replacement representation before you terminate your existing lawyer.
Step 2
Advise your new attorney of any pending deadlines or court hearings. The lawyer will access this information on his own. Nonetheless, providing this information is necessary to ensure that you cover all bases.
Step 3
Draft a letter to your current attorney. Advise your current lawyer that you retained new legal representation and no longer require her services.
Step 4
Instruct your current attorney to turn over your files to your new counsel in the letter. Set a specific date for turning over the files to your replacement lawyer.
Step 5
Deliver the termination letter to your current counsel. Accomplish this task either by delivering the letter personally to his office, or by U.S. Mail, certified and return receipt requested.
Tips and Warnings
- The American Bar Association maintains resources to aid you in terminating a current lawyer and hiring a new one. These include contact information for local and state bar associations, groups that provide directories of lawyers in your general area that provide divorce representation.
Things You'll Need
- Letter terminating current attorney
References
- American Bar Association: Section of Family Law
- Cornell University Law School: Divorce Overview
- "The Complete Divorce Handbook: A Practical Guide"; Brette McWhorter Sember; 2009
