what can i do if my lawyer won't give me a copy of my contract

by Elinor Moore Jr. 7 min read

If you can't get them from your attorney, then the only place to get them is at the courthouse. You can try making an application to proceed "in forma pauperis" meaning you have no money and ask that the fees be waived. Report Abuse

Full Answer

Why won't my attorney give me a copy of my file?

Your attorney may be in violation of attorney ethical rules. You should provide him one more opportunity to provide you copies of your file by making a written request. If he fails to comply, you should explore filing a grievance with the state supreme court's attorney regulation office. * This will flag comments for moderators to take action.

What to do if your lawyer does not do what you want?

If your lawyer appears to have acted improperly, or did not do something that you think he or she should have done, talk with your lawyer about it. You may be satisfied once you understand the circumstances better. I have tried to discuss my complaints with my lawyer. However, my lawyer will not discuss them.

Can a new lawyer get my Documents from my old lawyer?

It is essential to ask or to sign an authorization allowing any new attorney to get your documents for the impending case. While there may be a fee dispute with your former lawyer, or you have yet to pay them, you are entitled to have your information. Is my lawyer supposed to keep my info and our communications confidential?

What happens if a lawyer refuses to take a case?

Unnecessary delays can often damage a case. If, because of overwork or any other reason, a lawyer is unable to spend the required time and energy on a case, the lawyer should refuse from the beginning to take the case. A lawyer must be able to communicate effectively with a client.

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Do you have a right to a copy of a contract?

There is no law stating you are entitled to a copy of anything you sign. You have the right to require a copy of a document as a condition to signing it. If you did not require the copy as a condition of signing, you would need a court order to require...

How do I request a copy of my contract?

If you are unable to reach the person holding the contract by telephone, or you do not have a direct number to him or her, you may want to send a formal email requesting a copy of the contract. Ask that a signed copy be mailed or e-mailed to you and provide your mailing address or e-mail address. Letter.

Is a contract valid if you don't get a copy?

4 attorney answers Absent some legal defense to the enforceability of the contract, and assuming both parties signed the contract, it is immaterial whether the buyer actually received a copy of the same. The buyer should request a copy, however.

How do you fight a signed contract?

For those times when either life or your mind changes, here are five tips for getting out of a contract:Send a letter requesting to cancel the contract. ... The FTC's "cooling off" rule. ... Check your state's consumer-protection laws. ... Breach the contract. ... Talk to an attorney.

How do I ask politely for a signed back agreement?

How to Ask Someone to Sign a DocumentKindly sign and return the attached document(s).Please sign the attached copy(ies).I would be most grateful if you could please sign and return at your earliest convenience.Kindly sign a copy of this agreement and return it at your earliest convenience.Please sign both copies.More items...•

What to say after signing a contract?

Remember to:Make the acceptance obvious (i.e. use the words, "I am pleased to accept your offer…")Repeat the position title and relevant terms.Give your expected start date.Express your thanks.Clarify anything that needs to be clarified.Inquire about additional paperwork or information to provide.

What are the 4 requirements for a valid contract?

An agreement between private parties creating mutual obligations enforceable by law. The basic elements required for the agreement to be a legally enforceable contract are: mutual assent, expressed by a valid offer and acceptance; adequate consideration; capacity; and legality.

What makes a contract null and void?

A null and void contract is an illegitimate agreement, making it unenforceable by the law. Null and void contracts are never actually executed because they are missing one or more of the required elements of a legal agreement.

What makes a contract not valid?

If the subject matter is illegal, the contract will not be valid. All terms of your contract must not contravene any federal or state law. If the formation or performance of the contract will require a party to break the law, the contract is invalid.

On what grounds can a contract be terminated?

They can also include more complicated contract disputes, like breach of contract or rescission based on fraud, misrepresentation, or outside influence. Generally, a party has grounds to terminate a contract when: The terms of the contract have been completed.

Can a legal contract be broken?

Legally, one party's failure to fulfill any of its contractual obligations is known as a "breach" of the contract. Depending on the specifics, a breach can occur when a party fails to perform on time, does not perform in accordance with the terms of the agreement, or does not perform at all.

Does a signed agreement hold up in court?

Yes, signed contracts are legally binding. They are legally binding when they meet the elements of an enforceable and valid agreement. These elements include an offer , acceptance , consideration , mutual obligation , and competency .

1 attorney answer

She has to return any documents that belong to you which you gave her. But she does not have to give you any other work product documents or internal documents that she generated. If you feel that she is refusing to return documents which you provided to her, then you should contact the Florida bar and file a complaint...

Ayuban Antonio Tomas

She has to return any documents that belong to you which you gave her. But she does not have to give you any other work product documents or internal documents that she generated. If you feel that she is refusing to return documents which you provided to her, then you should contact the Florida bar and file a complaint...

Procuring a Copy of the Trust from Trustee

Your parent, loved one, or close friend has died. You know they had a plan. Their plan is in their trust. But you were never given a copy of the trust. You know who the trustee is and you asked for a copy. But the trustee either won’t respond or has told you that you won’t be sent a copy of the trust.

When does the trustee have to give me notice?

The trustee is required to serve notice no later than 60 days after any of the events in 1, 2, or 3 above have happened. For most people, a living trust becomes irrevocable because one or both settlers have died. If that has happened then the trustee has to send out notice.

Why should a lawyer refuse to take a case?

Unnecessary delays can often damage a case. If, because of overwork or any other reason, a lawyer is unable to spend the required time and energy on a case , the lawyer should refuse from the beginning to take the case. A lawyer must be able to communicate effectively with a client.

What to do if your lawyer is not responding to your complaint?

If your lawyer is unwilling to address your complaints, consider taking your legal affairs to another lawyer. You can decide whom to hire (and fire) as your lawyer. However, remember that when you fire a lawyer, you may be charged a reasonable amount for the work already done.

What to do if you have a complaint about a lawyer?

If you believe you have a valid complaint about how your lawyer has handled your case, inform the organization that governs law licenses in your state. Usually this is the disciplinary board of the highest court in your state. In some states, the state bar association is responsible for disciplining lawyers.

How should a lawyer act in both professional and private life?

How a lawyer should act, in both professional and private life, is controlled by the rules of professional conduct in the state or states in which he or she is licensed to practice. These rules are usually administered by the state’s highest court through its disciplinary board.

What is the relationship between a lawyer and a client?

In a lawyer-client relationship, acting responsibly involves duties on both sides—and often involves some hard work. You have a right to expect competent representation from your lawyer. However, every case has at least two sides. If you are unhappy with your lawyer, it is important to determine the reasons.

What is the job of a lawyer?

Communication. A lawyer must be able to communicate effectively with a client. When a client asks for an explanation, the lawyer must provide it within a reasonable time. A lawyer must inform a client about changes in a case caused by time and circumstances. Fees.

What happens if your lawyer doesn't communicate?

A lack of communication causes many problems. If your lawyer appears to have acted improperly, or did not do something that you think he or she should have done, talk with your lawyer about it. You may be satisfied once you understand the circumstances better. I have tried to discuss my complaints with my lawyer.

What to do if your attorney fails to comply with the law?

If he fails to comply, you should explore filing a grievance with the state supreme court's attorney regulation office.

What to do if your attorney is in violation of ethics?

Your attorney may be in violation of attorney ethical rules. You should provide him one more opportunity to provide you copies of your file by making a written request. If he fails to comply, you should explore filing a grievance with the state supreme court's attorney regulation office. Report Abuse. Report Abuse.

What happens if an attorney doesn't surrender a file?

If the attorney doesn't surrender the file, then, I'd think that your next step would be a complaint to the Bar Association. Report Abuse. Report Abuse.

Can an attorney hold a file hostage?

She/He must return your entire file within a reasonable time even if you owe money. An attorney can not hold hostage your file.

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