when you dont trust your lawyer

If you don’t trust the advice of your divorce lawyer, the first step is to communicate with them. You won’t make any headway if you don’t confront the issue head-on. Even if it seems intimidating, it’s important that you and your lawyer trust each other.

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

Sep 17, 2014 · Don’t Forget About This Often Overlooked “Secret” That Many Attorneys Have As with your doctor, your attorney is someone with whom you should have a rapport. When you feel able to be forthcoming with your attorney, your case will …

What are my rights if I am unhappy with my lawyer?

Nov 05, 2016 · The first step that you need to take in regard to addressing the issue of not trusting your divorce lawyer’s advice is raising the issue with him or her. Taking a passive aggressive approach will be a disservice to you. Schedule an appointment with your attorney.

What should you look for when dealing with an attorney?

Jun 01, 2013 · Posted on Jun 3, 2013. A lack of trust in an attorney-client relationship isn't significantly different than a lack of trust in a marriage...it has virtually no chance of working out in the long term, and in the short term will only breed animosity and anger. Very often this is for want of effective communication.

What happens if you don't pay your lawyer?

Answer (1 of 10): As others have said, your lawyer is not there to be your friend. However, if for whatever reason you truly don't trust your attorney, get out now and find a competent lawyer who you do trust. A lack of trust, or worse—the sense that your attorney may not be competent--is …

What do I do if I don't like my lawyer?

If you do not agree with your lawyer's advice, let them know, and listen to their explanation. If you aren't satisfied with the answers, ask another lawyer for a second opinion. You may also consider hiring another lawyer, although that may delay the resolution of your case.

What should you not say to a lawyer?

9 Taboo Sayings You Should Never Tell Your LawyerI forgot I had an appointment. ... I didn't bring the documents related to my case. ... I have already done some of the work for you. ... My case will be easy money for you. ... I have already spoken with 5 other lawyers. ... Other lawyers don't have my best interests at heart.More items...•Mar 17, 2021

What is the most common complaint against lawyers?

Perhaps the most common kinds of complaints against lawyers involve delay or neglect. This doesn't mean that occasionally you've had to wait for a phone call to be returned. It means there has been a pattern of the lawyer's failing to respond or to take action over a period of months.

How do you know a bad lawyer?

Signs of a Bad LawyerBad Communicators. Communication is normal to have questions about your case. ... Not Upfront and Honest About Billing. Your attorney needs to make money, and billing for their services is how they earn a living. ... Not Confident. ... Unprofessional. ... Not Empathetic or Compassionate to Your Needs. ... Disrespectful.Aug 19, 2020

Why do lawyers ignore you?

There's bad news your attorney doesn't want to deliver. If your attorney is not experienced or efficient, they may have missed a deadline or made another mistake and aren't willing to confess their error. There could also be some bad news that is entirely outside of the attorney's control.Mar 29, 2021

How often should I hear from my attorney?

You should never be afraid or feel like an intrusion to contact your attorney every three weeks or so, or more frequently if there is a lot going on with your health or other matters related to your legal case. There is of course a limit to how much you should be contacting or sharing.Jun 17, 2020

How do you know if a lawyer is scamming you?

Some common signs of a scam include:Payment needs to happen quickly. You can't ask questions or get clarification.It's an emergency. Someone may threaten you or your loved ones.Requests for money usually happen over text, email or phone.The person contacting you is not someone you recognize.Mar 29, 2021

How do you write a complaint letter about a lawyer?

Formal complaint against [name of lawyer or law firm] describe what the lawyer had been hired to do for you [for example dealing with the sale or purchase of a house] • say when this was [give the date or dates when the problem occurred]. My complaint is that [list what you think went wrong or wasn't done properly.

How do I file a complaint against an attorney in Ohio?

To file a grievance against an attorney, please contact the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct or the Office of Disciplinary Counsel. The disciplinary process, i.e., a grievance, will not affect or change court or other decisions made in a case.

Is it normal to not hear from your lawyer?

Throughout the process of getting your financial settlement after becoming injured, there may be periods of time that you do not hear from your attorney. Although this can be unnerving, it is a normal part of the legal process.Oct 25, 2018

How often should your lawyer update you?

Once a month is a good rule of thumb if things are slow, but if you are preparing for trial or in my case an administrative benefits hearing, the contact with you and your attorney should be more frequent and specifically scheduled.

How do I know if my lawyer is good?

So if you're curious, use these five quick ways to research whether your lawyer is legit:State Bar Profile. Every lawyer who is licensed to practice law in your home state must be listed in your state bar association's directory. ... Google / Search Engines. ... Yelp. ... The Attorney's Own Website. ... Third-Party Rating Groups.Sep 18, 2014

What happens if you don't trust your divorce lawyer?

If your lack of confidence and trust in your divorce lawyer is significant, or if it persists, you simply should not maintain a professional relationship with that individual. If the lack of confidence in your attorney becomes so profound or constant, the situation will end up having a negative impact on your case.

How to avoid being accusatory?

Try to avoid be accusatory when you do meet with your lawyer. You need to be honest and direct. However, you do not need to be confrontational. Do not make an immediate decision about taking further action directly after the meeting. Take or two to ponder the matter at hand.

Clifford Horwitz

You should meet face-to-face with your attorney to discuss these matters.

Bryce Patrick McPartland

A lack of trust in an attorney-client relationship isn't significantly different than a lack of trust in a marriage...it has virtually no chance of working out in the long term, and in the short term will only breed animosity and anger. Very often this is for want of effective communication...

Lars A. Lundeen

I don't think you have mentioned anything that appears to be unethical or illegal. I do suggest that you contact your attorney and request a face-to-face meeting concerning the status of your case. In particular, tell them about your interest in learning about your PIP payments etc.

John Michael Phillips

I agree with the other lawyers here about (1) consulting and confronting your lawyer about your issues and then (2) seeking other counsel.#N#The misinformation by TV lawyers and referral services- is why people should consult lawyers who take the time like on sites like this. Because of the economy...

Jason M. Melton

You should call and make an appointment with your lawyer - trust is the most important part of your relationship with your lawyer.#N#That said, nothing in your post sounds unethical, it just sounds like you guys could do a better job communicating.

Richard A. Alexander

Have a face to face meeting with your attorney without exceptions. It has been my experience that a lot of clients forget that the attorney works FOR the client, not the other way around.#N#Good luck,#N#Richard Alexander

Clifford M. Miller

Talk to your lawyer and read my answer to a very similar question just posted.

What to do if your lawyer doesn't work?

If that doesn't work, as a last resort you may need to sue your lawyer in small claims court, asking the court for money to compensate you for what you've spent on redoing work in the file or trying to get the file.

What to do if you are not satisfied with your lawyer?

If you're not satisfied with your lawyer's strategy decisions or with the arguments the lawyer has been making on your behalf, you may even want to go to the law library and do some reading to educate yourself about your legal problem.

What is the agency responsible for licensing and disciplining lawyers?

Every state has an agency responsible for licensing and disciplining lawyers. In most states, it's the bar association; in others, the state supreme court. The agency is most likely to take action if your lawyer has failed to pay you money that you won in a settlement or lawsuit, made some egregious error such as failing to show up in court, didn't do legal work you paid for, committed a crime, or has a drug or alcohol abuse problem.

What to do if you can't find out what has been done?

If you can't find out what has (and has not) been done, you need to get hold of your file. You can read it in your lawyer's office or ask your lawyer to send you copies of everything -- all correspondence and everything filed with the court or recorded with a government agency.

What to do if you lost money because of a lawyer?

If you lost money because of the way your lawyer handled your case, consider suing for malpractice. Know, however, that it is not an easy task. You must prove two things:

Can you sue for legal malpractice?

If you want to sue for legal malpractice, do it as quickly as possible. A common defense raised by attorneys sued for malpractice is that the client waited too long to sue. And because this area of the law can be surprisingly complicated and confusing, there's often plenty of room for argument.

Does the state bar reimburse clients?

But all states except Maine, New Mexico, and Tennessee do have funds from which they may reimburse clients whose attorneys stole from them.

Can you trust your attorney? Don't miss these red flags

An incompetent or corrupt attorney can ruin your case. I got a call the other day from someone looking for an expert witness for a legal malpractice case. It was a somewhat unusual call. Their attorney should be the one finding people who can review the case and testify as a witness. If they are asking their client to do this, it’s a red flag.

Meet The Blogger

I am a lawyer who talks like a regular person. I provide direct, honest advice, and if needed, I will recommend a lawyer to you.

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 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.

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.

Can a lawyer write a will?

For example, a lawyer may not be involved in writing a will for a client who leaves the lawyer substantial money or property in that will. Keeping Clients’ Property. If a lawyer is holding a client’s money or property, it must be kept safely and separately from the lawyer’s own funds and belongings.

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.

Can a lawyer represent two clients?

A lawyer must be loyal to his or her client. This means that a lawyer cannot represent two clients who are on opposite sides in the same or related lawsuits. And, ordinarily, there can be no representation of a client whose interests would conflict with the lawyer’s interests.

Vincent Barney Garcia

Have a face to face discussion with the attorney. Look her in the eye and explain your feelings. Perhaps she was having a bad day when you last spoke to her. She probably was also considering other issues. You just don't know. The attorney will not be offended. Also, pay whatever you owe your attorney.

David L. Carrier

You need full confidence in your attorney before you step into court... get that confidence or get a new attorney by meeting face to face and honestly discussing these issues.

Steven J. Fromm

It is unethical for attorney at this forum to comment about another attorney retained. You need to address your concerns directly with this attorney in a face to face meeting.#N#Hope this helps. If you like this answer and have a Google account , please hit the...

How to get a good lawyer to take your case?

“If you want to improve your chances of securing the best lawyer to take your case, you need to prepare before you meet them,” advises attorney Stephen Babcock. “Get your story, facts, and proof together well before your first meeting.” This not only ensures that you understand your own needs, but it helps a good lawyer to ascertain whether he or she can actually help you. “We want the best clients too. Proving you’re organized and reliable helps us.”

Why is it important to approach a lawyer with honesty?

“ Winning cases can be lost because of a client who lies or exaggerates just as easily as because of a lawyer who tells the client what the client wants to hear instead of what is true.” So when dealing with attorneys, don’t just look for honesty—be honest.

What is a potential money pit?

When hiring an attorney, a potential money pit is “expenses” outside of the lawyer’s billable hours. Expenses include everything—copying and faxing costs, hiring expert witnesses, and even traveling via private jet, points out attorney Justin C. Roberts. Some lawyers don’t just pass the charges along; instead, they charge an additional percentage fee. Whatever their method, you need to know it up front so there won’t be any surprises when the bill arrives.

Do good lawyers always find every opportunity to keep a case from being decided by a judge?

“In my experience, a good lawyer always finds every opportunity to keep a case from being decided by a judge, and only relents on trying a case before the bench when all alternatives have been exhausted,” attorney, Jason Cruz says. “If a lawyer suggests they want to try the case in front of a judge, you should definitely speak with another lawyer before proceeding,”

Can you appeal a disability denial?

If you feel helpless when faced with an insurance denial, please know that you might be able to appeal with the help of a qualified lawyer, says David Himelfarb, attorney. Insurance companies routinely deny long-term disability claims, for example, particularly because it’s assumed that most people don’t have access to reputable attorneys to challenge the denial. “This is where intricate knowledge of the legal and insurance process, as well as the right team of experts to prove the claim, can reverse the odds.”

Do most cases settle outside the courtroom?

In choosing your attorney and your plan of action in resolving a dispute, it’s important to consider that despite what you see on television, most cases never see the inside of a courtroom. Typically, they’re settled outside the courtroom because of the time and expense involved, according to attorney Darren Heitner, author of How to Play the Game: What Every Sports Attorney Needs to Know.