why is my divorce lawyer not getting back with me

It's usually a bad sign if your attorney consistently fails to return your calls within a reasonable time. A lawyer who doesn't respond to numerous messages probably isn't giving your case the attention it deserves. 6. Unfamiliarly with the Divorce Process Many attorneys focus on one or two practice areas, such as family law or criminal law.

Full Answer

Why would a lawyer not be qualified to handle a divorce?

Unfamiliarly with the Divorce Process Many attorneys focus on one or two practice areas, such as family law or criminal law. A lawyer who doesn’t understand the basics of a divorce or who can’t explain the court process probably isn’t qualified to handle your case.

Can my lawyer tell me what happened in my divorce case?

It’s okay if your attorney needs to check the docket or case notes to verify certain items. However, your lawyer should be able to tell you what’s happening in your divorce when you ask. 5. Unreturned Phone Calls

What are the signs of a bad divorce lawyer?

It's usually a bad sign if your attorney consistently fails to return your calls within a reasonable time. A lawyer who doesn't respond to numerous messages probably isn't giving your case the attention it deserves. 6. Unfamiliarly with the Divorce Process Many attorneys focus on one or two practice areas, such as family law or criminal law.

What should I do if I don’t hear back from my lawyer?

You might wish to contact your lawyer’s office in writingand politely express your frustration and concern if you haven’t heard back from them. Set forth your questions, the facts, relevant dates, and what you need from them. If that doesn’t help you get the answers you need, you might need to find an attorney who’s more responsive.

Is it normal for your lawyer to not respond?

Sometimes, lawyers take a bit longer than usual to respond because they are away from their office or traveling for business. If you have not heard back from your lawyer within 48 hours of sending them an important email, you should send another email just asking if there is any news or status about your case.

What to do when your lawyer stops communicating with you?

If your lawyer still does not respond, you can send him or her a letter explaining the communication problems. If at this point you do not hear anything from your lawyer, you should consult with a legal malpractice attorney.

What to do if your lawyer will not call you back?

If your lawyer does not return your call, send them a letter and keep a copy. In the letter, describe what is bothering you and what you need. Suggest meeting with the lawyer face-to-face.

What is reasonable response time for a lawyer?

Scott Aalsberg Esq. A: The lawyer should be responsive to your questions within 24-48 hours after you left a message. If the lawyer is not responsive, perhaps he or she is on vacation and unable to return.

What does it mean when a lawyer ignores you?

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.

Is it normal not to hear from your attorney?

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.

What is it called when a lawyer doesn't do his job?

Legal malpractice is a type of negligence in which a lawyer does harm to his or her client. Typically, this concerns lawyers acting in their own interests, lawyers breaching their contract with the client, and, one of the most common cases of legal malpractice, is when lawyers fail to act on time for clients.

What should you not say to a lawyer?

Five things not to say to a lawyer (if you want them to take you..."The Judge is biased against me" Is it possible that the Judge is "biased" against you? ... "Everyone is out to get me" ... "It's the principle that counts" ... "I don't have the money to pay you" ... Waiting until after the fact.

How often should I hear from my attorney?

There is no set formula for how often you will hear from your attorney. However, the key to a successful attorney client relationship is communication. Whenever there is an important occurrence in your case you will be contacted or notified.

Why do attorneys take so long to respond?

Once a case gets filed in court, things can really slow down. Common reasons why a case will take longer than one would hope can include: Trouble getting the defendant or respondent served. The case cannot proceed until the defendant on the case has been formally served with the court papers.

How do you get your lawyer to respond?

If you think your attorney is ignoring you, send a certified letter to his office questioning the silence and that you are prepared to find a new lawyer if necessary. This will jolt him into action. He will respond either by saying the two of you aren't a good fit, or he will start being much more communicative.

Why do lawyers take so long to settle a case?

The reasons a case can progress slowly can be summed up into three general points: Your case is slowed down by legal or factual problems. Your case involves a lot of damages and substantial compensation. You have not reached maximum medical improvement from your injuries (this will be explained below)

What happens if your lawyer doesn't understand your law?

If your lawyer doesn’t understand local laws or procedures, your case may end up taking much longer than necessary, or even worse, being dismissed because your attorney failed to meet essential requirements.

What does it mean when a lawyer doesn't respond to messages?

A lawyer who doesn't respond to numerous messages probably isn't giving your case the attention it deserves. 6. Unfamiliarly with the Divorce Process. Many attorneys focus on one or two practice areas, such as family law or criminal law.

What is the difference between assertive and take charge divorce lawyers?

11. Too Detached. You don’t want a lawyer who becomes too emotional or weepy in court.

What happens if your attorney forgets your 4th child?

Although you shouldn’t worry if your attorney forgets the name of your fourth child, there's a major problem if your lawyer doesn’t know anything about your case . Your attorney should remember the basics about your divorce.

What happens if you miss a court date?

Missing a court deadline could result in disastrous consequences for your divorce and may even amount to malpractice. 2. Perpetually Late. It’s a bad sign if your attorney is always running late, especially if it’s to an important meeting or a court hearing.

Is it okay to ask your attorney to check your case notes?

It’s okay if your attorney needs to check the docket or case notes to verify certain items. However, your lawyer should be able to tell you what’s happening in your divorce when you ask. 5. Unreturned Phone Calls. It's usually a bad sign if your attorney consistently fails to return your calls within a reasonable time.

Can an attorney file documents on time?

There is simply no excuse for an attorney who can’t file documents on time or one who misses important hearings in your case. Missing a court deadline could result in disastrous consequences for your divorce and may even amount to malpractice.

What to do if your attorney does not reply to email?

If your attorney does not reply via email, then you should call their office. A phone call is more direct and personal than an email. Since you speak to your lawyer over the telephone, you should be able to better gauge why they have not followed through with activities that you feel are important.

How to be proactive in a relationship with an attorney?

To be proactive from the beginning of your relationship with your attorney, the first thing that you can do is to let them know your concrete expectations. Some lawyers and clients will sign a contract with one another about expected fees, timetables, and the availability of the lawyer.

How to get your attorney's attention?

The best, most unobtrusive way to start getting your attorney’s attention is by sending them an email. Lawyers regularly check their emails, so it is a good way to see if someone from their office will respond to you. If your attorney does not reply via email, then you should call their office.

What are the problems with lawyers?

People have problems with their lawyers for a variety of reasons, but some of the main issues involve: 1 Fee conflicts 2 Issues involving communication or neglect 3 Competency problems 4 Ethical concerns

How to get your point across to your lawyer?

Sending a letter is another good way to get your point across to your lawyer. In the letter, you may want to state a specific date that you expect to hear from them, or that you want them to complete something. While going through the stages of a divorce, there are several deadlines that your lawyer will need to meet.

What are the concerns of hiring a lawyer?

Competency problems. Ethical concerns. Any of these areas can cause major concerns for people who have hired a lawyer to help protect their personal interests. If you have these types of concerns about your attorney, then you must be proactive about protecting your well-being, and proving your side of the case.

What happens when you file a complaint against a lawyer?

Once someone files a complaint about a particular lawyer with a governing board (such as the boards mentioned above), then an investigation occurs regarding the practice of that lawyer. The case is typically handed over to a grievance committee that reviews lawyers’ work and ethics.

Is litigation a complicated process?

Litigation is a slow, complicated, unpredictable, expensive process. To the extent your lawyer can expedite, simplify, win, and reduce the fees, he’s the one for you . I hope you don’ t need to get the attention of your attorney. But if you do, this should help. Good luck!

Do attorneys mind after hours calls?

Just like they don’t mind after-hours calls. Sometimes it’s necessary for you to volunteer. You’ll be surprised how receptive your attorney is to your assistance. Believe it or not, the amount of attorney’s fees is usually not a major complaint.

Can an army of marching attorneys help some clients?

We know that every case is not a winner. An army of marching attorneys can’t help some clients. The key is to be able to focus on the relevant law and facts immediately, so you don’t waste the client’s money and your time. If the attorney isn’t prosecuting your case, this probably wasn’t done. You can help.

Do lawyers have egos?

So even though it’s a killer, it’s a sure-fire attention-getter. In fact, it’s so reliable that if the attorney doesn’t respond, you’re probably better off with another.

What is the ethical obligation of a lawyer?

A lawyer has an ethical obligation to communicate with his clients. If he’s holding documents or if his lack of communication is holding up your ability to settle the estate, he’s not meeting his ethical duty to you as a client. You might wish to send a certified letter, as you mentioned.

How to get a different public defender?

In most cases, you can get a different public defender by writing a letter to the judge. Accordingly, you can mention to your lawyer that you want to explore getting a different public defender. Hopefully this will motivate your attorney to either (a) be more responsive, or (b) help you request a new lawyer. Reply.

Can a new lawyer file a notice of withdrawal?

The new lawyer can (1) make sure the old lawyer has actually filed the notice of withdrawal, (2) make sure any new paperwork/notices get directed to the right place, and (3) make sure there aren’t any upcoming deadlines that need prompt action.

Do attorneys have an ethical duty to communicate with their clients?

Attorneys are often very busy. With that being said, attorneys have an ethical duty to communicate with their clients. I would recommend sending your attorney a letter outlining your concerns and explaining that you are going to look for a new attorney if the issues aren’t resolved.