No one enters a marriage thinking they will end up divorcing. It is already a challenging situation that brings much emotional turmoil with it. Unfortunately, divorce is a reality for many people. And for those taking the legal route, hiring divorce lawyers in Pasco County, FL, is a crucial step.
However, there may come a time when you are unhappy with your current divorce lawyer and need to change them. But what happens when that day comes? Firstly, as a client, it is crucial to understand that you have the right to change your divorce lawyer at any time.
If you feel that your current lawyer is not knowledgeable enough, is not responding satisfactorily, or is unresponsive to your questions, you have the right to make a change. But changing your lawyer in the middle of your divorce is not as simple as just letting go of the old one and hiring a new lawyer.
The new divorce lawyer will need time to review your case, gain access to all relevant documents, and become familiar with your prior lawyer’s strategy. Your former lawyer will also need to withdraw from the case and notify the court of the switch. Generally, the new attorney will file a motion with the court to substitute counsel, and the judge must approve the substitution.
Secondly, changing lawyers may mean new retainer fees, hourly rates, and additional costs. It is essential to get the new attorney’s fee schedule in writing and understand what you agree to before signing anything.
Thirdly, the timing of switching lawyers can impact the outcome of your case. It is not best practice to switch mid-trial or right before a significant court appearance. In some cases, it may make more sense to continue with your current divorce lawyer and address your concerns rather than making a costly switch that could hurt your case.
Finally, when you change law firms, your new lawyer will need access to all your case documents promptly. Be sure to have all your documents organized before meeting with your new attorney. These documents can include legal papers, financial records, and court rulings that the case has gone through.
