Not all attorney-client relationships are the perfect match. Changing attorneys in the midst of a Texas divorce is allowed and may be a good option—but not always. Before you decide to make the switch, it’s important to pinpoint why you’re unhappy with your divorce attorney and whether it makes sense timing-wise to change lawyers now.
Changing attorneys during a divorce is not uncommon. In fact, at the Sisemore Law Firm in Fort Worth, about 30 percent of the divorce cases we take on are for clients who worked with a different attorney initially. These clients typically want to switch attorneys for one of three reasons—poor communication, personality issues or a disagreement about strategy.
Watch Justin’s video about switching divorce attorneys
You deserve prompt and clear communication from your attorney
If you’re working with a one-man show or a smaller law firm, oftentimes they won’t have the time or resources to get back to you promptly. We’ll be the first to admit it. In our firm’s early days, we didn’t have the robust staff and processes we have today, and consequently, client communication suffered. We even lost clients because of it, and deservedly so.
Another thing we were guilty of early on was assuming it would be easy for our clients to understand all of the legal speak we threw their way, not to mention the intricacies of the law. Today, we make it a point to explain even the simplest of details and why we do things a certain way. That way, the client has a clear understanding of the status and direction of his or her case.
Many prospective clients also tell us they can’t even get their attorney to call them back, much less get an explanation for what the attorney is doing or an answer to a simple question. If that’s the situation in your case, changing attorneys during a divorce might be the best move—as long as the timing is right (more on that below).
Communication can also suffer when the client only corresponds with the attorney by email or phone. It’s important to schedule time to meet face-to-face with your divorce lawyer when you have reasons for concern. He or she will be more focused on you and your case one-on-one, and you’ll be more likely to hash things out in person than you would over email.
Get tips on how to choose a divorce attorney
When personalities don’t mesh, changing divorce attorneys is probably a good idea
It’s really important to work with a divorce attorney you feel comfortable with because it almost always makes the process less stressful. If your attorney rubs you the wrong way, isn’t empathetic enough or is not direct enough for your tastes, switching lawyers may be a good idea.
At our Fort Worth law firm, we have a dynamic team with several attorneys on staff, all with different points of view, areas of expertise and, you’ve got it, personalities. We match clients with the legal team (lead attorney, paralegals, support staff, etc.) we believe is the best fit in the realm of experience, area of specialization, and personality.
If you disagree on divorce strategy, either a new attorney or reality check is in order
There’s no question: It’s essential that the client and divorce attorney be on the same page regarding the strategic direction and plan for the divorce. For example, if you prefer to have an amicable split with the other party and the attorney wants to go guns-a-blazing into litigation, you’re probably not on the same page.
On the other hand, if you’re asking the attorney to pursue avenues that aren’t realistic, then it may be time for a reality check. For example, some people think they’re going to walk away with a huge divorce settlement, excessive spousal support (alimony)or sole custody of a child when the legal guidelines or the court doesn’t allow it. Are your expectations for the divorce or child custody realistic?
When we meet with prospective clients curious about changing attorneys during a divorce, we give it to them straight. If we believe their current attorney is recommending a strategy that makes sense, we’ll say so.
Timing is critical: When you SHOULDN’T change divorce attorneys
When a prospective client comes to us, one of the key components we analyze—and what the client should analyze—is what stage they are in the case. If it’s a month before trial or the discovery deadlines have passed, it’s a really dangerous time to even think about switching attorneys.
Since we take a deep dive into each prospective client’s case when they come in for the initial consultation at the Sisemore Law Firm, we’re able to say up front whether it’s a good time to consider changing divorce lawyers. If a prospective client wants to switch to our firm, we’ll only take on their case when and if the timing is right. Simply put, we’re here to do what’s best for the client—even if that means staying with their current counsel.
Looking for honest advice from a divorce attorney in Tarrant County?
If you live in Tarrant County and are considering changing attorneys, we’d be happy to speak with you. You can expect a thorough review of your case and honest recommendations for next steps—whether that means staying with your existing attorney or working with us.
The decision to hire a new lawyer to represent you is an important one. At The Sisemore Law Firm, we have the professional experience needed to help you understand the pros and cons of changing legal representation in the middle of a divorce. . To schedule a confidential, one-on-one consultation, give us a call at (817) 336-4444 or visit our contact page.
