What to Do When Your Attorney Leaves You Hanging
It can be discouraging when your attorney fails to communicate or collaborate with you. To resolve the situation, send them a polite letter or fax outlining your worries and request for an informal meeting.
In the long run, this could be a negative indicator for your case. You may want to consider finding new representation if communication issues with your attorney persist.
1. You Have Not Been Communicating
If your attorney is consistently leaving you hanging and refusing to answer any of your questions, it could be time for a change. Not having communication from them can cause financial loss and delay in the case process; sending a certified letter asking them why they won’t answer questions from you will do wonders for both parties involved.
Although it can be frustrating to feel like your attorney is ignoring you, remember they only do this out of necessity. If they have other clients on their plate, it could be that they simply don’t have time for a personal conversation with you. Furthermore, if there have been repeated attempts at communication through email and phone calls but no response, chances are good they have another reason for leaving you hanging. Thankfully, Judy Oxford Attorney at Law offers experienced guidance on dealing with abandonment and how best to protect yourself in the future. Call us today for more information regarding abandonment prevention techniques!
2. You Have Not Been Taking Their Advice
Are you frustrated that your attorney has not responded to your calls, messages or emails yet? Don’t despair; there are steps you can take to remedy the situation. Sadly, this doesn’t have to be the end of the world and there are steps you can take now that will ensure they put your needs first.
First, read through the American Bar Association’s model rules of professional conduct to identify any guidelines for good communication with your attorney. If there aren’t any, consider writing them a certified letter asking about their methods and offering to find another attorney if things don’t improve. Doing this will demonstrate your seriousness about both your case and relationship, making it simpler for both of you to move forward.
3. You Have Not Been Able to Reach Your Attorney
For any length of time, being unable to contact your attorney can be a frustrating experience. After all, they should be an excellent communicator on your behalf.
If your lawyer is failing to reach out to you, it is critical that you take immediate action. Whether it be calling them, sending a letter or faxing their office, the time should be taken to address this matter as quickly as possible.
It is essential that you keep track of your communication attempts and record the date and time for every attempt. Doing this may come in handy if ever necessary to file a complaint against your lawyer with the state bar association.
Your attorney must always respond promptly to all calls and emails you make. They also need to keep you informed on the progress of your case as well as provide their advice when necessary.
Some attorneys may be unable to return your calls or emails due to a variety of reasons, such as being busy with other cases or traveling for work. If this is the case, you should communicate with them immediately so that you don’t lose any vital information that could help with your case.
Another possible explanation for why your attorney might be avoiding you is that they have some bad news they’d prefer not to share. Perhaps they’ve missed a deadline or are having difficulty processing files. If this concerns you, send them a letter asking for an explanation and meeting in order to repair the relationship.
Navigating this situation can be challenging, but it should never be ignored. If your lawyer is refusing to communicate with you about the issues in your case, it’s time to find a new attorney who will put your needs first.
If you are having communication problems with your attorney, the best course of action is to write them a letter and request a meeting to address them. After that, you can determine if filing a complaint with the state bar association or finding another attorney is necessary.
4. You Have Not Been Able to Pay Your Attorney
Hiring an attorney is a major financial commitment, and if you find yourself having difficulty paying them, it can be stressful. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to keep both you and your lawyer on track.
Ideally, you and your attorney should collaborate to find a solution that benefits both of you. That may involve finding a lawyer who offers discounts off their fees to those in need or reworking your payment plan. Furthermore, make sure to communicate openly with them about any financial challenges so that this unfortunate outcome does not occur.
One of the more frequent issues people encounter with their attorneys is a lack of communication. Whether it’s via email, text message or phone call, staying connected is essential for keeping everyone informed on the status of your case.
If you haven’t heard from your attorney in some time, consider sending them a certified letter expressing that you cannot meet their monthly billing requirements and wish to discontinue services. In this letter, you can also ask them for an extensive explanation of all recent actions taken on your case.
No matter the reason for your attorney’s lack of communication, remember that lawyers have an ethical duty to provide their clients with top-quality representation. On your end, make sure you take responsibility by being honest about your financial status and agreeing to make payments on time. Doing so should help reduce any stress you’re feeling and give you peace of mind knowing your lawyer is working diligently on your behalf.
