Divorce attorneys do more than walk clients through cases and help them complete documents. A lawyer worth your time and money will take many actions to keep your case moving forward and ensure every step is handled properly. More than that, they should support you by strategizing on the details of written agreements and determining the best, most efficient path forward. Not only should you feel less stressed, but you deserve to fully understand your rights, obligations, and realistic outcomes so you can prepare for what’s to come.
It’s best to know right away a lawyer isn’t for you. Too much time with the wrong one can make it difficult if not impossible to undo their poor decision-making.
Three Signs You Should Get a New Divorce Attorney
1. My Lawyer Isn’t Producing Positive Results
There are many possible reasons a lawyer might not be producing the results you want to see. If you strongly suspect it’s due to oversights on their part, then it is probably time to make a switch. For example, a good divorce lawyer notices when their client’s spouse appears to be hiding assets and suggests steps to reveal them.
There are some situations that shouldn’t be tolerated that could lead to a undesirable results:
- Your lawyer lacks experience with estate planning and other complex financial issues relative to divorce;
- Your lawyer doesn’t seem invested in protecting your parental rights;
- He or she misses deadlines for submitting important documentation;
- Your billing doesn’t add up; or
- You suspect he or she is acting unethically.
That said, first figure out if it is truly their fault that you may not be awarded a certain asset, spousal support, or the sole custody of a child you hoped for in the divorce agreement. If those are the fair and logical results of your case, you may be facing the best possible outcome.
2. They Don’t Communicate Clearly & Thoroughly About My Case
Good communication is a sign of knowledge and respect in the legal world. Clients are often doing their best to navigate emotionally charged situations, whether regarding their divorce, lingering parental disputes, or even safety concerns. In these times, the role of a family law attorney is to provide clarity and compassionate guidance, helping you make informed decisions.
Despite this, some lawyers still fall short. Heavy caseloads and poor office management can lead to delayed responses and rushed explanations. It’s not uncommon for lawyers to assume their clients understand legal jargon, which doesn’t help matters. Some firms simply aren’t structured to provide personalized attention, leaving people going through a divorce feeling ignored or uninformed. You want someone who explains the legal steps being taken and gives you the sense of stability that comes with consistently helpful communication.
Signs your lawyer doesn’t communicate enough:
- You regularly wait days or weeks for responses;
- You rarely receive updates without asking first;
- You don’t understand your case status or what steps you should be taking;
- Important questions are dismissed or answered vaguely; and
- You often feel anxious because you’re in the dark.
3. I Don’t Completely Trust My Attorney
Don’t waste time and emotional energy with someone you don’t trust. Be on the lookout for signs that you can’t fully trust your divorce attorney—or that they may not be acting in a professionally appropriate way. You should be encouraged to ask questions, not receive defensiveness when you do. Some delays in communication are expected; too long and they could be avoiding you.
Beyond proof of misconduct, there are additional red flags that signal this person hasn’t earned your trust and it’s time to reassess the partnership:
- They aren’t upfront about fees or important decisions that impact your case;
- You feel pressured into choices that don’t make sense or seem to benefit them more than you;
- You’ve noticed inconsistencies between what they tell you and what appears in documents or timelines;
- You feel they’re hiding information, such as settlement offers, deadlines, or communications from the other side; or
- They discuss other clients’ private matters, suggesting they may also mishandle your confidentiality.
If any of these warning signs look familiar, it doesn’t automatically reveal unethical behavior, but it does mean you might benefit from a second opinion or a consultation with another attorney.
David A. King, P.C. in DuPage County
Do you want to replace your subpar lawyer with a well-respected, highly rated divorce attorney who earns your trust? Reach out to David A. King, P.C., using the online contact form, or call 630-504-7210 any time to set up a consultation.
