Can You Change Lawyers During a Divorce?
Getting divorced in Pearland, Brazoria County, or elsewhere in Southeast Texas? The process can feel like it drags on and on. According to data cited By Forbes Magazine, the average uncontested divorce takes eight months to finalize, whereas the average contested divorce takes well over a year. This raises an important question: What if you want to change lawyers during a divorce? The answer is that you generally have the right to do so—though there are some formal steps that you may need to take. In this article, our Pearland divorce lawyer provides a detailed overview of what you should know about changing your attorney if your divorce is already ongoing.
You Need a Texas Divorce Lawyer Who You Trust
Going through a divorce is incredibly challenging. There are an enormous number of emotional, financial, legal, and logistical things that you will need to work through. It is imperative that you have a top-tier Texas divorce lawyer whom you can trust.
What happens if you hire an attorney, and you later find out that he or she is not the right fit for your case? In Texas, you generally have the right to change your lawyer at any stage during the divorce process. Whether due to a lack of communication, differing strategies, or simply not feeling comfortable with your current lawyer's approach, you have the right to seek representation that aligns more closely with your needs and interests.
Nothing Formal Filed Yet? It is Fairly Easy to Change Divorce Attorneys
How easy is it to change a divorce lawyer in Texas? If you are in the early stages of your divorce and you have not yet filed formal documents with the court, changing attorneys can be a relatively straightforward process. During this phase, it is primarily a matter of personal preference and logistics. Finding a new attorney who better suits your requirements and ensuring a smooth transition of your case details is key. Be sure to inform your current lawyer of your decision to change counsel in a respectful and professional manner.
Already Deep Into Your Divorce Case? You May Need to File a Motion With the Court
If your divorce case is already well underway—meaning documents have been filed and/or court dates have already been set—changing lawyers can be more complicated. That being said, it is still possible. You will likely need to file a legal document called a “motion to substitute counsel” with the appropriate court. Keep in mind that the judge will typically approve such a motion unless there is good cause why a change should not be allowed.
Get Help From a Pearland TX Divorce Lawyer Today
At John Powell III, P.C., our Pearland divorce lawyer, is determined to help you find the best path forward. Call us now or contact us online today for immediate help with your case. From our Pearland law office, our family law attorney handles contested divorce cases and uncontested divorce cases throughout the wider region of Southeast Texas.