Rubbish lawyer - can I swap mid way through Divorce proceedings and will it cost me heaps more £££££?

[goldiehawn1]

HI all,

Just a quickie really. Need some advice regarding my current Lawyer. Bottom line is HE IS RUBBISH. Slow, doesn't actually provide any advice, doesnt ever seem to be available to chat, not on top of paperwork, doesnt ring when he says he will and so it goes on.

Divorce has been rumbling on since January 2017 and he has ONLY just listed it for Court. I am at my whits end!

Basically, I have had enough and have lost the faith with him. I have a meeting with a new and recommended solicitor tomorrow but its horrifically expensive. It is all costing me so much ££££ and I will have to pay yet again for their time etc.

Has anyone else switched lawyers mid way through and felt it worthwhile or an expensive and pointless exercise?

Any advice greatly received! Thanks.

[MrsBertBibby]

When you say "listed for court" do you mean decree nisi, or an actual financial application issued?

Assuming the latter, switching lawyers always costs as the new lot have to read the old lot's papers, but the later you leave it the worse it gets.

Issue of financial proceedings is a good point to switch if you must. If the new solicitor makes you confident, It's likely worth it.

[cloudtree]

It will cost you more since if we take on a file half way through then we have to spend time getting to grips with what has already been done. Is it a large firm. Could you ask that they switch it to a different fee earner but state your reasons and say you are not prepared to pay for the duplication.

[lifebegins50]

Definitely switch if you will start court proceedings.I didn't change mine when I has doubts and regretted it massively.

You really need a solicitor you trust.