What Should I Check When Changing Lawyers during Divorce Proceedings?

Divorce with a Foreign Element

Prepared by: Constantinople

When considering a change of lawyer, the first check is whether a deadline or hearing is approaching. Filing pleadings, submitting evidence, objecting to a report and appealing have different consequences. Ending existing representation and the new lawyer accepting instructions are not the same step. A consultation does not mean that the new lawyer is responsible for every procedural matter.

We first review the file's current position, submitted pleadings, evidence and judgments. It is useful to distinguish whether the concern arises from communication, procedural follow-up, legal approach or different expectations. A new representative cannot always repeat earlier procedural steps or restore every lost opportunity. The previous agreement, fees and documents to be received also require separate assessment. Definitive financial consequences should not be stated without seeing the documents.

If you live abroad, the scope of the valid power of attorney, any new powers required and service arrangements are planned separately. In the paid review, we set out pending steps, missing documents and issues requiring clarification in a change of representation in writing. The new engagement is agreed separately if accepted. It is inappropriate to interrupt existing case management based only on an oral understanding before identifying who will take over, the transfer date and pending steps. Initially, the court and case number, last known step, approaching dates and list of documents available are sufficient. The benefits and risks of a change should be assessed against this specific picture.