Who owns the client file?

[CuriousCallie]

What is the name of your state? Georgia
This question ties into a previous thread (lawyer negotiated settlement without me) but is in a different vein....
Who owns a client's file? I always thought the client did. I have requested my file to take to another attorney to sort this mess out and my old attorney will not let me have my file. He refuses to return phone calls, emails, etc. I have went to his office and gotten the run-around (You will have to speak with him), then he never calls, etc.
Don't I "own" my case file? Can he keep it and refuse to give me even a copy of it?
Isn't this something I can report to the state bar?

[seniorjudge]

Originally Posted by CuriousCallie

What is the name of your state? Georgia
This question ties into a previous thread (lawyer negotiated settlement without me) but is in a different vein....
Who owns a client's file? I always thought the client did. I have requested my file to take to another attorney to sort this mess out and my old attorney will not let me have my file. He refuses to return phone calls, emails, etc. I have went to his office and gotten the run-around (You will have to speak with him), then he never calls, etc.
Don't I "own" my case file? Can he keep it and refuse to give me even a copy of it?
Isn't this something I can report to the state bar?

You own the file.

[url]http://www.gabar.org/handbook/part_iv_before_january_1_2001_-_discipline/rule_4-2084_formal_complaint_following_notice_of_rejection_of_discipline/[/url]

Contact the state bar of Georgia to file a complaint.

[HomeGuru]

I agree......