<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Arial, Helvetica, Verdana">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by winnie:
I had an accident in Dec 1999, did everything the doctors and attorney told me to do, except surgery, won't have it here in Fla. Now my attorney and his paralegal have refused to answer my calls or letters. At this point I'm tired of being manipulated, they won't get any money unless I sign on their dotted line right? I signed a contract with this attorney the day after the accident can I change lawyers? Since he refuses to deal with me and only with my doctor/doctors (one of whom has dropped him from his "referral list") am I bound by that contract to stay with him?<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>
My response:
You have an absolute right to change attorneys at any time. However, with any "right" there may be a downside. Check your retainer agreement to see if it says anything about costs being demanded at any time. You may have to pay costs immediately.
Your new attorney is entitled to your original file, and not a copy. If your current attorney wants to make a copy, that's okay, but it's on his "dime", not yours.
Your new attorney and your old attorney will split the attorney fees upon a successful outcome of your claim. There will be no overall increase in fees coming out of any settlement or judgment in your favor.
Your new attorney will notify your former attorney. You don't have to do anything.
In other words, your current attorney will receive a letter from your new attorney demanding delivery of your office file. Your new attorney will handle everything.
IAAL
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