Oklahoma City, OK asked in Divorce, Legal Malpractice and Family Law for Oklahoma

Q: Lawyer unresponsive in divorce case; not providing files

I've been dealing with my lawyer for two years regarding my divorce case. She hasn't contacted me in over a month, even after I sent a certified letter, and she isn't providing any of my information on file. I've tried reaching out via email and text. I'm particularly seeking access to my invoice information and copies of any documents she has filed. What should I do?

2 Lawyer Answers

A: You can hire a new attorney to file an entry on your behalf and they will be able to get all the information from the opposing counsel or from the court. Alternatively, you can file a termination of attorney with the court and then you can represent yourself pro se and the opposing counsel can then work with you directly. As far as the invoices are concerned, you may have to have the other attorney help you with this and/or file a complaint with the Bar Association. Good luck

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Answered

A: It’s frustrating when a lawyer becomes unresponsive, especially when you need access to important documents. The first step is to document all your attempts to contact her, including the certified letter, emails, and texts. If she still doesn't respond, you can file a formal complaint with your state’s bar association, as they can help you address the issue and possibly take disciplinary action.

You also have the right to access your case files, including invoices and any filed documents. If your lawyer is still unresponsive, you can request a copy of your file directly from her office, citing your right to the documents under your agreement. In some cases, a written request or a follow-up letter may prompt a response.

If all else fails, you might consider seeking a new lawyer to take over your case. The new lawyer can help you recover your files and continue the divorce process. If necessary, you may want to consult the court about any delays or obstacles caused by the unresponsive attorney.

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