Divorce is a complex and stressful process for both parties involved. It is essential to find the right attorney to help you through it.
The five most common reasons people fire their divorce attorneys are lack of communication, experience, empathy, failure to meet deadlines, and excessive fees.
If your attorney is not communicating or listening to your needs effectively, it might be time to look for a new one.
If you feel they do not have the necessary experience to handle your case well or are charging too much for their services, consider finding someone else.
Lastly, if they fail to meet deadlines or not showing enough empathy toward your situation, you might want to consider that it might be time to move on from them.
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The 5 Most Common Reasons People Fire Their Divorce Attorney
Reason #1 – Lack of Communication
One of the most common reasons people have to fire their divorce attorney is a lack of communication.
When couples go through a divorce, they need an attorney who will be available and responsive to their questions and needs.
Additionally, any client deserves a respectful and professional attorney-client relationship.
Unfortunately, some attorneys do not provide that communication level, leaving clients frustrated and unheard. This can lead to misunderstandings between the client and attorney or, even worse, mistakes in court filings that could have been avoided if communication had been maintained.
Furthermore, a lack of phone calls or emails can leave someone in the dark.
Clients need to find an attorney who will take the time to listen and respond promptly so that both parties feel comfortable moving forward with the divorce process.
How Do You Deal With an Unresponsive Lawyer?
When dealing with an unresponsive lawyer, the first step is understanding why they must respond. Is it due to time constraints or a lack of knowledge? Once you have identified the reason, you should contact the lawyer and explain what you need from them.
Be sure to provide all necessary information about your case and a timeline for a response.
If the lawyer is still unresponsive, it may be beneficial to look into other options, such as finding a new attorney or contacting their professional association.
It’s important to remain calm and professional throughout the process to ensure your rights are respected.
Reason #2 – Lack of Experience
One of the most common reasons people may fire their divorce attorney is the need for more experience. This could mean that the attorney lacks experience handling divorce cases or is relatively new at practicing law.
Inexperience can lead to errors in filing documents, delays in court proceedings, and a lack of knowledge on properly representing their clients.
Additionally, inexperience could lead to poor advice or guidance regarding a divorce negotiation.
People should always consider an attorney’s experience level before hiring them to ensure they get the best representation possible and can trust their lawyer’s advice.
How Can I Tell if My Divorce Lawyer Has Enough Experience?
When selecting a lawyer, you must ensure they have enough experience to handle your case. To determine this, you should ask how many years of practice the lawyer has and if they specialize in divorce law.
It is also helpful to look into their past cases and successes to understand their track record. You can also ask for references from clients who have used the lawyer’s services.
Ultimately, you want to trust that your lawyer’s experience will lead to a successful outcome for your case.
Reason #3 – Lack of Empathy
People going through a divorce often need strong emotional support to get them through the process. They want an attorney who will be understanding and compassionate about their situation rather than someone cold and robotic.
When an attorney fails to show empathy or actively expresses outward disapproval for their client’s decisions, it can lead to a breakdown in communication and trust.
This can make it difficult for clients to open up about important information or feel comfortable confiding in their attorney.
In these cases, it makes sense for clients to fire their attorney, terminate the relationship, and find a new lawyer they feel more comfortable with.
Reason #4 – Failure to Meet Deadlines
Failure to meet deadlines can be an issue for those going through a divorce, as the process is lengthy and complicated.
When the attorney fails to meet court-mandated deadlines or other important dates, it can cause delays in proceedings which can be frustrating and costly.
Clients expect their attorneys to keep them informed of all important dates and any changes to the schedule that may arise.
If an attorney is unwilling or able to meet these expectations and adhere to deadlines, then it’s time for the client to look elsewhere for legal representation.
Reason #5 – Excessive Fees
Fees can be significant when selecting a divorce attorney, as legal fees can be costly.
Some attorneys charge very high rates for their services; clients may only be aware of this after hiring them.
Additionally, many attorneys add additional charges for services the client did not expect or agree to pay for.
In some cases, these added fees can become exorbitant and unaffordable for the client, leading them to seek a different attorney who offers more reasonable rates.
When faced with such high costs, many people are forced to fire their current divorce attorney and search for one with more affordable fees.
Case Study: Swift and Favorable Resolution in Complex Divorce Case
Over the years, we’ve facilitated numerous successful outcomes for our clients in their various legal battles.
This case represents just one instance of our commitment to ensuring quick, advantageous results for our clients, particularly in complex divorce cases.
Now, allow us to share the story of this remarkable victory, demonstrating our thorough approach and dedication to our client’s needs.
We initiated divorce proceedings in response to our client’s decision to conclude her 11-year marriage. From the initial consultation, she expressed a desire for a swift, straightforward process, which guided our actions in filing for both divorce and interim orders. Once her spouse secured legal representation, we immediately began negotiations to ensure a positive outcome for our client.
Her objectives were clear – retain ownership of her home and vehicle, and have her former partner shoulder all joint financial liabilities. The couple was burdened with a significant debt load from various sources, including credit cards, personal loans, and vehicle-related expenses. We collaborated closely with our client to craft a strategic approach to her ex-spouse. However, she was skeptical about our suggestion to seek spousal support, doubting her ex-spouse’s willingness to agree.
Despite her initial apprehension, we began our analysis of her ex-spouse’s financial records, identifying specific transactions that would strengthen our negotiation stance. Our commitment and attention to detail resulted in a prompt and advantageous resolution for all divorce-related matters.
When the dust settled, our client emerged debt-free, fully owning her house and car. Our diligent negotiations persuaded her ex-spouse to assume full responsibility for the substantial debt. Surprisingly, we even secured a five-year spousal support agreement, a prospect our client had previously deemed impossible. She was elated with the favorable resolution that saved her from a trial’s financial and emotional toll, enabling her to seamlessly transition into her new chapter.
Locating The Right Divorce Attorney can be Challenging, but We Make it Easy.
At Colburn Heintze Maletta, our law office understands that deciding to divorce can be incredibly difficult and emotional for families. That’s why our family law attorneys are here to provide expert advice and guidance every step of the way. We have decades of experience in divorce proceedings, from asset division and spousal support to child custody and visitation.
Remember that you are in the driver’s seat regarding your case, and there are reasons to fire your divorce lawyer. We aim to help you get through this trying period with as little stress and disruption as possible so you can move forward with your life. We are committed to providing personalized legal services tailored to your needs, ensuring you receive the best possible outcome for your situation.
So if you’re considering a divorce or need assistance navigating one, contact us today at Colburn Hintze Maletta by dialing 602-825-2500.
David Maletta is a widely respected criminal defense attorney with over 23 years of experience and has worked on over 1,000 cases and has successfully won over 100 jury trials. David graduated from Northern Arizona University, Magna Cum Laude in 1993 with a degree in Psychology. Shortly thereafter, he earned his Juris Doctor degree from Seton Hall University School of Law in 1998. He has extensive experience in criminal and DUI matters, homicide, sexually-based offenses, domestic violence, white-collar crimes, and various misdemeanor crimes.
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“Tim was absolutely amazing and worked diligently”
I had an incident and was given the catch-all charge. There wasn’t really anything I could do by myself to get out of it. Tim was absolutely amazing and worked diligently to ensure that I would have the best possible outcome from my case. Which he successfully achieved! As of right now, I am on the path to having my case fully dismissed. A couple of things that really helped me through this process was that Tim did an amazing job at answering my questions. He was available almost anytime and would respond promptly when he got my emails. He was also very approachable and comforting to be around while we had in person meetings and especially when I was at the court house. I would trust him and the company he works for with any other cases in the future, and as of right now, they will be my first choice if I need a lawyer in the future.
Dylan - AVVO Review
“I would give them more stars, but the option is not there”
Best divorce lawyers in Arizona, hands down. Timothy Hintz handled my divorce, and as a father, I have my son and our house. I would give them more stars, but the option is not there. His paralegal Jennifer Bone is extremely competent, and the whole team is very friendly. Took a big weight off, having them behind me.
Joseph A. - Google Review
“I still have a clean record to this day.”
One piece of advice for people who are charged with anything in Arizona is to hire a great lawyer because the state does not care if you’re innocent or not. The Arizona legal system will try to ruin your life. A couple of years ago I was the victim of an antisemitic hate crime when a guy named Billy, who had a history of drug and alcohol issues and was thrown out of the Navy for being violent, decided to attack me after drinking all day in Old Town (Sunday funday) over a pointless argument over whether it’s better to buy homes immediately post-recession or during the 10th year of a bull market run which was his argument. The disagreement led to Billy making several anti-semitic comments and assaulting me, which led to me beating up billy. Billy and his friends then went to the police and lied to try to get me thrown in jail for months for assault while getting 10s of thousands of dollars in restitution in the process. I hired David Maletta. We went to court and destroyed Billy and his best friend/roommate Taylor who were trying to extort me and ruin my life. In Arizona there is a 3.5% chance you’ll get all charges dropped because of how hard the state is on crime but we pulled it off and I still have a clean record to this day.
MJ Walsh - Google Review
“Responsive, sympathetic, professional, patient, and kind.”
On one of the worst and most surreal nights of my life (do not EVER get a DUI people!) I was lucky enough to find my way to Tim Hintze. Being in Phoenix for the Thanksgiving holiday from out of town, and after spending the evening with family, I ended up spending the night in jail.
Tim turned one of the worst experiences in my life into “it could have been so much worse!” Working with him from a different state, he covered the bases & paperwork, showed up for me in court, gave me numerous connections to muck my way through the system, and held my hand the whole way.
I cannot imagine how much worse this experience could have been, and thanks to Tim, I didn’t need to. He was responsive, sympathetic, professional, patient, and kind throughout the long process, drawn out by many months due to Covid.
Keep Tim’s number handy and in your contacts in the event you are ever in the sorry position to need a DUI lawyer!
Holly Weber - Google Review
“This was the best possible outcome, great price, and fast.”
Darin helped me with a complex family law issue involving ownership of multiple businesses and other assets. He was able to structure a win-win that wasn’t only better than I thought was possible but that protected the business I had built. Above and beyond that, he did it with great customer service and character – which really matters to me. This was the best possible outcome, great price, and fast.
David R. - Google Review
“The calm in the middle of my storm…”
I recently consulted with Darin after my wife filed for divorce. He was referred to me by a friend whom I very much trust. Darin was the antithesis of the first two attorneys I consulted (who were matter-of-fact and had very little empathy about the fact that I was struggling emotionally with what was transpiring). From the first few minutes of speaking with Darin, it was obvious that he was very knowledgeable and skilled with divorce and family matters. While that was most important to me, the thing that made the difference was his calming, logical, and empathetic approach. He took the time to listen and empathize with me. He took the time to understand what I wanted to achieve through this process and laid out my options. After the consultation, I knew he would be my attorney if I had to pull the trigger. I, ultimately, didn’t have to engage Darin’s services due to a reconciliation with my wife. I hope I never have to go through that process again. However, if I do, I know beyond a shadow of a doubt who I will be hiring to represent me…Darin R. Colburn. Darin, thank you for caring and being more than an attorney.
Frank - AVVO Review
“Nothing but good things to say about my experience.”
I have nothing but good things to say about my experience working with David Maletta. I was in a very high-stress situation facing a pending DUI charge. He doesn’t know this, but I actually interviewed 5 potential lawyers, and he was the most optimistic of all of them. He took over and handled everything, and now I don’t have to live with a DUI. Thank you so much for everything! Highly recommend them to anyone looking for legal help.
Lauren Koontz - Google Review
“Because of Darin I got my daughter back”
Before I hired Darin I went through a total of 3 different attorneys in two different states fighting a jurisdiction battle, when my daughter was taken to a different state. It was a very difficult decision to switch attorneys at one of the most difficult, time sensitive and important times in my case, but I’m very glad I did. Upon receiving my file from previous attorneys Darin came very familiar with my case quickly. Like other people have explained he took the time to lay everything out and explain how the process was going to proceed and what to expect and continued to do this as new issues arrived. He is also very quick at responding to emails and phone calls. My case was getting close to trial as told by my previous attorneys, I did not want to go to trial as I know this is very costly (most attorneys will convince you that you need to.) Darin knew my situation, fought for what was right and got the results I wanted while avoiding a costly trial. He is extremely knowledgeable in the Child Support Guidelines as well. Because of Darin I got my daughter back. I would highly recommend him and would hire again for any future issues. Thanks Darin!
Chris - AVVO Review
“I was found NOT GUILTY. Dave won the trial for me.”
Dave stayed with me while he pushed back and forth with Covid-19 and the delays with court. Once cited, the state basically decides that you’re guilty through the automatic suspension of your drivers license. Dave immediately took care of that problem and I never lost the privilege of driving. Dave took notes like crazy and was upfront about our uphill battle. I was also well aware that the plea deal that was given to us, was unacceptable and through Dave’s knowledge and experience I had put my trust in him to guide me to make the right decision on how to proceed. With Dave’s guidance I had decided that we needed to fight for something better than what the prosecutor was offering and Dave was 100 percent behind me on that decision. We knew the risks, be we also knew we had very little to lose based on the prosecutions stance. We decided to go to trial… Watching the prosecution and then watching Dave was night and day!! It was clear to the jury that the prosecution didn’t have their facts straight and were not addressing the facts that they could not address…There was a lot at stake for my personal life and my work life. I was found NOT GUILTY. Dave won the trial for me.
Gregory - AVVO Review
“Very professional, very empathetic, and very responsive to all the issues.”
I had the opportunity to work with Darin during a very troublesome time in my life. As a family attorney, I found him to be very professional, very empathetic, and very responsive to all the issues I faced. I would recommend him to anyone without a second thought. Thank you, Darin!
Gary C. - Google Review
“Listens to every request that you make on a case”
I honestly just want to let it be known to any and everyone looking for an attorney on a case. Whether it be DUI, possession, or your every day to day traffic violations where you need representation attorney Tim Hintze is your man. You have to respect a man that listens to every request that you make on a case and he gets in there and gets it done. Tim has my respect as an attorney and being a well-rounded representer. From him being honest on the possibility and options for your case to him being easy to work and communicate with via over the phone or face to face Mr. Hintze is working it out.
Ben - AVVO Review
“He fights for his clients like no one I have ever seen”
David Maletta is the absolute best trial attorney in the state of Arizona. He is a kind, emphatic, and extremely patient person. As an attorney, he is prepared, aggressive, and extremely skilled. He is not afraid to go to trial and fight for his clients, like other attorneys that just plead their clients to the original charges. When he is in trial, he flips a switch and goes from a nice guy to a killing machine. He fights for his clients like no one I have ever seen. Watching him do a cross-examination is exhilarating because he is so good it’s scary.