Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts
Can my attorney drop me as a client without warning in the middle of a case? I received his paper work submitted to the court ( and his bill) in the mail with no notice from him at all. At our last meeting we worked on the case due for pre-trial in one month and discussed other actions we needed to take. At no point was I given an impression that there was an issue with his time for the case, which is what he claimed was the reason for dropping me. The paper work he submitted to the court claimed "irreconcilable differences" on how to handle the case. I was going forward strictly on his professional opinion. I am also wondering if the way he submitted, to the court, the problem as "irreconcilable differences" makes me look bad.
1 Answer from Attorneys
No, an attorney cannot drop a client without warning in the middle of a case. However, it's very hard to believe that you didn't get notice of his bill and request to the court to withdraw. In MA, judges won't allow attorneys to withdraw unless they can show proof to the court that you had proper notice. Besides, attorneys generally don't do this unless you have "stiffed" them.
The reason that he claimed "irreconcilable differences" is because attorneys cannot divulge any details that would violate their duty of confidentiality (including reasons for withdrawal). But it shouldn't have any effect on the merits of your case.
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