Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

Re: Paid a lawyer

If you are unhappy with your attorney, you should ask for a full refund of your retainer (which is not your attorney's until s/he performs the work to earn it), and find another lawyer.

You should find out whether (1) the work is not being performed, or (2) the lawyer is simply failing to communicate with you about it.

For a number of reasons, some legitimate and some non-legitimate, the courts can move very slowly. This is not your lawyer's fault. However, if your attorney is failing to communicate with you or keep you abreast of your case, your attorney is not living up to his/her ethical obligations to you, and you have every right to seek the help of another attorney.

Remember to ask for a return of the $2,000 already paid if no work has been done on your case yet - this is your money until it is earned by the attorney.

Re: Paid a lawyer

The prior answer is excellent, and everything I would suggest, but one: call the main office of the Probate and Family Court and determine whether the case has been filed. If it has not, you are within your rights to demand a full retainer.

I would be happy to consult further, and regularly practice in Norfolk County. My website details my practice, including sliding scale rates.