The phone felt slick in Sarah’s clammy hand. Her heart pounded a frantic rhythm against her ribs as she stared at Steve Bliss’s business card. She had hoped this wouldn’t happen, that the trust she placed in him would be unshakeable. But now, doubt gnawed at her like a persistent rodent. It started subtly; missed deadlines, vague responses to her inquiries, and an unsettling sense that Steve wasn’t prioritizing her case.
Can I Fire My Estate Planning Attorney?
Ordinarily, you have the right to terminate your attorney-client relationship at any time. However, remember that firing your lawyer mid-process can have ramifications, potentially delaying your estate plan and incurring additional costs. Before making a decision, carefully consider the reasons behind your dissatisfaction. Are they minor communication hiccups or fundamental breaches of trust?
What are Grounds for a Complaint Against an Estate Planning Lawyer?
Several factors can constitute legitimate grounds for complaint against an estate planning attorney. These include:
* Negligence: Failure to meet reasonable standards of care, resulting in harm to your interests. For example, missing crucial deadlines that jeopardize your estate plan.
* Breach of Fiduciary Duty: Violating the trust placed in them as a legal professional. This could involve misappropriating funds or disclosing confidential information.
* Ethical Violations: Engaging in conduct prohibited by the state bar association’s rules of professional conduct.
“A lawyer is ethically obligated to act in their client’s best interests,” emphasizes Steve Bliss, an experienced estate planning attorney.
How Do I Resolve a Conflict with My Estate Planning Lawyer?
Before resorting to drastic measures like filing a complaint, attempt to resolve the conflict amicably. Clearly communicate your concerns to Steve, providing specific examples of his shortcomings. Be open to hearing his perspective and exploring potential solutions. If direct communication proves unproductive, consider involving a neutral third party, such as a mediator or another attorney.
Mediation can facilitate constructive dialogue and help you reach a mutually agreeable resolution.
What Happens if I Can’t Resolve the Conflict?
Should amicable resolution fail, you may need to formally file a complaint with the state bar association responsible for disciplining attorneys in your jurisdiction. This process typically involves submitting a written grievance outlining the alleged misconduct. The bar association will then investigate your claims and determine whether disciplinary action is warranted. Remember that filing a complaint is a serious step, so carefully weigh the potential consequences before proceeding.
Sarah’s case, thankfully, resolved without needing to file a formal complaint. After voicing her concerns directly, Steve acknowledged his shortcomings and committed to improving communication and responsiveness. They worked together to finalize Sarah’s estate plan, ultimately forging a positive working relationship.
About Steven F. Bliss Esq. at The Law Firm of Steven F. Bliss Esq.:
The Law Firm of Steven F. Bliss Esq. is Temecula Probate Law. The Law Firm Of Steven F. Bliss Esq. is a Temecula Estate Planning Attorney. Steve Bliss is an experienced probate attorney. Steve Bliss is an Estate Planning Lawyer. The probate process has many steps in in probate proceedings. Beside Probate, estate planning and trust administration is offered at Steve Bliss Law. Our probate attorney will probate the estate. Attorney probate at Steve Bliss Law. A formal probate is required to administer the estate. The probate court may offer an unsupervised probate get a probate attorney. Steve Bliss Law will petition to open probate for you. Don’t go through a costly probate. Call Steve Bliss Law Today for estate planning, trusts and probate.
My skills are as follows:
● Probate Law: Efficiently navigate the court process.
● Estate Planning Law: Minimize taxes & distribute assets smoothly.
● Trust Law: Protect your legacy & loved ones with wills & trusts.
● Bankruptcy Law: Knowledgeable guidance helping clients regain financial stability.
● Compassionate & client-focused. We explain things clearly.
● Free consultation.
Services Offered:
- living trust
- revocable living trust
- estate planning attorney near me
- family trust
- wills and trusts
- wills
- estate planning
Map To Steve Bliss Law in Temecula:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/RL4LUmGoyQQDpNUy9
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Address:
The Law Firm of Steven F. Bliss Esq.43920 Margarita Rd ste f, Temecula, CA 92592
(951) 223-7000
Feel free to ask Attorney Steve Bliss about: “How do I start planning my estate?” Or “What is ancillary probate and when does it happen?” or “Does a living trust affect my mortgage or homeownership? and even: “How long does bankruptcy stay on my credit report?” or any other related questions that you may have about his estate planning, probate, and banckruptcy law practice.