How do I formally terminate my attorney and recover fees for lack of communication and no visible court action?

Legal (General)

Liz

43,836 satisfied customers

View context

Solved

You do have the right to have a sit-down with your attorney and request he explain why it's not filed and showing. If he cannot explain it, you could then do the firing and demand your refund of fees. If he then refuses, you could initiate fee arbitration.

Refund Demand Letter

Create Document

Full Conversation

Well, I was trying to find my old chat to give background information of the situation. But, however, I’m attempting to formally ask my attorney for a refund and possibly report him to the BAR for ineffective counsel.

He claims he filed a petition for non-paternity with the courts back in November 2025. Just last week, I’ve received news that I’m not the father of the child in question. The potential father at the time showed me documentation that he’s the natural father and has claimed him. I provided my attorney with this information.

He keeps saying there’s a court date coming up to get a judgment against the mother who initially asked for the test, but never followed up when I set it up twice. Furthermore, he was supposed to send me this information but never has. I don’t see anything on CaseNet at all. I’ve provided him with everything he needed and I’m not seeing results.

Lexi, Chatbot

I understand how frustrating it must be to feel like your attorney is not effectively handling your case. Can you tell me when you last communicated with your attorney about this situation?

Just over the weekend.

Lexi, Chatbot

Have you documented all your communications and attempts to resolve this issue with your attorney?

I have not formally requested a refund just yet, but I was about to draft an email and text to send to his cellular device.

Liz

Hi there! Welcome. My name is Liz and I’ve been an attorney for more than a decade, and I am here to assist with your legal concerns. Just so you are aware, our service is a legal information-only site. No attorney-client relationship is formed from our conversation.

So I can best help, when did you last speak to your attorney?

On Thursday, March 5, 2026 at approximately 3 pm.

Liz

Thank you for sharing that. Has he provided any documentation of actually filing for non-paternity?

Yes. It was presented with these documents around Thanksgiving 2025.

Liz

Thank you so much.

So that was filed but you have not had any hearing since?

No hearing at all.

It’s not even showing up on https://www.courts.mo.gov/casenet/welcome.do

Liz

I'm sorry to hear about the difficulties you're facing with your attorney. If that was filed, there should be some response by the court and some movement on the docket.

Liz

Yes! That makes complete sense! How would I formally fire him and request refund of fees? After digging further into his background, I’ve seen other clients give him negative reviews and also asked him for refunds. I went with him because we worked together on another case prior. How do I initiate fee arbitration if he refuses?

I’m going to formally send an email and text requesting a sit-down first. Then escalate according to your recommendations.

Liz

Firing him in writing can be a good idea, that way you have documentation of everything so he can't claim you didn't send it.

Ok. That’s what it seems like I’m going to do because it just seems like he’s giving me the runaround. This is unethical behavior from an attorney.

Liz

You're right. It's not ethical. The ethics rules require he maintain contact and state a duty of zealous representation.

I wholeheartedly agree!

Liz

Which you can cite to rule 4 specifically. It covers their duty to communicate and for representation.

Ok, I will get that drafted! Thank you!

Liz

You're very welcome! Have a wonderful night!

Thanks again, Liz! You as well!

Liz

43,836 satisfied customers

Welcome! Have a similar question?

By messaging AskALawyer, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.

Benjamin

4.74 (679)

Can a durable power of attorney that shows a “PREVIEW” watermark still be notarized and considered valid?

Answered 1 day ago

Richard

4.26 (76,546)

[NY] Can you file a name change petition by mail if you cannot go to the courthouse?

Answered 1 day ago

Dan

Law Partner

4.55 (30,122)

[GA] What are my legal options for buying a car from my son below market value without misrepresenting the sale price or creating tax issues?

Answered 2 days ago

Disclaimer

By messaging AskaLawyer.com, you agree to our Terms and have read our Privacy Policy.

The information provided on AskaLawyer.com is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and timeliness of the information presented, we make no guarantees regarding its completeness or applicability to your specific circumstances.

Use of this website does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and AskaLawyer.com or any of its attorneys. Communications through this website, including any responses from attorneys, are not privileged or confidential. For advice tailored to your individual situation, we recommend consulting a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction.

AskaLawyer.com disclaims any liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this site. We are not responsible for any third-party content that may be accessed through this website. Reliance on any information provided herein is solely at your own risk.