Note: The DearEsq free 'ask a lawyer' site is offered as a free informational service to the public and is not intended as legal advice. Laws vary from state-to-state, and in addition every situation is unique, and relevant facts may not be known. The answer to the question posed below may not apply to in your state or to your situation. For legal advice in your state and your situation you should consult with an attorney in your state who is familiar with the rules and laws in your state.
“I was divorced from my wife in 1999. Property settlement from the divorce is yet to be finalized because my attorney just will not finish his job. The case has since been handed off to another attorney that works in the same firm but I still can’t seem to get this finalized. What do I do? I stand to recieve a large sum of money that could be and could have been drawing interest since 1999.”Stay on top of them asking for updates until the job is done. Leave a polite message daily. If you are not satisfied with the service, fire your attorney and hire another one to finish it. If you think you have been overcharged for services and you have a balance outstanding, there may be fee arbitration available through the State Bar Association. If you think they have acted illegally or unethically you can also talk to the State Bar about that. If you believe they have committed legal malpractice (and it does not sound like it, though reasonable minds might differ), consult with an attorney specializing in that area of law to see if they think you have a case.
Question: Usually suing or threatening to sue your attorney does not make them work faster or more effectively. It can help you come to a clean parting of the ways to get someone in there to get the result you seek.
