Write a termination contract letter A contract termination letter allows you to give written notice of your contract's cancellation. It clearly states intent and limits your liability, which arerequired if you're looking to avoid issues while terminating a contract. Writing the letter is simple.
First, you can hire a new attorney and ask the new attorney to contact the former attorney and inform the former attorney of his or her termination. Second, you can write a letter to the attorney informing the attorney that you are terminating the attorney client relationship.
Terminating a Contract by Performance: In California, a contract can be terminated upon completing the agreed-upon obligations. The doctrine of substantial performance applies here, meaning termination may be possible as long as the core obligations have been met.
Always terminate the relationship in writing. Even if you fire your attorney in a verbal exchange, you should follow up by sending a written termination letter. Be sure to send the letter by “certified mail with return receipt requested” so there's proof your lawyer received the letter.
Your attorney can help you assess the situation and come up with a strategy and documentation to terminate the agreement if the law allows you to do so.
You can stop working with your lawyer, as you don't have a contract preventing you from doing so. Firing your attorney before a settlement pays out might not cut them out of the settlement entirely, though.
The best way to do this is to send a letter (email is fine). All you have to say is Dear Lawyer, I am terminating the attorney-client relationship effective immediately. Please send my client file to ADDRESS by DATE.