If you are unhappy with your attorney, your first thought is probably, "Am I stuck?" This fear is paralyzing. It is the "sunk cost fallacy" in action—the feeling that you have already spent so much time and money that you cannot possibly start over. This is the single biggest reason people stay with bad representation. So let's answer the question directly. When is it actually too late? At firms like JOS FAMILY LAW, we can tell you that it is almost never too late, but the timing is a strategic decision.

Here is a breakdown of the different phases of your case and what a change looks like in each.

Phase 1: Early in the Case (The "Discovery" Phase) This is the best and easiest time to change. The case has just started. Your new lawyer has time to review the initial filings, fix any errors, and, most importantly, set the entire strategy for the case. They can conduct their own "discovery" (the financial investigation), build the case from the ground up, and prepare you for mediation. The "get up to speed" time is minimal, and the cost of changing is at its absolute lowest. If you have a bad feeling early on, do not wait.

Phase 2: In the Middle of Negotiations (Before a Settlement) This is also an excellent time to change. This is when a fresh perspective is most valuable. Perhaps your case is "stuck," and your lawyer has no new ideas. Or, worse, your lawyer is pushing you to accept a "lowball" settlement for child support or division of assets because they are not a skilled negotiator. A new, more experienced attorney can step in, re-evaluate your case, and either find a new path to a fair settlement or prepare the case for trial. This is a critical moment to get a new advocate.

Phase 3: Right Before a Hearing or Trial (The "Danger Zone") This is the only time when the answer to "when is it too late to change lawyers" is "Maybe." A judge's primary concern is keeping the court calendar moving. If your trial is next week, a judge will not be happy about a last-minute change if it requires a "continuance" (a delay). The other side will argue that you are just "stalling."

You can still change lawyers, but you have two options: 1) Your new lawyer must be a superstar who can "parachute in" and be 100% ready for trial on the original date. This is difficult but possible. 2) Your new lawyer must file a motion for a continuance and provide "good cause"—for example, proving that your old lawyer was "demonstrably incompetent," not just that you did not like them. This is a high bar to clear.

Phase 4: After the Judgment (For an Appeal or Modification) This is a perfect time to change. In fact, it is often recommended. If you lost your case, you absolutely want a new, fresh set of eyes to review the file for a potential appeal. If your life circumstances have changed and you need to "modify" your custody or support order, this is a brand new case, and it is the ideal time to hire the right attorney from the start.

Ultimately, staying with a bad lawyer out of fear is the worst decision you can make. That lawyer can cost you your financial future or your time with your children.