Educational guide
Changing Lawyers in a California Civil Case
A practical checklist based on official California Courts and State Bar resources for documenting a change in representation. It provides general information, not individualized legal advice.
- Review the fee agreement and speak with the current lawyer about concerns, the status of the matter and any upcoming dates. Keep a written list of deadlines, hearings and work still in progress.
- Before ending the relationship, ask for a copy of the client file, current billing records and an accounting of funds or property held for you. The State Bar's consumer guidance specifically recommends obtaining your file when ending an attorney-client relationship.
- If a California civil court case is pending, do not assume that telling the lawyer privately changes the court record. California Courts explains that a formal Substitution of Attorney may be required to change who represents you.
- For a change that all required people agree to, California Courts directs parties to use Substitution of Attorney—Civil (form MC-050). The outgoing lawyer signs, and a new lawyer also completes and signs the form if one is taking over.
- The form includes proof-of-service steps: someone age 18 or older who is not part of the case mails copies to the other parties or their lawyers, completes the service section and returns the form for filing.
- File the completed form with the court and keep a stamped copy. Confirm that future notices will go to the correct lawyer or to you if you will represent yourself.
- Changing lawyers does not erase court, claim or limitation deadlines. Ask qualified counsel about urgent dates and transition issues; if the outgoing lawyer will not sign or another dispute exists, the required procedure may be different.
- Address fees and costs separately. The State Bar has resources for communicating about problems and for requesting Mandatory Fee Arbitration when a billing dispute cannot be resolved directly.
Official resources
This guide provides general information only and is not legal or medical advice. Rules and individual circumstances differ. In an emergency, call 911.