As a resident of Florida who is currently going through legal strife, you will likely be relying on your lawyer for numerous things. But what do you do if the lawyer you rely on has failed you or betrayed your trust in some way?
Unfortunately, lawyers don’t always do right by their clients. FindLaw examines some frequently asked questions that clients have in regard to whether or not they might have a legal malpractice suit. One of these questions asks what to do if you suspect your funds are being misappropriated.
First of all, it is the fiduciary duty of your lawyer to act in your best interest when handling your property or money. This includes any and all property or money that they may be handling at the time. The misappropriation of assets can range on a scale of severity, with accidental mistakes being among the least severe and intentional theft being the most severe. However, even accidental mistakes can cost you money and can be a sign of negligence.
So what can you do if you believe your money has been used inappropriately? First, you can fire the lawyer in question. It is also important for you to contact Florida’s attorney ethics agency as soon as possible. Fortunately, funds are available in most states to help you recover assets that have been misappropriated.
You may also want to speak with an attorney who is skilled in handling legal malpractice cases. They can help you gain compensation for any losses that you faced and hold your previous attorney accountable for their misuse of your funds.