If you don’t like your lawyer, you can formally end your relationship with them. And, you can also get a new lawyer. That’s a serious decision that you shouldn’t take lightly.

Not all lawyers are equal. Sometimes, your frustration with your attorney is because they are not performing well. Other times, they may be acting totally reasonably under the circumstances. For example, you might be frustrated that you haven’t heard from your lawyer in a while. While it’s natural to want updates — SSA waiting periods can be long, and your lawyer might not have news to share.

Before you fire your attorney, take time to consider the implications on your case. And, whether hiring a new attorney will truly change your experience.

If you want to remove your lawyer, you can call SSA and ask for a 1696 SUP-1 to remove them from your case. Be sure to ask for a fee waiver (in writing) from your lawyer. It will be harder to find a new lawyer without this.