How to Verify If Your Attorney Filed Motions to Compel Discovery
As a client, ensuring that your attorney is diligently handling your case can be crucial. One such aspect is the filing of Motions to Compel Discovery of evidence, a necessary step in many legal proceedings. But what if you suspect that your attorney has not been forthcoming about their actions or their efforts to obtain critical evidence? Here, we explore the various ways in which you can verify this on your own, without needing to ask your attorney directly.
1. Accessing Court Records
If you are distrustful of your attorney, the most direct way to verify the filing of motions is to access the court records yourself. In many jurisdictions, court documents are public records and can be accessed through the clerk of the court. You do not need to wait for a formal response from your attorney to get this information.
To access these records, simply visit the courthouse or contact the clerk at the court where your case is being heard. Provide them with your case number, such as named party v. named party case number 2104917. The clerk will retrieve the file and make it available for your review. You can examine any relevant documents, including any motions filed, and even request copies of these documents through the clerk or by taking photos with your cell phone.
2. Requesting Copies and Responses from Your Attorney
A more straightforward approach is to directly request these documents from your attorney. Many attorneys have a routine practice of providing client copies and responses for any motions filed with the court. This can help you stay informed about the progress of your case. If your attorney is not forthcoming, consider contacting the receptionist or a paralegal to provide you with the necessary details.
It’s important to remember that your attorney is paid to answer your questions and keep you informed of your case’s progress. If you feel that you are not receiving this level of transparency, it might be time to consider finding a new attorney who is more committed to open communication and informing their clients about their actions.
3. Online Court Filing Systems
Many modern court systems also offer online access to case documents. If your court has an online system, you can search for the motions and other filings using your case number or your name. This convenience can save you a trip to the courthouse and provide you with real-time access to your case’s documentation.
However, before you embark on this process, it’s essential to have faith in your attorney. If you have so little trust in your attorney that you are skeptical about their actions, you might need to explore the possibility of finding a new legal representative who is more transparent and communicative. A good attorney should be willing to provide you with updates and copies of relevant documents as part of their regular practice.
Conclusion
Verifying whether your attorney has filed Motions to Compel Discovery is a straightforward process that can be accomplished through various means. Whether you choose to access court records directly, request documents from your attorney, or use an online court filing system, you should be able to gain confidence in the actions taken on your behalf. Trust is a critical component of the attorney-client relationship, and if you are not seeing that trust being upheld, it may be time to seek an attorney who can provide the transparency and communication you need.