Yes, you certainly can fire a representative. However, it is a different issue as to whether you should fire your attorney. Before you fire your attorney, I recommend setting up an appointment to come in and speak with him or her face to face. Explain your concerns, and see if the attorney is receptive to them. Many issues can be resolved just by sitting down to discuss them.
When Not To Fire Your Attorney
Understand that many of the problems that frustrate claimants about the Social Security process may be out of your attorney’s hands. The number one source of frustration is the length of time that it takes for a case to be resolved. The unfortunate reality is that the Social Security Administration improperly denies an enormous percentage of meritorious claims. Once this happens, it is likely that the case will need to be appealed for a hearing before an Administrative Law Judge to get any relief. This can take years to resolve. Firing an attorney for this reason would be a mistake.
Similarly, I have heard claimants complain that their attorneys “weren’t doing anything” on the case. Again, this is something that is best discussed with the attorney directly. Attorneys don’t always broadcast to the client everything that is being done on the case. Sit down with the attorney and just ask for a status update on the case. Also, ask how he or she is planning to prove the case. After doing this, it will become evident pretty quickly what the attorney is doing.
