If you’re reading this, you’re likely interested in having our firm represent you, but there’s a hurdle: you’re already under contract with another attorney.
This situation comes with its own set of rules and requirements, which can make things complicated.
We understand how crucial it is for you to get the help you need, especially when navigating the intricacies of VA disability law.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide.
Our objective is to clearly explain why we can’t assist you if you’re already contracted with another law firm, and more importantly, what steps you can take to resolve this.
We’ll discuss crucial documents like the Letter of Withdrawal and the Fee Waiver, and why they’re necessary for us to potentially represent you.
By the end of this post, you’ll have a solid understanding of the process and the documentation needed to make a smooth transition in legal representation.
Let’s solve this problem together so you can get the assistance you deserve for your VA disability claim.
The Basic Policy at Hill & Ponton
At Hill & Ponton, we have a straightforward but strict policy when it comes to representing veterans in their VA disability claims: it’s an “all or nothing” approach.
What does this mean?
It means that if you are already represented by another law firm for your VA disability claim, we cannot take on your case unless that other firm formally withdraws and relinquishes any future fees connected to your claim.
Why Do We Have This Policy?
The reason for our “all or nothing” policy is to prevent complications down the line.
In the past, when two different attorneys represented a single claim, they had to submit a “fee petition” to the VA.
This would lead to lengthy delays and additional legal hurdles.
Now, the VA has changed its procedure.
If a veteran is represented by two attorneys, the VA will forward the fee dispute to the Office of General Counsel (OGC).
The OGC then takes its own time to decide which attorney gets paid, a process that can be incredibly slow and unpredictable.
To avoid these complications, we require that your previous attorney completely withdraw from representing you and waive any future fees from your case.
This simplifies the process, allowing us to fully focus on representing your interests.
Necessary Documentation: Letter of Withdrawal and Fee Waiver
For us to consider representing you, two key documents are needed from your previous attorney:
- Letter of Withdrawal: This is a formal letter from your current or previous attorney stating that they are no longer representing you in your VA disability claim.
- Fee Waiver: This document states that your current or previous attorney will not collect any fees related to your VA disability claim, either now or in the future.
Once these documents are in hand, you’re welcome to reach back out to us for a review of your claim.
While our representation is not guaranteed, we will evaluate your claim to determine how best we can assist you.
In the following sections, we will delve into each of these documents in detail, so you know exactly what they are and how to obtain them.
By understanding and following this policy, you pave the way for a smoother, more efficient legal process, ultimately allowing you to focus on what matters most—securing the benefits you rightly deserve.
What is a Letter of Withdrawal?
A Letter of Withdrawal is a crucial legal document in the context of VA disability claims if you’re seeking to change your representation.
This letter serves as a formal announcement from your current or previous attorney that they are no longer involved in your case.
Why Is This Letter Important?
You might wonder why you can’t just tell us you’re no longer working with the other attorney.
The reason is legal formality and clarity. A Letter of Withdrawal serves as concrete evidence that your previous attorney has indeed stepped back from your claim.
This ensures there are no misunderstandings or disputes later on regarding who represents you, especially when it comes to matters of fee distribution.
Steps to Obtain a Letter of Withdrawal
- Contact Your Current or Previous Attorney: The first step is to reach out to the law firm or attorney currently representing you. You can make this contact via phone, email, or even a formal letter. Clearly state that you are requesting a Letter of Withdrawal for your VA disability claim.
- Follow Their Procedure: Law firms typically have their own procedures for withdrawing from a case. They may require you to fill out specific forms or provide additional information. Be sure to follow all their guidelines to expedite the process.
- Receive and Review the Letter: Once the law firm agrees to your request, they will send you the Letter of Withdrawal. Review this document carefully to make sure it meets the requirements: that they are formally ceasing representation for your specific VA disability claim.
- Keep Records: It’s crucial to keep this letter in your records and also to send a copy to us at Hill & Ponton, as part of the initial steps to potentially having us represent you.
By obtaining a Letter of Withdrawal, you clarify the legal landscape around your VA disability claim, eliminating any overlap in representation.
This is the first key step in aligning yourself with new representation that may better serve your needs and assist you in securing your VA benefits.
In the next section, we’ll discuss the Fee Waiver, the second critical document you need to move forward with changing legal representation.
What is a Fee Waiver?
The Fee Waiver is the second critical document required to change your legal representation for a VA disability claim.
This document formally states that your current or previous attorney will not collect any fees related to your case, either now or in the future.
Why is the Fee Waiver Important?
Obtaining a Fee Waiver serves a dual purpose:
- Prevents Future Disputes: A Fee Waiver ensures that there are no future claims or disputes over the attorney’s fees from your previous representation. This avoids any potential financial implications down the road.
- Clears the Path for New Representation: With a Fee Waiver in place, a new law firm, such as Hill & Ponton, can confidently represent you without the risk of fee disputes or other legal complexities.
Steps to Obtain a Fee Waiver
- Request Alongside the Letter of Withdrawal: When you contact your current or previous attorney for a Letter of Withdrawal, also request a Fee Waiver at the same time. This can often expedite the process.
- Reiteration and Persistence: Some attorneys might hesitate to provide a Fee Waiver. While we cannot advise you on how to proceed in such cases, being persistent in your request could be beneficial.
- Consult with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO): If you encounter any difficulty in obtaining a Fee Waiver, a Veteran Service Officer can provide additional guidance on how to proceed.
- Review and Store Safely: Once you receive the Fee Waiver, review it carefully to ensure it states that the attorney relinquishes all claims to future fees related to your VA disability claim. Keep this document in your records and also send a copy to us at Hill & Ponton.
By acquiring both a Letter of Withdrawal and a Fee Waiver, you remove any obstacles that could prevent us from representing you.
These documents ensure a smooth transition and allow us to evaluate how best to assist you in securing your VA disability benefits.
In the upcoming section, we’ll address common scenarios and questions that arise during this process, ensuring that you’re fully prepared to navigate the complexities of changing your legal representation.
Addressing Common Questions and Scenarios
It’s natural to have questions or face unique circumstances when you’re in the process of changing your legal representation for a VA disability claim.
To make this process as smooth as possible for you, let’s tackle some common questions and situations that veterans often encounter.
“I have the Letter of Withdrawal, but they won’t give me the Fee Waiver. What should I do?”
While we can’t give legal advice on how to persuade your previous attorney to provide a Fee Waiver, persistence may be your ally.
Keep asking, and don’t hesitate to consult a Veteran Service Officer for additional support and advice on your case.
“I haven’t spoken with that attorney in years. How do I even get started?”
The contracts for legal representation can last up to 15 years.
Therefore, even if you haven’t been in touch for a long time, the contract may still be in effect.
To locate previous documentation, you can:
- Search Your Records: Look through old emails, documents, or any correspondence that may have the contact information for the law firm.
- Request Documentation from the VA: If the VA has a record of your legal representation, they may be able to provide you with a copy of the contract or the attorney’s contact information.
“My previous attorney retired, and someone else took over the firm. Is the fee voided?”
No, the fee agreement generally doesn’t void simply because the attorney retires.
You would still need to contact the current firm to obtain the necessary documentation—namely, the Letter of Withdrawal and the Fee Waiver.
Why All This Matters?
Changing your legal representation isn’t a simple task, but it’s sometimes necessary to better serve your needs.
The Letter of Withdrawal and Fee Waiver are crucial in ensuring that the transition is as smooth as possible.
By understanding and obtaining these documents, you enable us to evaluate your claim properly and potentially take on your case, focusing on how to best secure the VA disability benefits you deserve.
We hope this clears up any questions you may have had.
At Hill & Ponton, our primary goal is to assist veterans in successfully navigating the complex world of VA disability claims.
And the first step in that journey is ensuring a clear, undisputed path for your legal representation.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Switching legal representation for your VA disability claim is a significant decision and, as you’ve seen, involves some necessary legal procedures.
The Letter of Withdrawal and Fee Waiver aren’t just bureaucratic red tape; they’re essential documents that ensure clarity and fairness for all parties involved.
They allow us at Hill & Ponton to give your case the focused attention it deserves without any lingering complications or disputes.
Next Steps:
- Review this Guide: Go through the information we’ve provided to ensure you understand the process and requirements.
- Contact Your Previous Attorney: Request the necessary documents—Letter of Withdrawal and Fee Waiver—to clear the path for new representation. Be persistent and clear in your communication.
- Consult a Veteran Service Officer: If you encounter difficulties or have questions, a Veteran Service Officer can be a valuable resource.
- Submit the Documents to Hill & Ponton: Once you’ve secured the Letter of Withdrawal and Fee Waiver, you’re welcome to contact us again for a case evaluation. While we can’t guarantee representation, these documents allow us to consider taking your case.
- Keep Records: Maintain copies of all correspondence and documents for your records. This helps ensure a smooth transition and can be crucial in any future legal matters related to your VA disability claim.
By following these steps, you remove any barriers that could prevent a smooth transition in legal representation.
And that’s important because the sooner we can begin evaluating your claim, the sooner we can start focusing on securing the VA disability benefits you rightly deserve.
We appreciate your interest in Hill & Ponton and are committed to helping veterans navigate the complexities of VA disability law.
If you have more questions, feel free to reach out to us; we’re here to help.
Have Questions About Appealing Your Claim or Understanding How the Claims Process Works?
The attorneys at Hill & Ponton are here to support you with appealing a claim to get benefits.
If you are intending to appeal a denied VA disability claim, you can contact us for an evaluation and we can help you with this process.
However, if you are considering filing an initial claim, or even if you are interested in learning about the appeals process, we offer a free ebook to get you started on the right foot!
The Road to VA Compensation Benefits will help break down the claims process from start to finish. Click the link below to learn more.
