In what circumstance can an attorney withdraw without court approval?

An attorney may withdraw from representing a client without seeking court approval primarily when local rules for domestic relations dictate such circumstances. This can occur particularly in family law cases where the court recognizes specific situations that allow for withdrawal, thus facilitating the attorney's exit from the case without needing to seek the court's permission.

For instance, local rules may set forth guidelines that streamline processes relating to case management and attorney conduct, especially in sensitive areas such as custody disputes or divorce proceedings. When these local rules apply, attorneys can navigate their withdrawal in a manner that respects both the client’s rights and the court’s procedures without incurring delays or complications.

Other circumstances, such as client payment issues or misconduct, typically require more formalized processes and often necessitate court approval or notification to ensure fairness and due diligence, particularly to protect the client's interests. Additionally, the nature of trial phases can further complicate withdrawal; thus, attorneys are generally bound to remain until the court has deemed it appropriate for them to step aside.