If you decide you are unhappy with your attorney, you should advise him/her of your feelings in writing.  If it becomes clear that you cannot work with your attorney, then you should not be afraid to fire him/her. It is best to make the decision early on. Otherwise, not only will you be switching attorneys during a potentially critical time in your case, but you will also have to pay your new attorney to get up-to-speed.

If you think your attorney is incompetent or unethical, then you definitely need to fire him/her. If you decide to fire your attorney, do it in writing, sending the letter by Fax AND Certified mail.