The prior attorney still has full confidentiality requirements. Without your permission the former attorney cannot speak to your current attorney....

No it does not. Before dismissal of a lawsuit negotiating for a waiver of costs may be warranted.

They might be. A skilled lawyer can study the facts and determine fault of the homeowner.

Yes they are responsible. You would have a valid lawsuit with proper proof.

If he was ill, such a case is possible. Due to the nature of lawsuits, the extent of the injuries may affect the viability of a case.

Failing to promptly pay you a settlement when everything is finalized is malpractice.

If you already changed lawyers and the former lawyer knew, it would be an ethical violation to contact you.

It depends on the particular facts of the ethics complaint and findings

Yes you might be entitled to a full or partial refund under these facts. Not so much due to breach of contract but because of malpractice.

You can go through the process of asset seizure and sale. When it goes through you are paid, the costs are paid and the remainder paid to the...