Succession certificate

You should insist on the case number and a copy of the petition filed before the court concerned.

Usually lawyers do not give receipts for lawyer fee, the court fee will be paid directly. b y the lawyer to the court in the form of court fee stamps.

If you suspect your lawyer's integrity you can change the lawyer

Generally no one (lawyer) issues receipt for his / her professional fees untill the client specifically demands. 

Ask for a copy of petition from your lawyer.

Get the judicial file inspected by appointing another lawyer, if you have lost faith in your lawyer.

No legal issue is involved in the facts vis-a-vis query.

We actually have paid all money upfront.. Now if we change lawyer.. not sure if he will give our money back.

you must confirm from the district court whether the application is filed. I still don’ know why would people engage lawyers for succession certificates. You must approach Bar association of the Court with your complaint, succession certificate does not takes so much of time. You are being cheated.

Where is your jurisdiction, which district and state?

From mumbai Maharashtra