Its not ignorance. It is probably illegal because he cannot negotiate the check without your signature.
Also, if I were you, instead of emailing and texting him, why not call his office and talk to someone, and if no one answers, go over there and see if anyone's "home".
Your attorney should have a trust account to deposit the check into, and also, should have prepared a closing statement or settlement statement outlining all claims, liens, etc.
That said, there could be another reason for the delay. The case may be settled but it may be dependent on a court order approving the settlement. That much no one really knows because we have no idea what your lawyer is actually doing.
There have been some instances where a lawyer has been killed in an accident, or in the hospital, or some other intervening event has occurred and there is a delay because no one else can handle his/her business.
All speculation at this point. You've documented your contacts in writing, so now phone, go by. See what's going on there.
Also, you are writing from MA. Its entirely possible with the weather being this God awful, that your lawyer simply is not anywhere near the office.
