Legal Question in Family Law in California

Attorney Consultation Fees

I had been representing myself as a Plaintiff in my divorce. All tpapers had been filed and disclosures done. We were at the point of negotiations.

I was thinking about retaining the services of an attorney to represent me. I called an attorney in Hermosa Beach and he returned my call 5 minutes later. He spoke with me for a few minutes on the telephone and pressed me for a meeting. He said it could take possibly 2 hours. At no time did he tell me that he charged for consultations. Nothing was said. I went to see him at the end of February. He was a big talker, and I could scarely get away from him. He practically talked to me as I went to the elevator.

I left him copies of my documents and asked him what his retainer was. He told me $6,000 and $300 an hour. One week later I received a retainer agreement for $7,500. I decided not to use him. Yesterday, I received a bill for $630. He charged me $600 for a client meeting. Also charged $30 for the initial call to set the meeting.

Am I obligated to pay this? I never agreed to a $630 consultation. Is this normal? I would have thought that he would have been upfront with me on the charges.

Please advise as to how to handle.


Asked on 4/13/05, 1:13 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Jennifer Sawday Sawday and Drake

Re: Attorney Consultation Fees

Gosh, I am sorry to hear about your experience with this attorney. No, it is not normal. If there is a consultation fee, you should have been made aware of it and agreed to it ahead of time.

I would not pay his fee. I would write him a letter explaining that you did not sign an agreement, you were unaware of his initial consultation fee and for him to leave you alone.

I hope this helps.

Read more
Answered on 4/13/05, 1:36 pm
Brian Levy, Esq. Law Office of Brian Don Levy

Replpy: Attorney Consultation Fees

I would not pay it. I would tell the attorney that he should have quoted you a fee first, and that if wants to make it an issue you will invoke the mandatory fee dispute arbitration provisions of the Los Angeles County Bar Associatiion. Do not let yourself be bullied!

Good luck to you!

Brian Levy, Esq.

www.calattorney.com

Read more
Answered on 4/13/05, 8:29 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Family Law, Divorce, Child Custody and Adoption questions and answers in California