Legal Question in Family Law in California
attorney fees
Before I hire my attorney, she gave me a flat price for her services, now she sent me an itemized invoice saying that my retainer which required me to pay in advance has been exhausted and that I owe what's on the invoice. I requested an appoinment and she responded with another invoice and a letter saying that her hourly rate was 350. I sent a letter saying that it wan't the agrement and she responded that she takes it as if I don't want to pay for the services provided therefore she hired an attorney to collect the fee and will be reflected in my credit. It's this right?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Reply: attorney fees
The Los Angeles County Bar Association as a free service that provides arbitration of or mediation of fee disputes. Other county bar associations may offer similar services.
You might want to take advantage of one of these free services.
Good luck to you!
Brian Levy, Esq.
www.calattorney.com
Re: attorney fees
Do you have a retainer agreement that states that it is a flat fee and does it spell out the service she is going to perform for the flat fee?
I had a client who took me to arbitration because she thought I said I could handle her entire divorce for $1000. There are often misunderstandings.
If the attorney refuses to discuss it with you, contact your local bar association. They will provide mandatory arbitration.