Legal Question in Family Law in California
How do I fire my attorney who overbilled me after telling me in our last meeting that the "money was fine", meaning my initial retainer was still being used. Now, after repeated requests for a statement, he sent a statement backdated two months that bills for twice the initial retainer? Also, I want to quit fighting the pre-nup because i have discovered there are no assets left to fight over. Can I contact my husband's attorney directly and ask her to draw up papers to sign?
Thanks,
MJ
1 Answer from Attorneys
Generally, attorneys will not speak directly with litigants who have legal representation. You can tell your attorney he's fired, and you want to represent yourself. You and he would have to sign some forms, submit them to the court, and mail a copy to the other side. Once that's done, you'd be free to be your own lawyer.
As for the legal fee issue, you have the right to proceed to non-binding arbitration on that matter. If you are dissatisfied with the result, you then could file a lawsuit for a return of all or some of your fees and costs.