Legal Question in Legal Ethics in California

Your written retainer agreement with your attorney governs how much you'll get. Typically, an attorney will take the agreed percentage from the top as the attorney's fee. Then, the attorney will negotiate the doctors' fees and pay all liens placed on the case. Then, out of the remainder, the attorney will be reimbursed for out-of-pocket expenses such as court fees, expert fees advanced, depositions, and miscellaneous related costs. After that, the balance will go to you. (Note: Some retainer agreements have the attorney taking a percentage of the fees after all such costs are deducted from the top.)

Your attorney should provide you with a written breakdown of the disbursements. You might ask for one so that you can see where the money is going.

I don't know. I can't see the disbursement form from here.