Legal Question in Family Law in Colorado

Attorney behavior

After a lengthy divorce battle (9 months) my final orders hearing is just 3 weeks away. I missed 1 payment to my attorney (to pay the Child and Family expert my attorney advised me to hire) and now he is threatening to withdraw from the case if I don't pay him in full 1 week from now.

I have assured him I intend to catch up and maintain my payment schedule but I feel he may be attempting to ''strong arm'' me.

Is it legal for him to withdraw for this reason, at this time? Is it ethical? Do you really think he would walk away from the money after all the work he has put in?


Asked on 12/03/08, 11:15 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
John Steele Steele Law Firm

Re: Attorney behavior

I think that many attorney's are realizing that clients are stiffing them for their bills. And yes, an attorney can withdraw if they are not paid. The only reason a stranger is taking your case and working for you, and solving your problems, is because you pay them. You wouldn't keep paying the attorney if they stopped working for you right?

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Answered on 12/03/08, 11:23 am
Motty Stone Law Offices of Motty Stone

Re: Attorney behavior

The unfortunate reality of practicing law is that once a case is finished, clients very rarely pay what they owe. So attorneys are very aggressive with clients in trying to get paid when the client still needs the attorney for something.

With that said, the attorney is giving you three weeks notice - long enough to get the money together or long enough to hire another lawyer. If you do not want to stay with this attorney then you have enough time to find someone else. But you will probably have to pay that lawyer up front as well.

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Answered on 12/03/08, 11:49 am


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