Legal Question in Business Law in Florida

Court date: 01/11/2010

I hired a lawyer to represent me at a child support hearing. I paid the lawyer $200 for a consultation fee. Overrall I spent $800 then she asked me for an addtional $300 when the hearing was over. Due to some fees she didn't pay for her licenseship to continue praticing law in Florida. She was unable to represent me in my hearing. She told me this about ten minutes before we entered the court room. I ended up representing myself. She was asked if she was representing me from a DOR rep in the court room and she replied legally no. Should I be entittled to a refund, and if so how much?


Asked on 1/12/10, 10:18 am

3 Answers from Attorneys

Sarah Grosse Sarah Grosse, Esquire

You did not pay that much for your lawyer, and if her license lapsed, she was not able to represent anyone. I think it depends upon whether she earned the $500 you paid her and what your retainer agreement says.

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Answered on 1/17/10, 10:54 am
Alan Wagner Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore P.A.

You are entitled to a full refund, in my judgment.

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Answered on 1/18/10, 2:29 pm
Lesly Longa Longa Law P.A.

What? That is just ridiculous. Did the $500 include representation in court? What did she do to earn this money? Review your retainer agreement with her. She should have given you enough notice to find another attorney. While I also think the $200 for the initial consultation is extreme, you did agree to pay for it. The other charges sound questionable, so I would demand an itemized statement of charges or a partial refund.

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Answered on 1/19/10, 7:53 am


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