Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

Questionable legal fees

I just got divorced where my ex was to pay for legal fees. I am now being told by my atty that there is an outstanding bill of $7000. He said that he will accept lump sum payment of $2500 instead. I asked my atty to send me a itemized bill and he said that if he had to waste his time with that he would charge me the full $7000. What should I do?


Asked on 6/05/08, 1:52 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Brent Rose The Orsini & Rose Law Firm

Re: Questionable legal fees

That's not a legal question. The attorney probably didn't keep good track of his time and is estimating his bill. To send you a copy, he'll have to go back and rebuild his bill. It may not seem fair, but Florida law allows him to do this.

So, you can pay him the $2500 or risk him suing you for $7000. I don't know if he'll actually sue you, turn it over to collections, put it on your credit, take some other action against you or just forget about it. It's your call and your risk.

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Answered on 6/05/08, 4:00 pm
David Slater David P. Slater, Esq.

Re: Questionable legal fees

The answer depends upon your retainer agreement and how much work he did. Without more information, it is impossible to answer.

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Answered on 6/05/08, 4:07 pm


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