Legal Question in Legal Ethics in Florida

Lawyer refuses to relinquish me as client

Problem 1: E/mailed and faxed lawyer on 12Aug requesting him ''to stop all work on my case'' as my ex-husband and I had reached agreement on child supp mod. Lawyer wrote back on 14Aug acknowledging same, stating ''no problem''. But he kept contacting ex-husband's lawyer long after he was off the case and keeps on charging me [even for letters telling him to stop!]; he now says I didn't ''terminate his services''. I didn't use those words but intent in my e/mail was VERY clear.

Problem 2: I paid on a/c $2k of his $10k bill but noticed has double billed me and also won't provide me with documents that he has billed me for either reading or producing, unless I pay more for ''copies'' and ''consulting'' his clerk.

I've paid him another $6k up to 12 Aug but I don't believe I owe him anything after that. He has filed a Motion to Withdraw plus filed a lien against me.

Can he do this even though I've made good on all but $1800 of his bills? I do intend to report him to FL Bar Assoc!


Asked on 9/23/06, 6:54 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Alan Wagner Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore P.A.

Re: Lawyer refuses to relinquish me as client

He cannot bill you for any work after you told him to stop all work. be sure to let the judge know when he tries to enforce the lien. keep your proof of service abd fax and his aknowledgment.

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Answered on 9/24/06, 12:44 am


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