Legal Question in Family Law in Maryland
retainer
I got a lawyer to draw up paper for legal seperation she asked for one hundred and then a week later she ask for the retainer which was one thousand. a week later I told her that we were trying to work it out and go to counseling. well she shows me the papers she had written and I said so this is on hold for a while until I see if its going to work. now she wants another one hundred dollars and the truth is I don't need her. So how do I fire her and try and get some of my money back to pay for counseling?
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: retainer
If you met with the lawyer and discussed your case, she's entitled to be paid for that. If you asked her to write up a separation agreement, she's also entitled to be paid for that. The fact that you later decided to try counseling before going ahead with the separation or divorce doesn't change the fact that she spent her time performing services for you that you requested. It sounds like she's charging you a very reasonable amount for the work she did, and of course if things don't work out in counseling, you will be able to use the document she prepared.
Re: retainer
The fee you are being charged is reasonable. Being that there is a retainer, it appears that there was an accompanying retainer agreement. Honor the agreement. She has honored it by doing the requested work. I would suggest paying the retainer by installment.
Related Questions & Answers
Looking for something else?
10,200 active attorneys ready to answer your legal questions today.
Featured Attorneys
Earn additional revenue and grow your business.
