Legal Question in Legal Malpractice in Massachusetts

Attorney Malpractice

I paid an attorney to file a paternity suit.The father did not dispute it.My attorney said to settle out of court for a small amount.He said the case could be dragged out for years.The other attorney drew up papers saying I could never disclose who the father was or any information about the case.If I did I could be sued for three times whatever damages he ensued. My attorney said this was legal.I asked several times for a copy of my file.He refused and said the records had been sealed.When my child was 14 she chose to sue her father.Her attorney also had a problem getting the file from my previous lawyer but eventually did. It took four years to get through the court system.I then found out the papers I had signed were ''against public practice''.I have incurred $62,ooo.oo in legal fees and seven years of litigation for my child only to have the judge say that too much time had lapsed to allow for back child support.I now face bankruptcy due to the current legal fees.Is there any recourse to sue the previous attorney regarding the papers that were against public practice?I cannot afford any further legal fees.


Asked on 11/22/02, 3:33 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Nance Lyons Law Office of Nance Lyons

Re: Attorney Malpractice

You ha ve 3 years to sue attorney for malpractice. Call Mass.Bar Ass'n for referral to attorney. Generally accepted on a contingent fee basis. You can also file a complaint with the MA Board of Bar Overseers re legal fees.

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Answered on 11/26/02, 8:54 pm


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