Legal Question in Family Law in Michigan

Re: Can attorney refuse services to a slow paying client

There is a real easy way to handle this. Take that letter and file a grievance with the Attorney Grievance Commission. Then get a new lawyer because your relationship with that lawyer, of course, will be irretrievably broken. An attorney cannot handle a case with a different quality of care because the client is a slow pay. When the client is paying slowly, and the attorney no longer wants to represent the client, he must go before the judge to ask permission to withdraw. An attorney who would write such a stupid letter isn't too sharp anyway so you haven't lost that much. William S. Stern

Can attorney refuse services to a slow paying client

An attorney can withdraw from representing you. The attorney is sort of like you. No pay, no work. However, the attorney must go through the time and expense of obtaining a court order to end his representation of you.

Re: Can attorney refuse services to a slow paying client

Not only can the attorney refuse further services, but he or she can sue you for the balance. If there is an ongoing case with future court dates and filings required, your attorney must file a motion to withdraw before declining to provide further services.

I disagree with Mr. Stern's response because I do not believe that a grievance is appropriate in this situation. The attorney has every right to demand payment and, in fact, most attorneys will not provide services unless they are paid for in advance.