Legal Question in Legal Ethics in Michigan

attorney over charged

I live in South Carolina, I had to fire my divorce attorney in Michigan. It took 6 weeks to get one document, Complaint for divorce, which appears to be a simple fill in the blank form I have seen in books. I was asking for alimony which did not show in the document. The first draft had my maiden name wrong, when I asked for correction he corrected the name but stilled spelled it wrong. With such poor work, that took a long time to get on such an easy task I was afraid what I would get in court. I fired him and asked for a refund of my retainer. He charged me for correcting his mistake on my name, and still didn't get it right, for reading a one paragraph letter firing him, and charged me to READ a second letter I had to send because he did not respond to first letter firing him. I filed a grievence with the State of Michigan, they dimissed it saying it was a ''fee dispute'' but the agreed to arbitrate it. The attorney did not agree. I have filed in small claims court in Michigan for the $700. I have to take off work and drive 16 hours to do this. What are my chances of winnig against an attorney? If I am awarded anything can I ask for the costs of me getting there and back?


Asked on 5/23/03, 4:20 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
William Stern William Stern, P.C.

Re: attorney over charged

Even if you win, it is not worth your time. Sometimes you have to be practical. Most likely, in retrospect, there were many warning signs the lawyer was not the one for you. Chalk it up to experience. That is why old people are so wise. Bill Stern

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Answered on 5/24/03, 2:24 pm


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