Legal Question in Legal Ethics in New Jersey

Hello:

Subject: Excessive fees, ripped off by a lawyer?

My wife & I agreed upon an amicable, totally uncontested, pre-determined split of assets and liabilities, divorce. A near-death accident, 5 & 1/2 months in 3 hospital, and still confined to bed at home since August 2010. Five days after my discharge, we were sitting at the lawyer�s desk for the first meeting. I do not know how my wife chose this lawyer, (a false sense of confidence). I was unaware how serious my logic, common sense and general business savvy was impaired. My mind was clouded by anxiety, medications and depression. I meet with a LCSW at least once per week and MD care for anti-depression medication. This atty. Knowingly took advantage of my impaired emotional and analyitical condition.

Even though the �little voice in my head" told me this lawyer was not trustworthy, this situation was wrong the very moment I met him, I allowed the divorce process to begin. We provided a single typed page that clearly and sufficiently stated our agreement how to split all assets, liabilities, and the care for our daughter. All present and foreseeable future responsibilities to each other were addressed. I was quoted a $5k -to- $15k range for a typical divorce with complex issues, and was assured "your uncontested process will cost significantly less". I was told by an associate, no mediation would be required beyond the first session.

MY STATUS:

After the 4th meetings to mediate, review, then re-review HIS corrections to OUR provided divorce agreement, the atty. elaborated our 1-page of conditions into an 87 page document (PSA). At this point, I had already paid with checks totaling more than $9,400.00. The PSA is not in its formal state yet. We have not even started with the fees for court actions, legal representation presentation? in the court. Estimates dictate we will pay at least $4k-to-$7k more to complete this process, with no cost limit in sight.

Coming to my senses, I halted his services. He is waiting for our signed copies, (which require correction again) of the PSA so he can make corrections again before making a final document. Two legal firms have indicated I should ask for my funds returned. Neither has interest to get involved. Uncontested divorce, I was informed can be completed for $1,500 -$4,500 in New Jersey. But $15k-$19k?

I want my money back. I need to know everything and anything to use against him for milking me this far. Please help me. Gregory Miller 732 451-9088 [email protected]

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