Legal Question in Family Law in New York
divorce lawyer fee
In 1999 I paid deposit to initiate divorce.
Due to cicumstances I didn't visit office for a while. When I came next time lawyer told me about expiration date and offered to start from scratch. So my $300 has
gone. Has she acted legaly ?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: divorce lawyer fee
No. There is no such thing as a non-refundable deposit. For an attorney to be paid for his time and services he must actually do some work.
I would do the following:
1. In writing I would ask the return of the $300 deposit. In the letter I would state that no services were performed by the firm. I would also state that the deposit should be returned within a certain period of time -- 30 days.
2. If the attorney ignores the letter or denies owing you a refund, I would proceed to arbitration.
By representing clients who seek a divorce, an attorney submits herself to manditory arbitration. Contact the local bar association and they will give you the proper information.
Mike.