Legal Question in Family Law in New York

Hi,

Last February I consulted a divorce attorney and was quoted a fee of $3500-$5000. for the case, my case is very simple as far as I'm concerned. It was only a matter of child support and to have the house. I asked for a Quit Claim Deed to be filed as soon as possible so I could start the paperwork for a house modification so I wouldn't have to worry about loosing the house and a foreclosure. Thought I was doing the right thing jumping on things. I have asked my lawyer and his secretary multiple times (way more than 15 times) and I kept getting every excuse and many times was told that they "would get on it". So now after over a year of dealing with the divorce process and not being to "modifiy" my loan til I get the copy of the "filed" QC Deed and leaving two emails and 2 voicemails to his office I am finally told by the secretary that the lawyer wont release anymore paperwork or futher services til the bill is paid. I have paid over $5000. and still owe $2100. (yes my bill is up to over $7200.) I am in dire need of this paperwork for my house or it goes into foreclosure. Right now (and made the secretary well aware that I now have reoccuring cancer that has spread) and informed them that money is tight and I need to pay for my cancer drugs and will be making minimal payments as I can.

The stress of a cheating husband, the divorce, keeping my 3 kids in the house they feel safe in, and the stress of the cancer and now the lawyer keeping my paperwork is killing me. So my question is....can the lawyer with hold filing the deed or giving me the paperwork I need to keep my house? I have been asking for this deed since March of last year.

Thank you,

Michelle


Asked on 5/16/11, 10:03 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Steve Brodsky Esq. CheapNewYorkLLC.com

Wow. Based on what you said, you paid way too much for your case assuming it is uncontested. You should demand in writing a full accounting from your lawyer detailing what he did for the $7200. You may also want to consider filing a grievance with the county bar if you feel that he has cheated you or neglected your case. Also consider getting another lawyer to complete your case.

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Answered on 5/16/11, 10:13 am


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