Legal Question in Family Law in Pennsylvania

I paid my lawyer 2500 retainer for divorce back in August 2009. I have been trying to contact her for the past month and she will not return my calls. I am attempting reconcilliation with my husband and she knew this, I have left her 3 messages asking if I can get a partial refund because I want to stop the divorce and she keeps dodging me. My husband's lawyer charged him 1500 and he is getting a partial refund and his lawyer accually returns his calls. Why did my lawyer charge me almost double? I am a single mom struggling to get by and she knew this, she knew I was unemployed and in lots of credit card debt, and I think she saw me coming and knew I may go bankrupt so she charged me as much as possible. The only thing she did is show up at a support hearing for 45 minutes and she filed some papers. I do NOT think that is worth 2500. Can I get a refund? What should I do, I am struggling here, PLEASE HELP :(


Asked on 12/05/09, 8:58 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
SAUL SEGAN SAUL H SEGAN ATTY AT LAW

Generally, your county bar association has a fee arbitration committee. You should contact them for the forms you need. Did you receive a fee agreement from your lawyer? You should indicate to your attorney how you feel and express your feelings. Most lawyers are very forthright with their clients and are bound by certain professional requirements. If you are not satisfied, you should attempt to reconcile this with the lawyer and hopefully, you can come to some agreement.

If you were charged on an hourly basis, your lawyer would be able to specify the activities performed on your behalf.

Maybe you can reach a compromise.

Sometimes clients are not aware of the amount of time certain actions take. Handle it in a friendly manner if possible and it should work out.

Good luck.

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Answered on 12/11/09, 9:55 am


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