Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Texas

Client Rights

I was filing for a divorce and learned that I am pregnant, so I asked my attorney to stop the preceedings and refund me my money. She claimed that my retainer was non-refundable. When I signed my contract it read $950.00 non-refundable. I exhausted that but she would not accept hourly payment, she said I needed to just keep the money rolling. I gave an additional $2500 never signing anything else and She claims this is not refundable. She also tried to double charge me for items. I have not spent $750.00 of my money and I want to know what can I do to get it back.


Asked on 3/15/04, 4:05 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Regina Mullen Legal Data Services, PLC

Re: Client Rights

Why did you continue to give her money when you wanted to stop the proceedings. This doesn't smell right. If you paid her for work she completed, you're not entitled to get that money back. Attorneys usually cannot, however, charge a non-refundable retainer and not give it back if they've done nothing for it. Most attorneys would rather do some work and earn the fee than return the money. Sounds like you agreed to pay her, to the extent of giving her more and more.

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Answered on 3/15/04, 4:27 pm


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