Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Texas
Can a lawyer and or his partner charge for pursuing their own judgement
A layer receives a money judgement which goes unpaid. 10 years go by, the lawyer attempts to enforce the judgement first by new motions of discovery, asking for interest and additional attorney fees for the discovery. Can the lawyer and/or his partner ask for and can/should the texas trial judge award additional attorney fees to pursue legal collection activities of the lawyer with the judgement and/or his partner (who also happens to be the spouse of the 1st lawyer). Note also, the judgement was rendered OVER 10 years ago. Does the lawyer's attempt to add additional legal fees for himself and/or the spouse lawyer for discovery violate Texas law or the professional code of conduct of Texas?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Can a lawyer and or his partner charge for pursuing their own judgement
The judgment is earning interest each year - the statutory rate was 10% for many years but was recently reduced to about 5%. Unless the lawyer gets a turnover order, no additional attorney fees should be due.