Legal Question in Family Law in Washington
Letting an attorney go
We just recently dismissed our attorney from an ongoing custody case. We asked to receive a copy of our file along with our final bill. The lawyer is charging us for the copies. Just wondering if that is legal in the state of Washington. I had heard that they are supposed to turn over the file at no charge unless there are out of pocket expenses (like court transcripts) that the lawyer had to pay for. Any information would be helpful. Thank you.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Letting an attorney go
It is not uncommon for an attorney to charge a client for copies of a file as this is considered an expense to the attorney. It is at the attorney's discretion whether to charge or not.
Hope this helps.
Re: Letting an attorney go
No, it is not legal for an attorney to refuse to hand over your file.
Furthermore, it is a deeply stupid thing to refuse to hand over a file. Your remedy is to call the Bar and tell them what you have said here. Of course he's entitled to have his costs covered, but he can always bill you for that - it should not be hostage and ransom as you are describing.
Elizabeth Powell
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