What is the name of your state? CA
Over 3.5 years ago I hired a lawyer to write a letter to my abusive tenant, who threatened to not pay rent. We agreed on $500 to write the letter, it was paid in full on the spot prior to getting the letter. 3 weeks later I received a very simple letter (4 paragraphs) with little to no substance. The letter was sent out, several days later I received a bill from the lawyer for additional $350 which the attorney claimed was for some "research" his paralegal had to do. This guy is a landlord/tenant attorney...what kind of research does he need to do? I wrote him back saying that I should not pay anything more that what we have agreed upon, which was a set amount, It was paid on the spot and the case was to be closed. Three and half years later I received a letter from his partner saying that the original lawyer died and while going over his books he noticed a balance due. I have no idea who this partner is, I have never spoken or dealt with him. Furthermore, it has been over three and half years since we finished the case. We had no correspondence since the case was closted. We had no written agreement, it was verbally understood that a set fee for the letter will be $500. Now this guy is harrasing me with threats of collections and a law suit. I filed a complaint against him with CA State Bar. Currently waiting, in the meantime he is sending me bills with the deceased attorney's name on the letterhead. Will appreciate your input, does he have any right to harrass me for that money?
Over 3.5 years ago I hired a lawyer to write a letter to my abusive tenant, who threatened to not pay rent. We agreed on $500 to write the letter, it was paid in full on the spot prior to getting the letter. 3 weeks later I received a very simple letter (4 paragraphs) with little to no substance. The letter was sent out, several days later I received a bill from the lawyer for additional $350 which the attorney claimed was for some "research" his paralegal had to do. This guy is a landlord/tenant attorney...what kind of research does he need to do? I wrote him back saying that I should not pay anything more that what we have agreed upon, which was a set amount, It was paid on the spot and the case was to be closed. Three and half years later I received a letter from his partner saying that the original lawyer died and while going over his books he noticed a balance due. I have no idea who this partner is, I have never spoken or dealt with him. Furthermore, it has been over three and half years since we finished the case. We had no correspondence since the case was closted. We had no written agreement, it was verbally understood that a set fee for the letter will be $500. Now this guy is harrasing me with threats of collections and a law suit. I filed a complaint against him with CA State Bar. Currently waiting, in the meantime he is sending me bills with the deceased attorney's name on the letterhead. Will appreciate your input, does he have any right to harrass me for that money?
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