What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? TN
Two years ago my ex sued me for custody of one of our children, I met with and retained an attorney to represent me, I paid him a $1500 Non refundable retainer.
He answered the petition for me, made a couple of phone calls, and he and I emailed each other regarding the case, I think a total of 3 or 4 times. It never went to court, because my ex asked for a continuance twice, and then apparently dropped the case.
I understand non refundable is non refundable, and I realize the phone calls and answering the petition comes out of my retainer, however, I always just figured if at some time in the future something came up with custody, I had a lawyer on retainer already and knowing my ex, that did give me some peace of mind, not having to come up with a large sum of money on the fly if he tried something again.
Today, I referred my brother to my attorney, because he had some child support questions. When he called the office, he was told my attorney not only no longer works there, he works for the State now. I called the office, the secretary didn't know much, she told me he was not a partner with the firm, just rented space from them, and that since he was working for the state, he would not be able to do any private practice.
I never received notice from him stating he would no longer be practicing. the last phone call I had with him, he told me to give him a call if anything came up and I needed anything and at that point we were just waiting to see if my ex was going to go through with court.
My questions are, is that just it? Am I out an attorney AND my retainer? What happens to an attorney's clients if something like this happens?
thanks in advance!
Two years ago my ex sued me for custody of one of our children, I met with and retained an attorney to represent me, I paid him a $1500 Non refundable retainer.
He answered the petition for me, made a couple of phone calls, and he and I emailed each other regarding the case, I think a total of 3 or 4 times. It never went to court, because my ex asked for a continuance twice, and then apparently dropped the case.
I understand non refundable is non refundable, and I realize the phone calls and answering the petition comes out of my retainer, however, I always just figured if at some time in the future something came up with custody, I had a lawyer on retainer already and knowing my ex, that did give me some peace of mind, not having to come up with a large sum of money on the fly if he tried something again.
Today, I referred my brother to my attorney, because he had some child support questions. When he called the office, he was told my attorney not only no longer works there, he works for the State now. I called the office, the secretary didn't know much, she told me he was not a partner with the firm, just rented space from them, and that since he was working for the state, he would not be able to do any private practice.
I never received notice from him stating he would no longer be practicing. the last phone call I had with him, he told me to give him a call if anything came up and I needed anything and at that point we were just waiting to see if my ex was going to go through with court.
My questions are, is that just it? Am I out an attorney AND my retainer? What happens to an attorney's clients if something like this happens?
thanks in advance!