What does my lawyer owe me and when?

[gayle246]

What is the name of your state? MA
I have fired my lawyer and now would like my files and the rest of the retainer. How do I go about this?

 

[Dandy Don]

Did you sign an agreement/contract with him when you paid the retainer?

What was the reason he was fired?

 

[seniorjudge]

Q: I have fired my lawyer and now would like my files and the rest of the retainer. How do I go about this?

A: Send him a letter, certified mail return receipt requested, and say, "I I have fired you and now I would like my files and the rest of the retainer. I will pick them up on [insert date here one week from the letter] at your office at [time]." Then do it.

 

[gayle246]

Thanks, for your reply. I am so confused at this point and dismayed. What did I fire her for,not returning my phone calls. One being I wanted a temporary restraining order against my ex, so he wouldn't attend my fathers memorial mass or the bereavement for freinds and family after. Which he attended and started to discuss with my mother the custody of my youngest daughter. For not filing a contempt order against my ex for not following a court order issued on 12/31. Seriously mutliple things, when I complained to her about these things and others that were not done, she replied I have a busy practice. Maybe she shouldn't have taken the case if she is so busy. Now to find a lawyer who cares and isn't so interested in that all mighty dollar only. Because for a busy practice she sure gets those statements out in time.

 

[Dandy Don]

Yes, the attorney may be fired, but have you paid what you owed them? You will not be getting the files if you have not paid the attorney fees, and I'd like to know what seniorjudge suggests your options should be if the attorney doesn't turn over the files. Your new attorney will probably have more leverage in getting the files than you will.

DANDY DON IN OKLAHOMA (tiekh@yahoo.com)

 

[seniorjudge]

Q: You will not be getting the files if you have not paid the attorney fees
A: This is not true in any jurisdiction I am aware of.

Q: and I'd like to know what seniorjudge suggests your options should be if the attorney doesn't turn over the files.
A: I would add another count to her ethics complaint, which I hope she is working on now.