Legal Question in Legal Ethics in California

Attourney dispute

My daughters attorney was paid a retiner fee of $3500 for her divorce. A few months down the road my daughter and her husband decided to get back together. After being charged a $500 cancelation fee, we had a credit of $1450. The attorney won't refund the credit. Said it would be kept on account. Can the attourney withold the credit on the account? How does my daughter procede? Can she take the attorney to small claims court? Would it be worth is to mention she was charged for things that never happened? Or are we fighting a lost cause? Does it help to file a complaint to lawyer with the Board?

I am writing this for my daughter because it was my money that was used to retain the attorney.

Thank you!


Asked on 10/10/04, 10:16 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys

Joel Selik www.SelikLaw.com

Re: Attourney dispute

No, the attorney may not keep the money on account.

hire an attorney, many will take these type of matters for a very reduced fee,

Or contact your counties fee dispute committee or sue him in small claims court.

Joel

JOEL SELIK

Attorney at Law

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Answered on 10/11/04, 6:41 am


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