lawyer threatening to sue w/no written fee agreement

[scooter1360]

What is the name of your state? Michigan About 3 1/2 years ago we hired a lawyer to help us with a lawsuit with our builder. We never had a written fee agreement or contract on how he would be paid. The original lawsuit is now over and he is now asking to be paid in full on what we still owe him. We have been making payments to him for the last 3 1/2 years in amounts we could afford at the time. He never said anything until now and cashed all previous payments. The bills he sent would acknowledge our payments and show the current balance due. They never asked for payment in full or by a certain date. He is now threatening to start collections proceedings against us if we do not pay him more every month or pay off the whole bill. Can he do this even though he has already accepted our method of payment to him for over 3 years with no previous action taken.

 

[JETX]

"Can he do this even though he has already accepted our method of payment to him for over 3 years with no previous action taken."
*** The simple answer to your question is yes. As long as you have no written agreement as to payments being made, he can demand immediate payment. And his prior acceptance of payments doesn't alter that fact.

And before you ask.... yes, he has written confirmation of the amounts claimed. That is the bills that he sent showing outstanding balance. The fact that you made the payment and did not challenge the balance shown, will likely be viewed as acceptance of the debt..... and amount.