lawyers charging interest on unpaid balances

[JOHN7457]

What is the name of your state? North Carolina Hi, I hired a attorney in a civil matter and during my first visit he asked for a $3500 retainer fee which I gave him and that was all that was discussed about fees. After he did some of the work he deducted the retainer and sent me a bill which I cannot pay all at once. No where on his first billing does he indicate he will charge interest on any unpaid balance. I sent him a payment the first month after receiving his bill. I received his 2nd billing and he charged me 2% interest on the unpaid balance. Can he charge me interest when he never discussed it with me & it was not indicated on his first bill. Thanks for the help. John

 

[bearflag70]

You should have a written fee agreement with the attorney that defines the terms of representation.

 

[HomeGuru]

What is the name of your state? North Carolina Hi, I hired a attorney in a civil matter and during my first visit he asked for a $3500 retainer fee which I gave him and that was all that was discussed about fees. After he did some of the work he deducted the retainer and sent me a bill which I cannot pay all at once. No where on his first billing does he indicate he will charge interest on any unpaid balance. I sent him a payment the first month after receiving his bill. I received his 2nd billing and he charged me 2% interest on the unpaid balance. Can he charge me interest when he never discussed it with me & it was not indicated on his first bill. Thanks for the help. John

**A: state law states that interest can be assessed on unpaid balances.