What is the name of your state? PA
My mother's estate was settled approximately four months ago. I was one of the heirs of the estate (along with a brother).
The attorney who handled the case never disclosed the amount of his fee until the day of the settlement. My brother, who was the administrator of the estate, never asked and assumed that it was a standard fee. Also, the attorney never provided any documentation of the work that he did, which was minimal. (The estate consisted entirely of the house in which my mother lived until the time of her death which was sold to liquidate the estate's assets. The title company did all of the documentation for the closing.)
Both my brother and I believe that the lawyer's fee was exorbitant. I understand that we can file a fee dispute with the local bar association but participation in the mediation process is voluntary for both sides. My question is: What action can I take if the lawyer refuses to agree to mediation?
My mother's estate was settled approximately four months ago. I was one of the heirs of the estate (along with a brother).
The attorney who handled the case never disclosed the amount of his fee until the day of the settlement. My brother, who was the administrator of the estate, never asked and assumed that it was a standard fee. Also, the attorney never provided any documentation of the work that he did, which was minimal. (The estate consisted entirely of the house in which my mother lived until the time of her death which was sold to liquidate the estate's assets. The title company did all of the documentation for the closing.)
Both my brother and I believe that the lawyer's fee was exorbitant. I understand that we can file a fee dispute with the local bar association but participation in the mediation process is voluntary for both sides. My question is: What action can I take if the lawyer refuses to agree to mediation?