Thanks again! I'm the lil-ol-lady with the neighbor's tree problem from almost a year ago. I hired an attorney to give me legal advice and represent me if needed. I retained him for $750, and then was told he was mailing demands letters to the neighbor and if nothing worked he was going to file suit. hmmm I thought, thousands of $'s just to cut some tree limbs, Bought it, hook line and sinker, I even called state reps about this way of taking care of business and changing the law. Case was filed, Defendant came back with MD law regarding trees, Md doesn't sue in Civil Court over these matters. NO, my attorney still persues the issue claiming no damages (although I was persistant there was, and I think I did have a case, with no other options.) So in the meantime I shoot another check to the attorney, for more than originaly agreed on, it was more of a demand on his part (no problem.) So after the week of sitting in court watching a Judge's face after he thought I didn't have an attorney for this case, I decided to double back on the attorney's work. That's when I discover that YOU DO NOT file a lawsuit over this issue, you use self help and persue in small claims court. Was I told that by the $185 an hour attorney? NOPE.
So the story is, I paid $750, stopped payment on the other check that he had for two weeks and never paid any remainder. That was only after calling him and asking who does his research, he blew me off and stated he was in conference and never called back. I waited 24-48 hours and then I issued a letter as to why I was firing him, and proceeded to beg the court for dismissal, and case was dismissed.
The attorney has filed a SSC in DC for $1217, I'm a MD resident, his services were for MD, and he served me in MD. I don't want DC to hear this case.
My defense to this is, I was NEVER informed of my options. It would be crazy to think I would spend thousands of $'s, compared to $495 to do the work that is now done, and then persue in small claims court latter. Can't think of how many people I told "NOPE this is the way you have to do it, have an attorney send letters of demand, and attach the house if need be!" Sheeesh!
Was I not owed all options under the law?? Was I not entitled to a contract?? Am I just screwed (hope not)! I just want the case out of DC and in MD, I need to act quick as it's on schedule for July 1st, Thanks again, See why I didn't put it all out in the open!