pictureparadise
Junior Member
What is the name of your state? FL; I hired an attorney for an upcoming trial. My ex-husband took me to court, which would have been a 2-day trial. I was charged a retaining fee in Jan. 2005, and by Sept. I was charged a part of my fee $10,000 (which I paid). I never received a bill. The day before the trial (Nov) my ex decided to try and settle out of court. I asked my attorney for a bill, he said he didn't have time to do one yet. During the negotiations he advised me my bill would be about $30,000. Between my ex and I, we agreed (along with other things) that he would pay me $60,000 to cover legal fees etc. His attorney asked my attorney what my fee was and he told her (without asking me if it was okay) that it was $30,000. My ex demanded it was put in the order. I didn't want it in there, but my attorney wouldn't fight it. Everyone signed off on it, including the judge. We ended up in a 1-day trial for something we couldn't agree on (a parent coordinator). The day after this trial, my attorney came to my home in the evening and told me he had my bill ready and said he understated it. It was actually $45,000. I paid it because I thought I had to. Three weeks later I receive another bill for $3300. I paid that. Then a week later, another for $680...I paid that and wrote a letter releiving him from his duties. I've been told that I didn't have to pay over the $30,000. What can I do? I feel like this attorney used his power and was negligent. Is this not a breach of contract? I would have never agreed on $60,000 if I had known it would have gone to this attorney. Please guide me in the right direction.