lima_charlie
Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? California
I hired an attorney to represent me in a family law legal matter. I paid the attorney a NON-REFUNDABLE TRUE RETAINER FEE (per the fee agreement contract) of $4,000.
The case is/was settled to my satisfaction. I sent the attorney a letter informing her that I no longer needed her services and requested a final summation of my bill, as well as a refund of the retainer not used.
Afte 6 months, I finally received a letter from the attorney indicating that she was sending me a final bill, however the fee was non-refundable.
The final bill indicates she utilized $2610 of the retainer, leaving a balance of $1390. I don't have any additional legal services where I would need to hire this attorney (nor would I if I did need legal assistance!)
So, in the event that you are essentially terrminating an attorney, does that mean the remaining retainer is lost? Fine if it is-lesson learned by me not to enter in to that type of agreement! Seems strange to me that they get to keep this "unearned money."
Any advice is appreciated. I may contact the CA State Bar, but figured the folks on this forum would be able to give me the best information first!
I hired an attorney to represent me in a family law legal matter. I paid the attorney a NON-REFUNDABLE TRUE RETAINER FEE (per the fee agreement contract) of $4,000.
The case is/was settled to my satisfaction. I sent the attorney a letter informing her that I no longer needed her services and requested a final summation of my bill, as well as a refund of the retainer not used.
Afte 6 months, I finally received a letter from the attorney indicating that she was sending me a final bill, however the fee was non-refundable.
The final bill indicates she utilized $2610 of the retainer, leaving a balance of $1390. I don't have any additional legal services where I would need to hire this attorney (nor would I if I did need legal assistance!)
So, in the event that you are essentially terrminating an attorney, does that mean the remaining retainer is lost? Fine if it is-lesson learned by me not to enter in to that type of agreement! Seems strange to me that they get to keep this "unearned money."
Any advice is appreciated. I may contact the CA State Bar, but figured the folks on this forum would be able to give me the best information first!