What is the name of your state? NJ
My divorce was completed mid 2007. I had many issues with my attorney during my divorce procedings - in retrospect, I wish I changed attorneys but nevertheless I stayed with the same attorney throught the proceedings. I still have a substantial balance owed to my attorney yet I have what I consider to be, very legitimate reasons to withhold payment.
During the divorce process (which lasted about 18 months), I was invoiced 3-4 months late. In other words, I would receive an invoice for January and then not another invoice until April/May. Then I may get one in June & July but then nothing until November. This was problematic throught the divorce and the answer that I always got was that they where backed up in billing and I will get the invoice shortly.
Here is the part that I think is inexcusable. At the time of my property settlement agreement I had absolutely no idea what my outstanding balance was for my attorney. During arbitration when I was negotiating details of our 2 properties, 401k's, credit cards etc... - I could not take my legal fees into account as I had no idea what they were. When I asked my attorney the response was something like "about 10k or so". This was actually a low number as the balance was over 20k. I was trying to budget for my future based on outstanding credit cards of $xxxs, child support of $xxx, home equity of $xxx and so on but once again, I could not budget for my legal fees. I think that I would have fought harder for some items if I knew my legal fees were this high rather than compromising as much as I did.
In addition to this entire mess, there were 4-5 different items that I feel where missed due to laziness & carelessness. Again, I did not realize this until months after the divoirce when I spoke with a friend of the family who practices law in NY. He couldn't believe that certain things weren't addressed and not included in the property settlement agreement.
In summary, I am furious not only were obvious things missed that cost me tens of thousands of dollars but now I have an invoice for a ridiculous amount of money. It's also interesting that I am now getting invoices on a timely monthly basis!!
I intend to dispute this as much as possible. I would like to handle this pro se (if that's the right term)....as I can't afford any more legal fees. What are my legal rights in this scenario, do I need legal representation if this goes to arbitration or even further. I initially tried to negotiate an acceptable payment plan for a lesser amount but it really didn't go anywhere -- neither of us are willing to budge that much.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.What is the name of your state?
My divorce was completed mid 2007. I had many issues with my attorney during my divorce procedings - in retrospect, I wish I changed attorneys but nevertheless I stayed with the same attorney throught the proceedings. I still have a substantial balance owed to my attorney yet I have what I consider to be, very legitimate reasons to withhold payment.
During the divorce process (which lasted about 18 months), I was invoiced 3-4 months late. In other words, I would receive an invoice for January and then not another invoice until April/May. Then I may get one in June & July but then nothing until November. This was problematic throught the divorce and the answer that I always got was that they where backed up in billing and I will get the invoice shortly.
Here is the part that I think is inexcusable. At the time of my property settlement agreement I had absolutely no idea what my outstanding balance was for my attorney. During arbitration when I was negotiating details of our 2 properties, 401k's, credit cards etc... - I could not take my legal fees into account as I had no idea what they were. When I asked my attorney the response was something like "about 10k or so". This was actually a low number as the balance was over 20k. I was trying to budget for my future based on outstanding credit cards of $xxxs, child support of $xxx, home equity of $xxx and so on but once again, I could not budget for my legal fees. I think that I would have fought harder for some items if I knew my legal fees were this high rather than compromising as much as I did.
In addition to this entire mess, there were 4-5 different items that I feel where missed due to laziness & carelessness. Again, I did not realize this until months after the divoirce when I spoke with a friend of the family who practices law in NY. He couldn't believe that certain things weren't addressed and not included in the property settlement agreement.
In summary, I am furious not only were obvious things missed that cost me tens of thousands of dollars but now I have an invoice for a ridiculous amount of money. It's also interesting that I am now getting invoices on a timely monthly basis!!
I intend to dispute this as much as possible. I would like to handle this pro se (if that's the right term)....as I can't afford any more legal fees. What are my legal rights in this scenario, do I need legal representation if this goes to arbitration or even further. I initially tried to negotiate an acceptable payment plan for a lesser amount but it really didn't go anywhere -- neither of us are willing to budge that much.
Any information would be greatly appreciated.What is the name of your state?
