suied by my lawyer

[mnorman]

I hired an attorney in Louisiana to represent me in a change of jurisdition over my minor child that is living with her mother in Georgia. We agreed on a $500.00 flat fee to handle the case, the attorney is now saying that the $500.00 was a retainer fee and that I owe him $900.00. He is now taking me to small claims court. Keep in mind we never signed any agreements because we paid in full up front. What are my options?

Thank You

 

[ninalou]

1) Did you get a receipt for what you "paid in full?"
1A) if so, what is listed on the receipt for what you were paying?

(where i'm going is what documentation do you have? if you don't have documentation, it is your word against your attorney.)

 

[mnorman]

i have my canceled check no receipt

 

[ninalou]

I would send a letter (certified return receipt) to your attorney requesting an itemized list of what he/she did for you and the costs. Explain that you believe you paid for their services in full and he/she has not provided any explanation of the extra charges. It is unreasonable for anyone to expect you to hand over money w/o providing a detailed bill or explanation of the charges.