I have a lot of pending legal fees because of trying to terminate visitation rights of my ex, who abuses my kids. I am told the fees will be about 8k. Can my attorney drop me if I don't have this money upfront? I intend to pay him, but cannot have it all at once. Can he drop me? I am hysterical! BTW I live in NJ, if that makes a difference.
2007-01-09 10:14:33 · 6 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
he can or he can draw up an agreement for you to pay him so much per month...depending how leaniant he is. It's actually up to the lawyer himself or the firm as a whole. hope this helps and good luck!
2007-01-09 10:29:41 · answer #1 · answered by Jay Dee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
An attorney may withdraw representation if the client no longer is paying the attorney's bills. In most states, the attorney must ask the Court's permission to withdraw, but a Court will be sympathetic to the attorney if the client is without means to pay or without any intention of paying. Attorneys have families and have to eat too, so a Court will not put a hardship on them to make them represent you. If you make a good faith effort to pay a little every week or each payday, the Court will take that into consideration and will probably not allow the attorney to withdraw. Your other option is to go to a legal aid society or a law school clinic, both of which only charge according to your ability to pay. Good luck.
2007-01-09 10:31:09 · answer #2 · answered by Andy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes he/she can refuse to proceed with the case. Upfront fees are usually fees which must be paid to the courts fees or document preperation and I suppose you expect him/her to pay them for you? Sorry dude life sucks sometimes...maybe a 2nd mortage or get a personal loan somehow.
Peace and good luck, protect your kids even if you have to contact CPS.
2007-01-09 10:26:51 · answer #3 · answered by Kdude 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah they can drop you. Some lawyers may represent you and get the money later, but the general rule is to get the money up front.
Sorry if that isn't what you wanted to hear. maybe you can take out a loan or something.
2007-01-09 10:27:56 · answer #4 · answered by Peter 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I would suggest asking if you could make payments. ( probably
still too much ) Yes, you can be dropped for "insufficant funds "
as they like to put it.
2007-01-09 10:29:21 · answer #5 · answered by Williamstown 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to make the arrangement with the attorney in advance. they usually are pretty agreeable.
2007-01-09 10:27:39 · answer #6 · answered by Clamdigger 6 · 5⤊ 0⤋