any judges or attorneys that can help?

Question

all my mothers wrongful death suit went to atty and fees they just dont stop out of the 300.000 they got approx 218,000 and that was 140'000 for fee the rest was cost now then i got a attorney to to register my will and he cost 15,000 so i am hardly achieving any money from this wrongful death that my mother went through and the mental anquish now of them taking all the money .help .please and this attorney knows the atty from pittsburgh isnt their a law about such misabuse of a clients money and know i cant get receipts for nothing ive asked 2 months ago and i am still waiting

Answer 1

Depending on whether it was an hourly job or contingent - usually they should only take 1/3 - & you are probably liable for "costs" as well - expert witnesses & court costs - you need to demand your file ( they cannot withhold your file - it is your property ) and an accounting of ALL costs. you also need to review your fee agreement with the lawyer - was there one - what did it say. Regardless - look to see what they paid their paralegal and how much were things like copier fees etc. - if there are $6.00 / page type fees - I would really start looking closer. The being said, unless you have the complicated assets and investments of a wall street tycoon or celebrity - $15,000 FOR ROUTINE LEGAL SERVICES SOUNDS EXCESSIVE ! - You can do this yourself for less than $30 ! with www.nolo.com books or Quicken software ..Will software etc. When you talk to the ABA about the will - make sure you ask if $15,000 for "routine legal services" is "fair" - make sure you use the words fairness & routine legal services .

It also doesnt hurt to Initiate a professional responsibility complaint / investigation with the local ABA for excessive fees - this way the ABA will review the case with an eye for what they think is "reasonable- or what the local lawyer market will bear" It also avoids paying another attorney to do this ..if the case looks good you can hire an attorney to sue the attorney for violation of his professional responsibility .

Most lawyers freak when the ABA complaint is issued because the ABA like to find chippy reason to suspend or disbar lawyers - believe me - lawyers loath bar complaints - it also hits them in the pocket book real good because they have to respond to the inquisition.

Answer 2

ask for the billing history of the file...and take it to somebody who knows like another attorney just to see if you were over billed, if you were you can appeal the case and suit the lawyer for overbilling....Under the law you are allow to see the way the money was used during the litigation....Also if you still dont get any response filed a bar complaint, which is really easy...they usually freak out when they get a complaint because their reputation is on the line lol...Good luck

Answer 3

There isn't enough information to reply with a correct answer. I could only ask you if you asked the fees before you hired these people? The receipts you should be able to obtain when the work is finished.

Answer 4

I am not a judge but call the state Attorney Generals office and tell them of your concerns they can lead you in the right direction.