Canceled contract and collections?

Question

I fired my immigration attorney two days after I signed a Contract with her. Now she wants me to pay her $450 for the time she spent on my case (making few phone calls, and having a legal consultation with me). I may pay her the requested amount but, how can I make sure that she would not go to collections (even after I pay her) and request more money. First, she requested only $150 for the consultation, but then she changed her mind and requested additional $300. The actual contract is for $3650, but she has not done any work on the case (except for the consultation and the few phone calls) because I fired her and told her not to work on my case anymore. There are no cancellation fees stated in the contract.

Thanks

Answer 1

The issues raised are hard to answer since we don't know why you fired her. What did she do? Second, when you go to pay her, get her to sign off the retainer agreement. That should protect you. Also, refer to the payment as payment in full on the check memo. If she plays any games with you after that, report her to the State Bar.
Lastly, did she request the $450 in writing? If so, that is also protection. I suspect that once you pay her, that will be the end of it.

Answer 2

You are lucky that she is only billing you for the time that she has spent working on a case. Once you sign a retainer agreement, you are responsible for the whole fee (in most cases). Keep verification of any money that you pay her and copies of the statements you receive. In the event that it goes to collections, show them the info you have.