Today she said she got a bill in the mail for an additional $1,300.00, billed from Sept. 6 through Oct. 24. She was not notified when the first $2,500.00 was used up, she had no idea she was going to be billed that additional amount, the bill just showed up in her mailbox. Is this usual for lawyers to do this? Shouldn't they have notified her that starting with this date, she would start to be charged more?
2007-11-02 12:07:34 · 7 answers · asked by Starscape 6 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
The initial $2500 was a retainer - I'm sure they disclosed the amount that she would be charged per hour once the intial retainer was used up. While it would be considerate to notify the client that the retainer has been depleted, she'll need to look at her agreement to see if they agreed to do so.
2007-11-02 12:35:53 · answer #1 · answered by browneyedgirl623 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yup, it's normal. The fine print probably says that the lawyer may charge an extra hourly rate if more work is necessary.
2007-11-02 19:56:10 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Ask the attorney for an accounting of the work done. They will likely justify it.
You were responsible for ALL court costs independent of the retainer (which is only for the legal work, not your costs).
Best thing...just talk to the lawyer. They have a professional obligation to justify expenses to you. if not, report to your state bar to investigate.
2007-11-02 21:34:06 · answer #3 · answered by ironjag 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i bet that the lawyers fee for a simple divorce was 2500 plus expenses. the 1300 dollars was the final tally of the expenses that occurred.
2007-11-02 19:14:31 · answer #4 · answered by george 2 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Lawyers work for you, and as an employer it is your responsibility to check on the hours or just like any employee, they will screw you over.
2007-11-02 19:11:48 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
She better get a second opinion from another lawyer.
2007-11-02 19:11:13 · answer #6 · answered by brainwhacker 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
it is normal,.....that is how it worked for me,.....
2007-11-02 19:27:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋