I hired a lawyer to defend me in a case. He did his job and now I still owe him 400.00 dollars. He sent an invoice that reads the following way:
failure to stay current will resultin the filing of of a lawsuit after 60 days. This process will accrue additional fees and cost.
I am not working at this moment. I do not have a bank account or of any sort of property in my name.... I just have debts........ how much more can he charge me? What can I do? any suggestions??????
2007-11-28 16:00:52 · 8 answers · asked by Lulu 2 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
~It would be simpler to just call your attorney and ask to work out a payment plan you can afford. Then be sure to make the payments. Your obligation to him isn't just a legal one -- it's an ethical one. Believe it or not, lawyers get screwed by people all the time.
And when you send your first payment, how about sending him a thank you note for saving your butt.
2007-11-28 17:25:28 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
What extra he can charge you depends on what it says in the retainer agreement you signed.
First, interest on a debt *cannot* be charged pre-judgment unless there was an agreement in place that called for it.
Second, costs of collection *cannot* be added unless the agreement calls for them.
Third, court costs and filing fees *can* be added to the debt if he needs to sue you, even if they're not called for in the agreement.
Fourth, he's a LAWYER...... how much do you want to bet that he knows this, and that he put all that stuff into the agreement he had you sign?
EDIT ---- To "Joe's Mom".... we don't have debtors prisons in this country. Not paying a bill is a civil matter, not criminal. You CANNOT be arrested or jailed or fined for it.
Richard
2007-11-29 00:28:09 · answer #2 · answered by rickinnocal 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
He can charge you interest on the debt, or whatever fees that state law proscribes for such a situation. You should just call the attorney's office and explain your situation. Usually they are VERY willing to set up a payment plan with you. I also recommend that you go speak to a career counselor either at your local community college or at your local unemployment office. They can help you find a job.
2007-11-29 00:06:01 · answer #3 · answered by cyanne2ak 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He can send you to collections (which ruins your credit rating badly) or even worse, take the debt to court on a judgement (which can take the money from your paycheck before you get it).
I agree with the guy above, pay it at all costs, or work out a payment plan with your attorney (like a hundred a month).
2007-11-29 00:12:40 · answer #4 · answered by Cee 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Do you have a car? Do you own property? Do you have a bank account???
If you do, I'd suggest contacting the attorney and setting up a payment plan , or you will no longer own a car ir property or have a bank account.
2007-11-29 00:29:45 · answer #5 · answered by Barry auh2o 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
up to 20% poer month for unpaid balances. Suggestion, pay it off at all costs. lawyers are brutal when they don't get paid.
2007-11-29 00:05:30 · answer #6 · answered by Joshot 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
he can add interest to it, you will get picked up on a failure to pay warrent (contract aggrement ). spend time in jail and still have fines when you get out. court cost , housing, etc. get a job fast & a bank loan.
2007-11-29 00:14:03 · answer #7 · answered by joes_mom86 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Jeez I thought that said $400,000 at first. Then I read through and was like "hahaha... four hundred bucks?"
Pay it off asap.
2007-11-29 00:08:46 · answer #8 · answered by whimsy 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋