About David J. O`Dea Expertise I can respond to questions regarding communicating with your attorney, handling fee disputes, fees in general, and what you can expect from your attorney in these areas.
Experience i practiced law in a general practice firm in Connecticut for ten years.
Question I have just received a bill for a part of a fee to be paid to a lawyer. This lawyer was retained by my sister, without my knowledge or consent, on behalf of my parents. My sister gave this lawyer the o.k. to bill all 4 of us siblings for his services. This lawyer is in New York. I am residing in another state. I have no problem with helping my parents, but would like to know if what this lawyer is doing (billing me on the say-so of my sister) is legal ? I feel I am being forced to pay for something I had nothing to do with. Would you have any advice as to how to proceed with this, without indicating that I approve of this method of billing me ? I do not want my parents to have to pay this bill, but I do not want to appear as accepting the way it was handled. Thank you for your time & answer. Jo Ann
Answer Thanks for the question Jo Ann. I can't give specific legal advice over the internet because I do not know all the facts and I am not licensed in all states. However, I can give you some general information. You are not responsible to pay your parents legal bills just because your sister said you would without consulting you. In some states all legal fee agreements must be in writing. You could write to the attorney and state that you were never consulted about this matter and you do not wish to be billed. That should end the matter with the attorney, but the bill will remain unpid and the attorney may seek the whole amount from you sister and your parents.
Can you talk to your sister? Are you willing to contribute to the matter in the future if you are consulted with? Can you reach an agreement with your sister and your parents?
