Erica Tennille Sangster

I retained Erica for a simple case pertaining to visitation for my minor child after being served with a motion from her natural father (who did not have counsel). I paid a $2500 retainer fee and was quoted a rate of $200/hr. At the time of consult, Erica was very professional. I walked out of her o...ffice feeling confident that I made a good decision. We had 3 court dates total and finally the case was placed "off call." It was at that time that I requested an invoice with the balance of my retainer. I received my invoice and noticed that I had been charged for a motion that I specifically asked Erica NOT to file. We discussed it and she removed it and applied the credit toward my remaining balance. Upon further review, I noticed additional charges so I wrote a letter asking Erica to be more specific in explaining these random and repetitive charges. A couple of days later, I received a letter from her stating that she no longer felt comfortable working with me and attached was a motion to withdraw as my attorney stating "there were differences that could not be resolved." I was shocked by her response. I think anyone paying $2500 for a retainer and only getting a balance of $700 back after 3 court appearances would question where their money was spent. I expected her to elaborate. I NEVER mentioned anything in my letter about being uncomfortable. I NEVER mentioned that I no longer wanted her to represent me in future cases. I just asked her to explain the charges. Lastly, on the motion to withdraw, she put my new address on the motion. My ex is not involved in my child's life and has a history of being very aggressive in the presence of my child and Erica was knowledgable of that. He has been aggressive with me and I did not wish for him to have my current address (we recently moved). Erica was made aware of that as well. Despite her knowledge, the motion to withdraw included my new address and a copy was mailed to my ex's home. I consulted with another attorney and was advised that my address did not have to be included on the motion and a copy did not need to be mailed to him. This leads me to believe that my best interest was not taken into account.