Can a lawyer ask for more lawyer fees in the middle of mediation almost derailing negotiations? And do I have to pay them?:
Hired lawyer 2016 for a case (partition of my homeownership with ex-husband). I paid him 4,000 fee upfront for the duration of the case.
In January 2019 he ask for 4,000$ more because he said the cased has turned to a major piece of litigation. We agreed on 3500$ which I paid fully before the case was over.
During the negotiations with the plaintiff we came up with a settlement number and out of the blue my lawyer ask for 15,000$ in attorneys fees from the plaintiff. I had no prior discussions about this with my attorney and had no idea he was going to ask the plaintiff for attoneys after we concluded negotiations.
The mediator reminded my lawyer that we are here to settle the case not to discuss his attorneys fees. The plaintiff got up to walk out of the negotiations and in a panic I told my lawyer I will pay him the 15,000$ even though we agreed on 3,500$ fee for the whole case . the case has been settled and the lawyer is asking me for the 15,000$ but I feel what he did was unethical if not worst.
Jonathan’s answer: I concur with my colleagues relating to privilage and mediation. Furthermore, I would consult with the attorney you have retained and the fee agreement, you entered into, with said attorney. Without that information, it is impossible to answer those questions.
I had signed a lease agreement with a tenant. I can find the copy of the lease. Can I evict?: I am looking for the lease I signed with tenant. Tenant stops paying. Can I still evict if I cannot find the lease.
Jonathan’s answer: yes you can, it is obviously more difficult. it could become a credibility issue between you and the landlord. furthermore, you may wish to also file an unlawful detainer action. good luck.
Am I able to travel to another state to live w my other parent. : I’m in a bad situation and I need to get away from my mother. I live in Florida but my father lives out of state and he said he would get a plane ticket for me to fly there myself they both have equal custody of me but my mom threatens to call the police on me and say I’m a runaway. She’s on drugs and is abusing me mentally and physically. would he need to come to Florida and come with me or ?
Jonathan’s answer: I agree with my colleague. Although without knowing the specifics of the 50/50 time sharing agreement though, it is somewhat impossible to give a full answer