Q: Is a law firm that represents you obligated to show you how your funds from your settlement were dispersed?

A: The attorney is supposed to account for all funds and report to you.

California Rule of Professional Conduct 1.15 (calbar.ca.gov/Portals/0/documents/rules/Rule_1.15.pdf):

"(d) A lawyer shall:

(1) absent good cause, notify a client or other person* no later than 14 days of the receipt of funds, securities, or other property in which the lawyer knows* or reasonably should know* the client or other person* has an interest;

(2) identify and label securities and properties of a client or other person* promptly upon receipt and place them in a safe deposit box or other place of safekeeping as soon as practicable;

The repealed prior version of this rule that was effective from November 1, 2018 to December 31, 2022, and the Executive Summary concerning those amendments can be found here.

(3) maintain complete records of all funds, securities, and other property of a client or other person* coming into the possession of the lawyer or law firm;*

(4) promptly account in writing* to the client or other person* for whom the lawyer holds funds or property;

(5) preserve records of all funds and property held by a lawyer or law firm* under this rule for a period of no less than five years after final appropriate distribution of such funds or property;

(6) comply with any order for an audit of such records issued pursuant to the Rules of Procedure of the State Bar; and

(7) promptly distribute any undisputed funds or property in the possession of the lawyer or law firm* that the client or other person* is entitled to receive.

If your lawyer isn't complying with these obligations, you can file a complaint with the State Bar.

A: Ya, that sounds like a big no no. I'd ask, once more, in writing. Give the atty a week to respond. Do NOT threaten any complaint but go straight to the bar if the week goes by without response...

A: Yes, law firms are obligated to provide a breakdown of how settlement funds were dispersed to their clients upon request. As a client, you have the right to receive a detailed accounting of all funds received and disbursed on your behalf, including any payments to third parties such as Medicare.

You can start by requesting a written explanation from the law firm about how the settlement funds were dispersed, including any amounts paid to Medicare. If the law firm refuses to provide this information, you may need to consider hiring another attorney or filing a complaint with the State Bar of California.

If you suspect that the law firm has misappropriated your settlement funds, you may also want to consult with an attorney who specializes in legal malpractice or file a complaint with the State Bar of California.