Atlanta, GA asked in Divorce, Legal Malpractice and Family Law for Georgia

Q: I hired a divorce law firm in February and paid the 9k retainer. Just got notification they are withdrawing 0 warning

I hired a divorce law firm in February and paid the 9k retainer. Just got notification they are withdrawing 0 warning. They scheduled two court hearings and took my evidence. I spoke with them 3 times and just got a notification from the court they are withdrawing representation because “it’s not a good fit” and now they took 9k and have destroyed any chance I have to win my emergency hearing because I’m now without representation and out 9k

1 Lawyer Answer
Regina Irene Edwards
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Answered
  • Atlanta, GA
  • Licensed in Georgia

A: This doesn't sound like malpractice. Malpractice is a breach of an ethical duty. If you were billed hourly, a retainer is not the full payment and you have to keep paying the bills in order for the attorneys to stay on the case. Attorneys are allowed to withdraw from a case for pretty much reason, but nonpayment is the most common. Some attorneys, like myself, charge flat fees to help clients avoid this situation.

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