Q: Michigan estate attorney has taken over 8 months to finish a deed for inherited property. What can I do.
They sent the quit claim deed I completed my portion was told to have it virtually notarized, did that and returned. Later received returned filing fee check (in law offices name) saying it was denied. Have asked questions to lawyer,and staff first they say it was a new program they needed to add to the buisness now months later on July 6th, im told its to expensive to add the electronic filing program for the firm they are going to generate new quit deed for me to complete and I will have to file it in person, or by mail. I said that was fine, and provided updated address and everything. As of July 18th still nothing. FYI I am the representative of the estate and named in the Will to inherit the property.
A:
This sounds like a dispute you have with the attorney about whether the attorney has completed the work you hired the attorney to do. If you are unhappy with your attorney's work, then I would first look to your retainer agreement with the attorney, if you have one. Your retainer agreement should spell out what work the attorney is going to perform for the client, how much the attorney will charge, and how long the work will take. It should also ideally describe how disputes between the client and the attorney will be handled, how each party can terminate or withdraw from the representation, and whether and how any money paid to the attorney might be refundable to the client.
If you don't have a retainer agreement with your attorney, then you need to talk to your attorney about the above issues. If you are unsatisfied with the attorney's work you could request a refund of any money paid for the incomplete work, and you could request termination of the representation so you could find a new attorney.
Attorney-client disputes should be attempted to be resolved between the client and attorney first. If no resolution can be reached and you don't just want to let the matter go, then you could ask a court to intervene.
A: Sounds like a client service issue - Get the deed drafted elsewhere and have the law firm file it for you electronically. Then ask for the return of the portion of the money that you paid for the initial deed from the earlier attorney. Deeds can be filed electronically usually within 24 to 48 hours. See more at www.provenresource.com
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