OK, so it is NOT directly about one of my kids only remotely. The back story is about my kid, the venting is not.

Back story - short version: I have decided to move forward with newly reunited son. I have also decided to let him gift/invest to me money for a down payment on a house which in return he is named in my will to get the house or if I sell it he gets his initial investment plus split the net profits. So, a win/win and no entanglements along the way. He has approached me with this several times in the past but has always had a controlling, condescending attitude with terms I could not accept. This time is different and we have agreed on terms and agreed I would get the attorney to advise us and write up the agreement. If he actually puts his money where his mouth remains to be seen but I am moving forward and will find out. I decided it would be worth the few hundred to get the agreement written up and see what happens with son.

My vent is with the attorney. I am soooo mad and sad right now. I hired him for a 1 hour consultation regarding the legalities on this and to write up the agreement. Everything seemed clear. But he required a huge retainer fee for that. I questioned that but he said what was not used would be returned to me. But now, I am beginning to believe giving an attorney a retainer fee is like getting into a car with a stranger the likelihood of getting screwed is high.

So here comes the draft of the agreement for review. Full of extraneous and inflammatory comments like ( in the phrase "parties will split the net proceed equally" he includes "if there are any proceeds". So unnecessary. Other comments that makes me wonder if we were in the same consultation together.

So I send it back with my revision. Comes back again with most but not one very important thing changed. I did not notice that until later so asked what next. Then he says he will send it to my son and sent me the cover letter for review. The cover letter? OMG-- So adversarial. Starts out with Dr Mr. S. I am representing Ms KB........ She asked me to send this for your review. And instructions for them to send it back and forth and then " if you have any questions I suggest you get your own attorney." His exact words. That is very adversarial. This is a friendly agreement not an adversarial situation.

And then I'm thinking that the meter is running every time he writes something for my review that is just a little off from what we talked about in the consulation and off from what the basic premises of this agreement. Plus he is charging me a " research fee" regarding my asking him his reasoning about one thing he advised me about. He has to research why he advises something? He does not know why he said that?

So, he will get an email from me tomorrow morning saying thank you for the advice and writing the agreement. That is all I hired him for. Since this is not an adversarial situation I do not need representation. I just need the legally sound agreement. An agreement does not need to be written on attorney's letterhead to be legal, just need both our signatures.

Then I get his bill so far--way more than a few hundred. I am angry, shocked and just sickened. Every time I think of what he has charged me for his misunderstandings my stomach clenches. What? Am I a horrible communicator? is he that stupid? am I stupid? is he milking me?

Trying to take care of myself today. Went swimming and am leaning on your shoulders. Will make a nice dinner, watch a movie and go to bed early tonight. An fire that attorney. Wonder how much he will charge me for that?!!!!!

In addition to this, I am right now working two jobs--12-14 hour weekdays plus running my business in between and on the weekends. Plus trying to do this. A little bit of stress.

Thanks for listening.