Question:

I had a lawyer 4 years ago. I won my case and got a settlement. When I turned 18 I was supposed to be able to get my money. But the lawyer is not answering my phone calls or messages.

Answer:

Yes you can. Consult with an attorney who specializes in legal malpractice claims and also contact the State Bar of California about your concerns. You should also ask your parent or guardian what happened on the case. When a minor's case settles, the settlement is to be approved by the Court and the net money to the minor is to be placed in a "blocked account", i.e., an account that no withdrawals can be made without prior Court approval. The account is in the minor's name under the Guardian Ad Litem, generally the parent. When the minor turns 18, he can go directly to the bank and withdraw the funds.

Attorney Brian Bourke

If you have questions about an area of the law Please Contact Gilbert & Bourke LLP and we will be happy to answer it in the Next Question and Answer portion of our Learn the Law Blog.

Gilbert & Bourke LLP currently takes cases for clients from Palm Springs and the surrounding areas. Counties: Riverside, San Bernardino. Cities: Banning,Beaumont, Bermuda Dunes, Blythe, Cabazon, Cathedral City, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs,Indian Wells, Indio, Joshua Tree, La Quinta, Moreno Valley, Morongo Valley, Palm Desert, Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage, San Bernardino, Thousand Palms, Twentynine Palms,Whitewater, Yucaipa, Yucca Valley.