Kolodny & Anteau v. Ronald C. Waranch (Cross-complaint) Ronald C. Waranch v. Kolodny & Anteau, Stephen Kolodny
Published: Mar. 27, 1999 | Result Date: Dec. 8, 1998 | Filing Date: Jan. 1, 1900 |Case number: BC184373 Verdict – $90,000
Facts
On an urgent basis in early 1997 Kolodny & Anteau was retained by Ronald Waranch to represent him in his divorce/nullity case. Waranch signed a letter agreement confirming said representation but never signed or returned the more detailed retainer agreement sent to him at a later date. Waranch agreed to pay for the fees and costs incurred in said representation and never advised Kolodny & Anteau that he did not want them to perform certain services for which he was specifically billed in detailed descriptive billings. Waranch received detailed monthly statements from Kolodny & Anteau throughout the representation and continued to pay the bills through November 1997. Kolodny & Anteau had vigorously defended Ronald Waranch against a support request of more than $60,000 per month and was successful in minimizing the award to $10,000 per month, as well as obtained for Waranch exclusive use, control, and possession of Ronald Waranch's multi-million dollar house in Rancho Santa Fe and Beverly Hills. Almost immediately therafter Waranch obtained new counsel, proceeded to a court ordered settlement conference, and settled the remaining minor property issues in the case. When Kolodny & Anteau sought to recover its fee balance, Waranch decided he would seek reimbursement of the monies he had paid to them of approximately $200,000. The plaintiff brought this action against the defendant based on quantum meruit.
Settlement Discussions
The plaintiff made a C.C.P. º998 settlement demand for $________. The defendant made a C.C.P. º998 offer of compromise for $ _______________.
Other Information
The verdict was reached was approximately 11 months after the case was filed. Motion for new trial brought by Kolodny & Anteau was granted as to the cross-complaint.
Deliberation
18 hours
Length
13 days
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