Termination Fees

Is it ethical for an attorney to charge a client Termination Fees?

I fired an attorney due to inadequate representation then I received a final statement for over $500 in Termination Fees.

Terminated because:
He charged me for creating Visitation documents when I specifically said I didn't have an problem with Visitation. I only retained him for a Child Support case.

He did not represent my best interests when I was unable to attend a status hearing and he did not inform the judge as to why I was absent. The judge issued a warrant for me.

Contract:
The client reserves the right to terminate the representation for cause, or without cause and shall notify the Counsel in writing of any such termination. In the event of any such termination, the Client agrees to promptly pay for all other attorney's fees, costs and expenses incurred or contracted for the collection of outstanding balances owed pursuant to the terms of this Agreement prior to the date of withdrawal.

Upon termination of the representation for any reason by either the Client, or the Counsel, the Counsel agrees to cooperate with any successor Counsel to accommodate a smooth transition of the representation. Client further understands and agree to pay all costs, expenses and attorney fees incurred with the termination of representation including, but not limited to, a Motion to Withdraw filing with the court.

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I did not hire a successor Counsel, am I legally responsible to pay the Termination Fees (Motion to Withdraw)?

Unless you specifically agreed you need not pay. You could go to small claims court if need be.