My Lawyer Passed Away, Do I Still Need To Pay His Overcharged Bill?

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My divorce lawyer just passed away, i have paid him most of the bills in the past, but some charges I had questions (disagreement), so I have not paid yet ( about $2000) All the work he has done for me was for the purpose of preparing the document for the trial. Now he passed away, I have to find another lawyer to re-start everything, all the legal sessions with him are now wasted. Do I still need pay the remaining questionable bill to his estate (his law firm is currently closed) ? I understand, in general I still need to pay the debt to the deceased, but the balance I owe him I believe has over charged substantially, plus all the money I have paid him now is completely a wast. I appreciate your advice and help.

[Neveracrossword]

This is a UK website, so there may not be as much advice/information as you need.

[Peter Pedant]

judge judy here ( she does cross-state law)
he did da work and ya gardda pay him !

wait for the bill to be resubmitted in the name of the executor
( so long as it isnt a company which you will be unsurprised to hear never dies)

The work HE did is not wasted - a whichever state you are in, will have succession rules for changing lawyers and passing papers. The dead lawyer may refuse to pass on his work ( ha!) until you pay the bill ( lawyer's lien) unless this is forbidden by state statute ( v. unlikely)

and if any of this is wrong - too bad this is an English site
(but we like Meghan)

[Old_Geezer]

I'd have thought you could contest the charges you are challenging. Ask your lawyer.

[Peter Pedant]

// Ask your lawyer.//
he'll need a ouija board wont he ?

[Old_Geezer]

Maybe, but I thought there was more than one around.