Stebic’s lawyer sues him for $10K in unpaid fees
by Janet Lundquist jlundquist@stmedianetwork.com December 29, 2011 3:58PM
Stebic
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Updated: January 31, 2012 8:17AM
JOLIET — A lawyer for the husband of a missing Plainfield woman is taking his own client to court, seeking thousands of dollars in unpaid fees.
Craig Stebic, whose wife Lisa was last seen in April 2007, most recently was represented by Dion Davi in a case brought by Lisa’s relatives seeking visitation rights to the couple’s two children.
The visitation case was resolved in 2008 with a compromise between Craig and Lisa Stebic’s parents and grandparents that was kept private from public court documents.
Davi filed a petition Dec. 22 seeking payment of $10,371 in fees for services rendered Stebic since Jan. 2, 2007. He also filed a motion to withdraw as Stebic’s attorney.
Davi could not be reached for comment Thursday.
Craig Stebic hired Davi and filed for divorce from Lisa Stebic in January 2007, citing irreconcilable differences. The couple sought joint custody of their children, with Lisa being the custodial parent.
After Lisa disappeared, Davi continued to represent Stebic, specifically in the visitation case, even after Stebic retained Joliet attorney George Lenard. Stebic has referred reporters to Lenard as his primary spokesman since early 2008.
Stebic, who has been named a “person of interest” by Plainfield police in his wife’s disappearance, repeatedly has denied any wrongdoing in connection with Lisa’s disappearance. He has not been charged in connection with the case.
Lenard said Thursday he was unaware Davi had filed the petition for fees.
Davi and his Wheaton law firm have spent 9,685 hours of work representing Stebic, according to an affidavit Davi filed.
In total, Stebic racked up $23,374 in fees, but has already paid a $2,500 retainer and $10,503 in fees, according to the affidavit.
