I think what I would do is seek a free consultation. A lot of attorneys do that now, and if you have an agreement to not pay him unless you win, it may be a good deal all around. Did your mother's attorney actually perform any service for her? If so, she will be responsible for at least some of that payment. Unfortunately, I think it is one huge consequence of manic behavior that she will probably end up paying for either way you go, whether you win the case or not.