I've ended up using the services of a lawyer whom I know from my childhood days. Now on each occasion I was charged double the market rate for a basic service. On the first occasion I raised the cost and it was reduced by a third but I was threatened with if its an issue keep the money and we can go our separate ways.

To keep the friendship I agreed to pay three quarters of the original asking amount. On the second occasion I used his services again and it was double the market rate for the same basic service. I raised the matter again and it was reduced and I agreed to pay three quarters of the original asking amount which is still over the market rate.

This friend now has become a judge so I was referred to his close friend and business associate. I used his friend for the same basic service and again I was charged double but I did not question and payed. I used his close friend again for the second time for the same basic service and I was charged double the market rate. I payed and did not question.

I'm embarrassed and I feel like an idiot for participating in this but at the time I didn't want to loose the friendship of a childhood friend. The other thing is that he has also become even more patronizing and arrogant since becoming a judge and I'm thinking and feeling that I can't take this anymore and feel I should just walk away from the friendship and not confront him. Like a spoiled child he's also raised the point one day that he doesn't want anymore new friends. I'm no longer in his inner circle like we were in our childhood. But he does send me a happy birthday every year. I'm confused.

Confused and fed up let me now your thoughts please???