Hold In Escrow

I have a payment coming to me, it was given to my lawyer to hold in trust until I sign a sheet of paper. However, my lawyer says he will not turn on the receiver of the money because I owe him money. Can he do that?

I live ion New York.

I would like to communicate with another New York lawyer or real estate legal expert

I'm not sure what New York law says about this, but it is possible. It depends on the reasons for which payment is to come to you and that your letter of appointment with the lawyer says (if you have a mission statement). Many mission statements explain not only the lawyer's fee will be charged, but how they will pay if you do not voluntarily pay.