The bill should give you the details of the services and costs you are being billed for. If it does not, call the lawyer and ask for more information. If the lawyer refuses your request for a bill or a fee agreement in writing, your fee agreement is voided and the lawyer is entitled to a reasonable fee. If you would like to continue working with the lawyer, you can also seek mediation of any fee dispute. You also have the right to discharge your lawyer and seek arbitration of any fee dispute.
Arbitration is a simpler process than going to court.
You can also file a complaint against the lawyer with the State Bar of California. It your lawyer's bill is accurate and proper but you cannot afford to pay it, contact your lawyer about making arrangements to pay over time or finding some other accommodation. You should know, however, that if you cannot reach an agreement about how to handle the problem, the lawyer may be entitled to stop working on your matter or withdraw as your lawyer. You may also want to ask if work can be postponed temporarily to allow you to lower the bill. If you believe your lawyer's bill contains an error or something that you did not agree to, contact the lawyer immediately and try to resolve the problem.