Lawyers don't always know best. It pays to listen to, and carefully consider, their advice, but on something like this, you know the pattern of behavior the best.
I think it's a smart move, personally. Worst case, you paid for some legal work you didn't need to. This isn't the time to focus on nickels and dimes, if you can afford not to. Besides, if you win, there may be a chance the court can order him to pay your legal fees (in some jurisdictions that would be true).