Engagement/Fee FAQs

I do not offer free consultations and I do not have non-lawyer staff (salespeople) meeting with clients to discuss potential engagements.  Instead, I offer scheduled, 30 and 60-minute paid consultations at a reasonable rate of 30 minutes for $150.00 and 60 minutes for $300.00. In those consultations, I provide substantive analysis and advice, not a sales pitch.

I do, however, do my best to honor requests to provide estate planning and probate law information and education to businesses, clubs, community groups and associations, and professional organizations. Please reach out to me directly with those requests. 

Not at this time. If the firm is ever in a position where it will consider being engaged on a contingency basis, this space will reflect that.

"Litigation / Contested probate proceedings:" The firm undertakes these engagements on a retainer and hourly fee basis. Retainer amounts and hourly rates take into consideration the type and complexity of the matter, the amount in dispute, the need for urgent address, and other relevant factors.

Estate Planning: The firm provides estate plan design and creation services on a 'flat fee' basis in most cases. We work with clients to determine the plan structure and composition that will best serve their stated needs and goals, and then set the fee in the engagement agreement, which is signed before drafting begins. Review, revision, and amendment of existing planning documents that do not require complete replacement are billed on an hourly basis in most cases.

"Uncontested Probate Estate Processes" When a client requires representation in opening and administering an uncontested probate estate, a flat fee will be charged for all anticipated "standard" legal services in this type of engagement, with those services included in the flat fee listed in an addendum to the engagement agreement. Court appearances and services beyond those listed will be billed hourly.  This provides good value and predictability for families who are moving harmoniously through probate estate administration.

I appreciate, and am grateful for, referrals and recommendations. If you have legal authority to retain me on behalf of the friend or relative for whom you are calling, it makes sense for you to speak to me about potential retention.

However, I have learned from experience that if you are not someone with legal authority and a plan to retain counsel on behalf of a friend or relative, your friend or relative must decide to contact me, and then do so personally, for the conversation to be meaningful or productive.