Fees

Fees are a function of the work that we do and the value that we provide to our clients. Our goal is to make our work product meet our clients' objectives. Each situation is unique. Family dynamics, goals and objectives, asset composition and manner of ownership vary dramatically from one client to the next.

We believe strongly in value billing for our services. We have found that our clients don't like surprises when it comes to paying for legal services, so knowing up front what a particular engagement will cost provides our clients with certainty. It also means that inefficiency in the delivery of our services will not result in a higher fee, nor are we "encouraged" to do more, and therefore charge more, than is needed to accomplish our clients' objectives. Finally, value billing leads to open communication with our clients, since they are encouraged to call us and discuss issues of conern to them, without the fear that they will be "nickel-and-dimed" for such conversations and activities. This, in turn, fosters long-term and satisfying attorney/client relationships. There are certain areas of our practice, however, where hourly billing may be appropriate, or even required, by appropriate ethical or court rules. These areas of practice include guardianship, probate and trust administration.

Wealth Transfer and Estate Planning.

In the estate planning arena, each of our clients has unique goals regarding allocation and distribution of their estates to loved ones or charities, and unique family and personal dynamics and circumstances that must be taken into consideration. We take all those matters into consideration in quoting fees for estate planning engagements, and charge estate planning fees on a per plan basis.

Accordingly, we are unable to quote fees before an initial conference. It is at that conference that we have a conversation with our new client in an effort to learn about the client, about the client's family and about the client's goals and objectives, and through that process, develop a plan that fits that client's needs. That initial conference is without fee or obligation. We reserve the right, as does the client, to decline to enter into an attorney/client relationship after an initial meeting.

Once an attorney/client relationship is established, our clients tend to view our fees as an investment in their financial future and well-being rather than as an expense that must be endured. It is difficult to put a price tag on the peace of mind that comes from the knowledge of having a carefully thought-out legacy plan for one's family.

Special Needs Planning, Guardianships, Elder Law and VA Pension Planning.

Special Needs Planning, Guardianship, Elder Law and VA Pension Planning require the application of unique solutions to unique situations. We charge a fee of $500 for each initial consultation. After our initial meeting, we are able to advise our clients what our services are likely to cost before they retain us and whether it will be based on an hourly or value-based flat fee. It gives our clients a firm basis for deciding what their best course of action will be, and for making a decision about whether or not to employ our firm.

Probate and Trust Administration.

Fees in this area of practice are a function of the complexity of the decedent's estate and family situation. Important issues to consider are whether or not the decedent had a written plan of disposition and, if so, whether administration of the estate will require probate or not. The manner of asset ownership, the types of assets owned and the overall plan of disposition are all matters to consider. Family dynamics play a huge part in the fees incurred. Fees are based on the time devoted to the administration and on the complexity of the situation. Fees are generally calculated based upon the time spent on the client's matter, and are billed monthly. There is a charge $500 for an initial estate administration consultation. All fee agreements are in writing before the attorney-client relationship commences.