Frequently Asked Questions

How Much will it Cost?

There are few among us who don’t worry about what the cost for retaining an attorney will be. We make a point of addressing the issue of cost at the first meeting. Depending upon the nature of the legal services the cost can vary. In some cases we can provide our clients with an estimate of the total fee and base our services on a fixed or “not to exceed”price. In other matters, such as civil and probate litigation matters, we charge our time based upon our hourly rate. The reason for using an hourly rather than fixed fee rate is due in large part to the uncertainty of the length and complexity inherent in litigation matters. While we always strive to get effective and prompt results for our clients in this context, the open-ended nature of litigation does require hour based billing. We much prefer, whenever possible, to offer reasonable estimates of the anticipated total cost, and to stay well within those limits.

Additionally, some types of legal services such as the preparation of a simple will or deed to transfer property will be offered at a fixed rate.

Do you give free consultations?

While we do not generally give free consultations, you are always welcome to make a brief appointment to meet us and to become acquainted with the resources we have available to assist you.

What is Estate Planning and why should I be interested?

Estate planning has been popularly defined as an area of the law which, in arranging an individual’s property and estate, takes into account the laws of wills, trusts, taxes, insurance and property so as to gain maximum benefit of existing laws while carrying out the individual’s own wishes for the disposition of his property upon death.

In practice, estate planning has grown beyond this definition to encompass planning for lifetime events such as retirement, disability, illness or incapacity. Estate planning can provide for one’s own personal care during old age, arrange for the smooth transition of assets or a family business to the next generation during the lifetime of the first, and provide for the custody and care of minor children in the event that it is needed. While the initial definition of estate planning makes it appear to be a technique utilized by the wealthy to avoid or minimize taxes, the broader definition shows that estate planning, in one form or another,  is something one should consider regardless of income or economic standing.