FAQs
- What should the customer know about your pricing (e.g., discounts, fees)?
Estate Planning: With certain exceptions, I charge a flat rate per document for estate planning. This means you don't have to worry about emails/phone calls running up a bill which comes due. I am happy to answer any and all questions my clients have about the process. In situations involving advanced planning or additional work outside the scope of standard planning, I may charge an hourly rate. However, you will know ahead of time so there's no surprise at the end! Real Estate: Whether I represent a buyer or a seller, I charge a flat rate for legal representation on the matter. This does not include expenses incurred in connection with the transaction, which I always estimate for my clients ahead of time, so you have a good understanding of the transaction costs. Probate: My fee for probates is based on my hourly rate, which I will disclose up front during the initial consultation.
- What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
Estate Planning: Typically we have an in-person meeting, though I am happy to set up a phone conference/skype/google hangout for the initial contact. After our first meeting, most communication is via email or telephone until the documents are finalized and the client returns to execute the documents. Real Estate: I find in Real Estate that often I don't meet the client until the closing date! Before that, communication tends to be via email or phone. Probate: Usually there is an initial consultation where costs are disclosed and we walk through the process. After that, communication is mainly via email/telephone unless the client wants to meet in person.
- What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
I have been practicing in the area of estate planning, probate and real estate for over four years. Before that, I worked as a paralegal/legal assistant at the firm on and off going back to high school. In addition, there is a senior attorney at the firm with over 35 years experience in these areas of the law who I often consult with on my cases.