Our Fees
When clients initially consult with law offices and are "quoted retainers," what does that mean? A retainer is a down payment for the services an attorney foresees rendering on a case. It is an initial estimate by an attorney on the number of hours it will take them to work on your case, billed at their hourly rate. If an attorney charges $300 per hour and estimates that your case will require 10 hours of their time, they could quote you a retainer for $3,000.00.
However, these retainers are based on the average amount of time it historically took to complete similar cases. Every case is different and can present more or fewer complications than other similar cases. Sometimes unforeseen obstacles arise and require more time and attention from a lawyer than anticipated. In that instance, an attorney might have used the funds from a client's retainer to resolve these complications, and will require additional funds to complete the case.
Other times, the case goes smoothly, taking less time than originally thought, and a balance left on a retainer at the end of a case is returned to the client.
So, please, as you are reviewing the price estimates below, bear in mind that these are beginning estimates for various types of similar cases.
Pricing
Initial Consultation
All of our cases are screened and reviewed based on the information provided at an Initial Consultation. This process is absolutely essential because it allows us to see and hear from our clients and gives us the opportunity to begin to determine what the issue is and what the proper course of action is.
Initial Consultations generally last 30 to 45 minutes.
$150 flat rate
Estate Planning
Estate Planning Documents Package
Generally, we prepare the following documents for our estate planning clients: A) Last Will and Testament, B) Durable Power of Attorney, C) Health Care Representative Power of Attorney, and D) Living Will.
With a single will and related documents, the cost is $250 per person. In the event the will needs to be more complicated, the provision of a testamentary trust, for example, costs may run higher. The attorney will discuss this with you during the consultation.
Individual Estate Planning Documents
In the event the client does not need the entire estate planning package, separate individual documents can be prepared to meet your needs.
The cost begins at $150 per document.
Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts
The use of trusts, whether revocable or irrevocable, generally exceeds the scope of the basic estate planning documents described above. Use of trusts is somewhat complicated and is highly personalized.
The attorney will meet with you, help you decide what type of trust is right for your situation, and prepare an action plan to include a trust in your estate plan.
Cost will be discussed during the planning consultation.
Miller Trusts
Generally, a Miller Trust is a special trust used when a client is attempting to qualify themselves or a loved one for nursing home care.
Pricing begins at $500
Guardianships
Our office regularly assists clients in establishing guardianships for individuals needing a fiduciary to assist them with physical and personal business matters.
The cost for a guardianship typically begins at $1500 plus filing fees.
Real Estate and Business
Contracts, Purchase Agreements, & Leases
Our office routinely prepares contracts, purchase agreements, and leases for clients.
Prices typically begin at $300 for these types of documents
Warranty and Quitclaim Deeds
Generally deeds, whether warranty or quitclaim, can be prepared relatively promptly.
Costs begin at $75 per document
Corporate Documents
Usually the attorney will with the client and will determine what documents are needed during the consultation. This will always require a detailed understanding of the client's goals and needs.
Fees will be determined and discussed as part of the consultation process.
Criminal and Appellate
Criminal Retainers
When you reach out to Smith Law Office, you will consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney who offers personalized, straightforward, and cost-effective service. The severity of the charges and the complexity of the case will determine the amount of the retainer in your matter. Our attorneys can quote a price upon consultation.
Beginning at $2,000
Appeals
Every appeal, civil or criminal, requires a careful consideration of the facts, the law, and the specific manner in which the trial proceeded. Please schedule a consultation with our office to discuss your case, and our attorneys can quote a retainer upon consultation.
Disclaimer:
This website is an advertisement. No portion of this website or its content is offered as legal advice. Accessing the information on this website does not create an attorney-client relationship and is not an agreement that our firm will represent you in legal matters.