the Price of Estate Planning Services

We had three meetings with our attorney and one of his staff members to review our estate planning and allocation of assets. The total cost for only the Estate Planning portion was $4,700.

We have used this law firm for a number of years and finally decided to have them assist us in our estate planning for both gifting and tax purposes. Prior to our first meeting they sent us an extensive questionaire and numerous forms to be completed concerning our assests, health, etc. We completed the forms, with some questions left open, and met with the attorney. He was patient and during the first meeting made some suggestions for us to consider. We then arranged another meeting a week later. During the second meeting we gave him some specific requests we wished to be included in the final document. An associate was present for the second and third meetings. After our third meeting a document was prepared for our review and we changed a few items and returned it to their offices for finalization.

The services were good and the price fair for the amount of time required. The final document was well organized and the accounting of assets to be included was accurate.

Anyone seeking similar services should first collect a listing of all assets and then decide which should be included in their plan. Also, prepare a detailed list of all charities, people and organizations that you might want to include in your estate distribution. All those on the original list do not have to be included in the final papers.

During your initial meeting ask questions and make sure that you feel comfortable having that person/firm handle the paperwork and legal issues. Be sure to get a clear estimate of the costs before agreeing to anything.