This is a good question, but we think it must be paired with another question; why do I need a lawyer? Our core belief is that, like other professionals (physicians, accountants, etc.), the best lawyers narrowly focus their practices in 2-3 areas of the law to allow them to provide exceptional service and counsel to clients with unique needs. Therefore, we recommend choosing a lawyer or firm with the requisite experience and knowledge to address your unique situation. If you are looking for an Estate, Business Formation, or Long-Term Care Asset protection plan, we hope you will consider us.
Q. When would I need you as my lawyer?
We provide Estate Planning and other related services. Our clients come to us for assistance when they are ready to make arrangements for their lives and property. Often these concerns become more apparent when you experience changes in your life; preferable positive, but sometimes negative. For example when you get married and wish to make sure you can adequately provide for your spouse, when you have children whose care you wish to address, when you start or purchase business, or when you need care in old age.
Q. Can I change attorneys?
Yes, you may change attorneys anytime and for any reason.
Q. What should my attorney expect from me?
Honesty and candor. All information you provide to an attorney is protected by attorney-client privilege and confidentiality. Our practice is focused on providing exceptional planning advice and counsel, but we can only do that if we have all of the information necessary to address your concerns and assist with a comprehensive plan.
Q. What should I expect when I hire an attorney?
You should expect professionalism, courtesy, and honesty. A good attorney will listen to your issues and concerns without judgment and provide sound legal advice and counsel to assist you in confronting those issues and concerns. An attorney should provide candid opinions and recommendations to you then work with you to achieve your goals in accordance with the decisions you make.
Q. How do you set your fees?
In most cases we bill fixed fees for our clients. Through years of practice we have determined that the standard hourly billing system employed by many attorneys hinders our ability to provide the level of service we expect for our clients. We strive to take as much time with our clients as necessary to gain an understanding of their unique lives and circumstances and find that to be very difficult when everyone is looking at the clock. Ordinarily our fees are based on our experience and knowledge of how much of our time will be consumed preparing and executing documents, but we sometimes base them on other factors relevant to specific cases.
