"I know that I need an estate plan."

"I know an estate plan is not only a Will."

"I don't want my loved ones having to deal with probate."

"But what does an estate plan cost??"

Understandably, this is the most common question we receive. Estate planning is the sum of many moving parts, so how do attorneys bill for the service?

Planning Considerations

Every case is unique. Each client has different intentions, different assets, different concerns, and different outcomes. Most of us might assume attorneys meet a client, gather basic data, and fill out generic templates. Planning, though, involves so much individual counseling for each client, including:

• Identifying family structures, concerns about heirs, and the best people for key roles;
• Contingencies if heirs die;
• Contingencies if named "agents" (e.g. Powers of Attorney) die or cannot serve;
• Plans, wishes, and concerns for specific assets;
• Tax considerations;
• Asset planning considerations;
• Planning for blended families;
• Planning for heirs' future spouses;
• Planning for substance abuse issues;
• Planning for special needs; and
• SO MUCH MORE.

Estate Planning Process

Beyond just identifying issues and counseling clients, the planning process involves several steps. Attorneys need to draft, update, and finalize multiple legal documents. Most attorneys hold a meeting to teach clients how to read and understand the documents, then spend a significant time working through their questions and revisions. Once signed, an estate plan is "funded" with assets, which requires retitling. Throughout this process, staff need to manage scheduling, billing, files, plan portfolios, and communications with any third parties. Finally, when the plan is finalized, the law office should check in every year about any changes to the plan.

So what does it cost?

Because there are so many unknowns, attorneys usually structure flat fees for planning. A flat fee allows clients to ask as many questions or take as much time as they need to go through the process, without worrying about extra invoices. Determining that flat fee involves looking at several factors. At Opfer   Campbell | Beck, we base our estate planning fees on more than 10 factors, including:

• Do you have an existing plan, or do we need to create one from scratch?
• Are we planning for one person or a couple?
• Will the plan avoid probate by using beneficiary designations or by using a trust?
• Do we have to plan for more complicated issues? This includes businesses, rental properties, and special needs heirs.

Our office calculates fees from a base rate, and then adjusts those fees up OR down based on the factors of a case. Discounts we provide are for active military members, veterans, emergency responders, and teachers! Because of all this, cases can range from $375 to $5000, and that is why it is so hard to set one rate that applies to everyone.

We provide all intakes with a NO-COST, NO-OBLIGATION consultation for up to 60 minutes. At the consultation, we typically identify two planning options and quotes. And most important, we *never* ask you to begin services at the consultation. If you would like to set a consultation, contact us today!