Before you begin work a new establishment, you would love to have a little insight into the operations of the firm right? In the same vein, if you are meeting, let’s say, a doctor for the first time, you would surely love to envision how the conversation would go.
What to expect at the first appointment with an attorney
A lot of individuals are usually concerned about the costs that will be involved in getting an attorney to handle their case. These individuals always try to know those costs prior to their consultation. It is very crucial to understand that the cost of handling a legal case hinges on the work that may be involved, and that work differs depending on the type and difficulty of the case.
Fee and Costs
Attorneys normally bill in three diverse ways; flat fees, contingency fees, including hourly fees. In most cases with hourly fee billing, you will be asked to pay a retainer (lump-sum payment of fees) in advance. This fee is used to cover costs needed to take up your case. These costs range from court filing fees, travel costs, fees for process servers, mailings, paralegal work, etc.
With hourly billing method, as soon as the retainer is finished you will be asked to replenish the retainer. Some types of cases requires the fusion of all three billing techniques.
The flat fee billing technique is always used in cases of uncontested divorce and in creation of trust and estate documents like wills, living wills, health care proxies, power of attorney, etc. In such cases, the attorney can give an estimate of time and resources he or she will require to finish the job. Most attorneys will ask that you make upfront payment.
The appointment
When meeting with an attorney for the first time, you will be asked several questions. The purpose of the questions is to enable the attorney understand your situation. Some of the questions may be personal such as your marriage status, number of kids you have, assets owned, questions about your spouse, your finances, etc. You shouldn’t fret when these questions are being asked as they are meant to help the attorney get a better picture of your situation and proffer the right solution.
Normally, attorneys will ensure that you are comfortable with the questions. Most attorneys wouldn’t want to throw questions at you like as cannon ball. So, they might request for your consent before going ahead with the questions. Or they will ask the questions in a way that doesn’t seem like they are intruding into your private life. If you aren’t comfortable with the questions being asked, you could always let the attorney know.
Why you need an estate planning attorney in Queens?
No doubt, there are several estate planning attorney in NYC. However, to create a good estate plan, you will need the services of the best estate planning attorney in Queens. Why is this so? You make ask. While it is cheaper to hire an incompetent or inexperienced estate planning attorney in NYC, you must note that doing so come with lots of consequences.
So, why should you hire the best?
A good estate planning attorney in Queens will provide you with the best estate planning service. As this professional is quite experienced in the estate planning process, there is a huge tendency that your estate plan will:
- Conform to the state estate planning law
- Mirror your wishes
- Be void of any mistakes whatsoever
- Contain adequate provisions for yourself (should you become incapacitated) and your loved ones.
- Avoid the difficult probate
- Help avoid or cut down unnecessary inheritance tax
Bottom line
Creating an estate plan might seem easy to you, thus prompting you to consider planning it yourself with the aid of online tools. While some online tools are effective, it is important to note that not all online tool can provide the same comprehensive estate planning services as an estate planning attorney in Queens.
Contact us today
Do you need the help of an attorney for a case? We have you covered. We boast of experienced attorney who are capable of handling any legal case be it estate planning, injury law, probate, elder law, etc. Contact our office to hire one of our exceptional attorneys for your case.
