Common Questions our Clients Ask

Is there a consultation fee?

Yes, for an Estate Planning consultation our fee is $300. If you need help going through the Probate process our consultation fee is $400. These fees are not refundable and must be paid prior to your consultation, however, if you retain our firm within 48 hours of your consultation, your consultation fee is applied to the cost of your service. 

How often should I update my Estate Plan?

We typically recommend reviewing and potentially updating your documents every 3-5 years. Major life events like marriage, divorce, a new child, or changes in the law may be appropriate times to review and update your documents.

Is DIY(Do-It-Yourself) Estate Planning a good idea?

Online document generators may seem like an affordable option, but they often lack the customization needed to truly tailor your plan. Mistakes in online documents can lead to more expensive legal issues and family disputes in the future.

What should I bring to my consultation?

Prior to your consultation, we require that you complete a questionnaire that assists our team understand the nuances of your matter. We also require you to present a current and valid ID at the consultation.

Why do I need to complete the questionnaire, and is my information secure?

Completing the questionnaire allows our team to gather the essential details we need to prepare for your consultation. All information you submit is stored through Clio’s secure, encrypted platform, which meets industry-leading standards for law firm data protection. 

How long does it take to prepare my documents?

The timeline for preparing your documents depends on your individual circumstances. Because each client’s situation is unique, processing times may vary. Our team takes the time necessary to ensure your documents, whether you are requesting a Will or Trust, are prepared thoroughly and accurately to best serve your needs. Generally speaking, our turnaround time is 2-4 weeks. 

I only have one simple question. I don’t need an hour-long consultation, just a brief phone call.

We understand it may feel like you only need a quick answer, but we don’t offer brief phone calls for potential clients because most situations are more complex than they first appear. Our experience shows that once a conversation begins, additional questions arise and more evaluation is needed. That’s why we offer up to a one-hour consultation with an attorney to fully review your circumstances, explain your options, and ensure all of your concerns are addressed. This approach provides you with clarity and valuable insight that simply can’t be obtained through a brief phone call.

I need to know before I schedule a consultation that your firm will be able to help me with ALL my specific questions.

We understand wanting to know ahead of time whether we can address all of your specific questions, but this is exactly what the initial consultation is designed for. While we can certainly help you update your Estate Planning documents, we cannot make promises or guarantees without reviewing the full details of your unique circumstance first. Our consultation allows the attorney to become familiar with your needs and determine how we can best serve you, just as you would meet with a specialist to receive informed, tailored advice.

I already had Estate Planning documents created ___ years ago; I would just like to add an addendum to my Will/POA

Laws change over time and, in some cases, new legislation can impact older documents. For example, in 2011 Maryland amended and revised the law involving Financial Powers of Attorney with several other amendments occurring in 2017, 2021, and even more recently.  A consultation allows us to review your current documents, determine what needs to be updated, and ensure everything remains valid and aligned with your wishes.

Does my spouse have to come to the consultation? I know what they want/ I am the financial person in our family

Yes, we strongly recommend that both spouses attend the consultation if both will be creating Estate Planning documents. Even if one spouse handles most of the financial matters, it’s important that both understand the process, hear the same information, and feel fully informed about the decisions involved. The consultation also allows the attorney to confirm that each spouse has the necessary mental capacity before drafting any documents. There is no additional fee for couples, and the meeting still takes up to an hour.

Do you offer notary services for documents?

We only provide notary services for documents that our firm has prepared. In limited cases, we may make an exception for current clients who need a related document notarized—such as a beneficiary designation form—while they are in the office for a signing. For all other documents, we recommend using a notary service offered by many banks, UPS, FedEx locations, and similar providers.

Do you prepare Special Powers of Attorney for real estate closings?

We do not prepare Special Powers of Attorney, including those needed specifically for real estate closings when a signer cannot be present. In most cases, the settlement or title company handling the transaction can provide the appropriate documentation or guidance for these situations.

DISCLAIMER: The information contained herein is for general informational purposes and does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship between you and our firm. You should not act or rely on any information on this site without seeking the advice of a qualified attorney licensed to practice in your jurisdiction.