Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does a will/trust cost?
Well, if you're just looking for cheap paperwork, you might want to try a DIY kit off the internet. But if you’re looking for a plan that’s going to work when you and your loved ones need it, you're in the right place. What you’re really paying for is Candice's nearly two decades of experience in trusts, estates, and businesses—think of it as an investment in real peace of mind, not just a fee for some documents that give you a false peace of mind. Expect to invest $2500+ for a plan that covers everything from the inevitable (death) to the inconvenient (incapacity). This also includes ongoing support and a complimentary review every three years, so your plan doesn’t gather dust. If you’re curious about what your family might face without a plan in place, book an Estate Planning Session with Candice. Trust us, the future you will thank you.
My estate is simple. How much for a simple will?
Sorry, but 'simple' estates are as mythical as unicorns. Everyone’s got a unique family, a unique set of assets, and their own quirks, so estate planning isn’t a one-size-fits-all deal. We kick things off by gathering the details we need from you and showing you what your estate looks like for your family if you die or are incapacitated. And here’s the kicker—a will only kicks in when you’re dead. If you’re incapacitated, your family could be left in the lurch without the right documents in place. That’s why our plans cover all the bases, tailored to your specific situation. You get to decide what you need, and we’ll make sure it’s all buttoned up. You can read more about the estate planning process and fee range here.
I prepared a will/trust online. Can you review it for me?
Candice could review it for you at her hourly rate, but there is a 99.99999% chance that she will find some things seriously lacking in your estate plan and you’ll end up paying to prepare a new plan anyway. So then you’d end up paying something like double what you would have paid to just have Candice (or another experienced estate planning lawyer) prepare a proper plan for you from the get-go. We are happy to get paid for all that work, but you might want to rethink it. Here is more information about our estate planning services.
Do we have to meet in person?
If you want, we can do everything remotely, using video conferencing and other technology. We do typically have clients come into our office to sign estate planning documents, but if you’d like, we can arrange for a notary and witnesses to come to you for an extra fee. You can also arrange for your own notary and witnesses.
Do you do payment plans?
Yep, we do. We usually prefer payment in full up front—because a few bad apples can really ruin it for the whole bunch. But if that’s going to put a serious dent in your wallet and you’re still committed to the planning, we can work out a payment plan that won’t have you living on ramen noodles.
Do you take such-and-such pre-paid or employee legal plan?
No.
Why not?
Because they don’t pay me enough. The fees they offer usually don’t even cover the first two hours of my time, and that’s just scratching the surface of what it takes to get your plan right. I spend that much time in our first meeting alone. I could hand you some generic preprinted forms and give you a false peace of mind, but why bother when you can snag a false peace of mind online for a fraction of the cost? I’m not going to charge you a few hundred bucks for something you could download for $20. It’s just not my style.
What does the estate planning process look like?
Picture this: it’s like Season 1 of a television series about your life as a real adult. There are fewer explosions than the prequel and much more paperwork. For most folks, it’ll be a three-meeting saga (though some estates might require a few bonus episodes).
Episode 1: The 'What If' Scenario. We take a good, hard look at what happens if you stick with your current plan—or lack thereof—and figure out what’s working and what’s not. We’ll start sketching out a new plan if we decide to keep working together.
Episode 2: The Signing. This is where you sign all the important documents, take your fancy Estate Planning Portfolio home, and embark on any tasks assigned to you to finish things up.
Episode 3: The Finale. You meet again, tie up any loose ends, and walk away with the satisfaction of knowing you’ve got your affairs in order.
And that’s a wrap on Season 1!
Then, like a British series, you won’t see us again for three years (unless something comes up —hopefully not a Christmas special). After three years, you’ll come back in for a complimentary review to make sure your plan stays as fresh as the latest plot twist.
You can read more about the Estate Planning process here.
Such-and-such online program or attorney is cheaper than you. Why shouldn't I go with them?
Hey, you should go with whoever gives you the most bang for your buck. But here’s the deal: 70% of estate plans fail when they’re needed most. The ones that actually work do so because of an ongoing relationship between the client and the lawyer. That’s why I offer flat-fee and membership plans that cover all your planning needs, with free reviews and ongoing communication.
Sure, saving a few bucks today might feel good, but don’t be penny-wise and pound-foolish. If you invest in a bargain plan that flops when your family needs it most, that’s not exactly a win. On the other hand, paying a bit more now for a plan that actually works when the time comes? That’s smart. Make your legacy one of responsibility and care for the people you love. Don’t leave them with a mess just to save a few dollars. Schedule your Estate Planning Session.
My loved one needs assisted living and we can’t afford it. Help?
We can definitely help. There are a variety of legal strategies we can use to protect any assets from being counted under the Medicaid and VA rules, and if Medicaid qualification is needed right away, we have legal strategies that will maximize your ability to spend down the estate by purchasing items that are allowable under the rules, excluding assets that may be excluded under the rules, and gifting in a way that takes into account any penalty period under the rules. The sooner you set up an appointment, the better. Here is more information.
My loved one just passed. I don’t even know where to start.
Our condolences for your loss. This is a hard and confusing time. One of the first things you should do is call an experienced estate planning and administration lawyer. There may be deadlines that you don’t know about. You can set up a meeting with Candice here or email her here. Additionally, we have a short guide for people whose loved ones have recently passed. You can find that here. And here is our page about Estate Administration services.
I filed my LLC Articles with the State. Is there more to it than that?
Oh, absolutely. Filing your LLC Articles is like signing up for a gym membership—just because you signed up for an LLC doesn’t mean you don’t have more work to do to accomplish your goals. When someone sues your business, they might argue that your LLC isn’t real, that it’s just a fancy label, and try to come after you personally. Whether they succeed depends on how solid your business foundation is and how you run things day-to-day. You’ll want to meet with Candice to figure out what gaps you need to fill in your business armor. Schedule a Business Planning Session with Candice and find out what’s lurking in the fine print of being a business owner.