Legal Question in Wills and Trusts in Illinois

Re: fees on

I respectfully disagree with the other two posts. Suppose you went to another attorney and he charged you $1,800. But why stop there? I'm sure you could find a third one who will charge even less. If price were the key consideration you could go to legalzoom.com and fill your names in.

The issue is whether the first attorney designed a plan the meets your objectives? People always say they want a "simple will" not because such a will meets their objectives but as a bargaining ploy to keep the fee low.

The moment you say to the lawyer you want to avoid probate you are no longer speaking of any kind of will, simple or otherwise. My fees for married couples' estate plans start around $3,000 and go up from there.

If he designed the plan you want go back and pay him the 2k.

Re: fees on

The fee is likely dependent on how much total time the lawyer anticipates having to spend on the matter. That fee quote appears high for just a "simple will", but every situation is different. If you're not comfortable with what this attorney has proposed, then discuss your options with another estate planning attorney.

Re: fees on

Every person's situation is different and there is indeed no such thing as a simple will. There are less complex estates and more complex estates, but nothing is set in stone. In addition to 'wills' there are powers of attorney and trusts that can be involved and these things take time and skill and do involve varying degrees of expenses. I would talk to a different attorney if you would like another opinion.

The Law Office of Paul R. Fine, P.C.

Chicago, IL

[email protected]

[Note this information does not constitute legal advice nor any agreement to provide such services and that no attorney-client relationship yet exists between the author and any party.]