How Much Does a Probate Lawsuit Cost?

Uncategorized • Dec 23, 2015

Probate lawsuits can get expensive in West Palm Beach but how do you actually pay for it all? There are three forms of fee structures that you may want to discuss with your Palm Beach probate attorney before you sign the retainer. Do you know the specifics?

Flat Fees

A flat fee is one way to negotiate a fee structure in West Palm Beach.
This is probably one of the most straight forward structures there are, simply pay an amount up front and that is the end of it.
The benefit to the flat fee is that you get to not worry about large billables and hourly fees.
On the other hand you do usually pay all of that up front at the start which means that if you and the attorney disagree you may have trouble getting a refund.
Also you may find some attorneys’ excitement over a case dwindles as the time between now and when they cash the check grows.
Is this the set up for you?
It depends on what you value.
If you have a tight budget a flat fee gives security, at the same time it is also a large up front cost that needs to be evaluated.
What are the other options?

Hourly Fees

Another option is a bit more straight forward, you can elect to be billed hourly.
There are pros and cons to any fee structure in West Palm Beach and an hourly fee is no different.
For example while this may defer costs on a monthly basis, there is little predictability.
Also the experience of the firm plays a lot into this.
A more experienced Palm Beach probate law firm is going to know what to do and how to do it.
That may mean less hours to be billed.
At the same time, keep in mind that it may also mean higher hourly rates as all attorneys do not bill the same hourly rate.
What is the last fee arrangement I can negotiate with a Palm Beach probate firm?

Contingency Fees

The last fee option is often overlooked by those who think that they cannot afford a Palm Beach probate law firm to represent them.
What is a contingency fee?
Another way to phrase it is a success fee – in other words they have to win to get paid.
The good part about this is obvious if you do not get paid neither do they.
On the other hand this could mean that they do one hour of work and get a third of the million dollar inheritance, something you may find unfair.
Keep in mind that in West Palm Beach all contingency agreements have to be in writing in order to be enforced.
What other considerations do you have to make before you get into a contingency arrangement in West Palm Beach?

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