Reasonable Fees For Probate Services
The initial consultation with our Florida probate attorneys is free. Unlike some other estate lawyers, at Statewide Probate , we charge flat fees or hourly rates for the administration of estates.
Many estate attorneys in the state charge 3% of the first $1 million of the estate in probate fees, which is presumed reasonable under Florida law. That method can lead to gross overpayment of a probate attorney. Our Florida lawyers do NOT charge the statutory formula for probate fees.
Pay for the Attorney’s Time, Not the Size of the Estate
We offer a flat fee where the circumstances of the estate allow for such an arrangement, and we offer hourly rates in all estates. Currently, our hourly rates are $325- $375 per hour for attorneys, and $100- $125 per hour for paralegals.
For estates valued at over $300,000, this usually results in substantial savings in probate fees compared to the statutory formula. Just because an estate can afford to pay more in legal fees does not mean that it should. After all, there is no more work involved in an estate handling an $800,000 brokerage account than there is for an estate with a $200,000 brokerage account, all other facts being equal. Why should the lawyer in the larger estate charge four times what the lawyer in the smaller estate charges for the same work?
Our Florida probate attorneys give our clients a written probate fee agreement, stating the flat fee or giving an estimate of the hourly fees before we begin, once we receive a description of the kind of property involved and the complexity of the distribution. Our flat fees are based on the information provided at the outset and will vary from case to case.
Don’t Pay Higher Probate Fees, Contact Our Florida Lawyers
The probate attorneys at Statewide Probate serve clients throughout the state. If you need legal services for an estate in Orlando, Sarasota, Miami, Fort Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, or anywhere in Florida, contact our probate attorneys for a free consultation.