Fees & Payment Information
Clear, honest pricing with no hidden fees. We believe you deserve to know exactly what your estate planning services will cost before you commit.
Important Fee Disclosure
Connecticut Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5 requires that attorney fees be reasonable and clearly communicated. All fees are determined based on the complexity of your situation, time required, and attorney expertise.
No Guarantees: Payment of legal fees does not guarantee specific outcomes. Estate planning effectiveness depends on proper execution, funding, family circumstances, and other factors beyond our control.
Our Pricing Philosophy
We believe in transparent, predictable pricing that allows you to budget with confidence. Our estate planning services use flat-rate fees, so you know the total cost upfront before we begin work on your plan.
During your initial consultation, we'll provide a detailed fee agreement outlining all costs, what's included, payment schedules, and any additional expenses you should anticipate.
Typical Fee Ranges by Service
Individual or couple's wills, healthcare directives, and powers of attorney for straightforward situations.
Comprehensive trust-based estate plan including trust, pour-over wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
Strategic asset protection planning, Medicaid application assistance, and irrevocable trust creation.
Probate administration, trust administration, and estate settlement services for executors and trustees.
Note: These are typical fee ranges for straightforward cases. Complex situations involving business interests, significant assets, blended families, or special needs planning may incur higher fees. Your specific fee will be clearly outlined in your written retainer agreement.
What's Included in Our Legal Fees
When you hire us for estate planning representation, our flat-rate legal fees typically include:
- Initial Consultation: Comprehensive family wealth planning session to understand your goals
- Document Preparation: Drafting all necessary legal documents using WealthCounsel® professional software
- Legal Research: Analyzing applicable Connecticut laws and tax regulations for your situation
- Family Meetings: Sessions with family members if needed to discuss inheritance plans
- Asset Titling Guidance: Instructions for properly funding your trust and re-titling assets
- Signing Ceremony: Formal execution of documents with proper witnesses and notarization
- Client Portal Access: Secure MyCase platform for document storage and communication
- Document Storage: Secure cloud storage of your executed estate planning documents
- Follow-Up Consultation: One post-signing meeting to ensure proper implementation
Additional Costs NOT Included in Legal Fees
The following costs are separate from our legal fees and may apply to your situation:
Recording Fees
If your estate plan involves real estate, deed recording fees are required:
- Connecticut Land Records: Approximately $60-$150 per deed (varies by town)
- Trust Certification Recording: Optional recording of trust existence ($50-$100)
Appraisal & Valuation Services
- Real Estate Appraisals: If needed for Medicaid planning ($400-$600)
- Business Valuations: For closely-held business interests ($2,000-$10,000+)
- Personal Property Appraisals: For valuable collections or artwork (varies)
Probate Court Fees (for Estate Administration)
- Probate Filing Fees: Based on estate value (Connecticut statutory schedule)
- Court Appearance Fees: If hearings are required
- Publication Costs: Legal notices to creditors ($100-$200)
Financial Advisor Coordination
- Beneficiary Designation Review: Coordinating with your financial advisor (often included)
- Trust Funding Assistance: Working with banks and investment firms to re-title accounts
Cost Estimates: During your consultation, we'll provide a comprehensive breakdown of anticipated legal fees and any additional costs specific to your estate planning needs.
Payment Options & Policies
Accepted Payment Methods
- Credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover)
- Debit cards
- Bank transfers (ACH)
- Checks (personal or business)
Payment Plans Available
We understand that estate planning fees can be a significant investment in your family's future. We offer flexible payment plans for qualifying estate planning packages, allowing you to spread payments over time while we work on your plan.
Payment plan options are discussed during your consultation and specified in your retainer agreement.
Retainer Requirement
Most estate planning engagements require an initial retainer (advance payment) before we begin work. The retainer amount varies based on the service and is applied toward your total legal fees. Representation begins only after:
- A written retainer agreement is signed by both parties
- The initial retainer payment is received and cleared
- You receive written confirmation that representation has commenced
Refund Policy
If you decide to terminate representation before work begins, you may be entitled to a full refund of your retainer, minus any administrative costs incurred.
Once work on your estate plan has commenced, refunds are calculated based on the work completed and costs incurred. Our retainer agreement includes specific refund provisions compliant with Connecticut Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5.
Factors That Affect Legal Fees
Under Connecticut Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5, attorney fees must be reasonable. We determine fees based on several factors:
Estate Complexity
- Simple estates with straightforward beneficiary structures cost less
- Complex estates with business interests, multiple properties, or blended families require more work
- Special needs trusts, charitable planning, or dynasty trusts involve additional complexity
Asset Types and Value
- Real estate holdings in multiple states
- Closely-held business interests
- Retirement accounts and investment portfolios
- Digital assets and intellectual property
Family Dynamics
- Second marriages and blended families
- Estranged family members or potential contests
- Minor children or beneficiaries with special needs
- Charitable giving intentions
Time and Effort Required
- Document drafting and customization
- Legal research and tax analysis
- Coordination with financial advisors and accountants
- Family meetings and educational sessions
Attorney Experience and Expertise
- WealthCounsel® membership and advanced estate planning training
- Connecticut bar membership and professional qualifications
- Experience with Connecticut probate courts and Medicaid system
Free Initial Consultation
We offer a complimentary initial consultation to discuss your estate planning needs, evaluate your options, and provide an accurate fee estimate for your situation.
During this consultation, you'll:
- Speak directly with Attorney Aakash Sharma (not a paralegal or assistant)
- Discuss your family situation, assets, and estate planning goals
- Receive an honest assessment of your planning needs
- Get a clear fee quote with no obligation to hire
- Learn about our Family Wealth Planning Process
- Understand payment options and next steps
No pressure, no hidden agendas—just honest legal guidance.
Get Your Free Estate Planning Consultation
Schedule a complimentary consultation to discuss your estate planning needs and receive a transparent, no-obligation fee quote.
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