To start, let me say shame on me for not doing enough research to protect my family from getting taken advantage of. I thought that researching lawyers in the area, checking online reviews and following up with a call to speak with someone at this firm about my estate planning needs would have suffic...ed, but after the experience I had, I’ve learned that I need to educate myself (and others) much more about what to expect.
I called their office to learn more about the firm's estate planning process, fees, etc. I spoke with William. He was very nice and informative (so I thought). He told me to set up an initial consultation for which there would be a charge ($150 for up to 30 minutes, $250 for 60 minutes). When I asked what the fees were for the creation of a will, POA, etc., he didn’t know specifically. I asked if the consultation fee would be rolled up into the cost of the estate planning. He didn’t know, but asked Tiffany. He came back and said yes, that’s often the case.
My wife and I adjusted our work schedules and picked up our 10 month old daughter early from daycare to come to the consultation. It lasted no more than 20 minutes. Frankly, everything that was shared was stuff we could have read about online for free. During this chat, we learned that the firm charges a flat fee of $1,000/person for the will and two power of attorney documents. And that the $150 consultation fee doesn’t apply to flat fee scenarios.
For us personally, the consultation didn’t add value for the price we paid. We didn’t have to have it in person. They could have easily shared those basics via the firm's website or we could have read about them elsewhere online. That would have saved us $150. All possible if the person that answers the phone is equipped to answer questions from potential clients about what they’re actually going to get out of the in-person consultation. In posting this review, my hope is that you're able to better educate yourself on the topic/process so that you can better spend your hard earned dollars.