Who Pays Probate Attorneys Fees

Many probate attorneys charge hourly rates, influenced by experience, location, and firm size. Rates range, with smaller towns at $150/hour and cities usually under $200/hour. Specialized attorneys may charge more, bringing expertise benefits. Associates and paralegals in a firm often have lower hourly rates. Billing typically occurs in 6-minute increments, even for shorter tasks.

Attorneys may opt for a flat fee in probate cases, avoiding detailed time tracking. This arrangement offers clients peace of mind, eliminating concerns about accruing charges with each question. However, it’s essential to clarify what the flat fee includes, as additional expenses like court filing fees or appraiser fees may still apply.

Paying a percentage of the estate’s value to a probate attorney is unfavorable. While this method is only common in a few states, bargaining for an hourly rate or a flat fee is recommended. Attorneys may prefer a statutory fee, despite its high cost relative to the workload.

Probate costs vary widely by location, generally ranging from 3% to 7% of an estate’s value. As the estate’s worth increases, these fees are likely to escalate.