Legal Fees

TRANSPARENCY

Legal fees are based on the legal services performed, the complexity of the matter, and the value to the client. Our goal is to create an ongoing relationship with our clients and their families. We believe in Transparency.

There are several different billing methods: fixed fees, hourly fees, and contingency fees. Some of the Law Firm services are based on fixed fees, while other services may be based on the Law Firm’s hourly rates. There are a few matters where the Law Firm is agreeable to a contingency fee arrangement. Every client matter is evaluated on a case by case basis in order to determine a fee that is mutually fair.

If you are interested in a fee quote regarding your particular matter, please contact the Russo Law Group, PC at 516-683-1717.

The following is a guideline to the Law Firm’s legal fees:

Initial Client Meeting. The client will meet with one of our experienced attorneys for up to 1 ½ hours. At the meeting, the attorney will listen to the client and clearly identify the issues, advise the client as to the options available, and in most cases, create an action plan. The fee for this planning meeting is $400.

Estate Planning. The Law Firm’s fees are generally a set amount based upon a client’s particular situation. The fee for your estate plan which includes essential estate planning documents is based on the knowledge, experience and, value that the Law Firm provides to the client.

For example,

Advance Directives including Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, Living Will, HIPAA Designation, and Burial Designation: $1,500 for an individual and $1,750 for a couple.
Last Wills and Testaments, for estates not subject to estate taxes: $1,750 – $3,500.
Last Wills and Testaments, with sub-trusts, for estates subject to estate taxes: $3,500- $5,000.
Revocable Trusts: $3,500-$4,000.
Irrevocable Trusts: $3,500- $7,500, depending upon the type of trust involved.
Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts: $4,500 – $5,500.
Special Needs Trusts: $3,500-$4,000.
There is a separate fee for funding of trusts, depending upon the assets involved.

Estate Tax Planning. When planning for a client with a taxable estate, the type of estate plan recommended will directly impact the fee. Generally, legal fees will range from $5,000 to $15,000. In more complex estate plans, the fees will be determined, on a case by case basis, and can exceed $15,000.

Medicaid. The Law Firm can advise clients as to Medicaid eligibility and assist with the preparation and filing of a Medicaid application for home care or nursing home care. The Law Firm’s services may include obtaining necessary documentation, analysis of asset transfers, restructuring of assets to qualify for Medicaid, spousal refusal, analysis of Medicaid income budget, assistance with nursing home placement or coordination with a Managed Long Term Care Provider and advising the client as to available resources and care services in the community.

The Law Firm reviews the client’s situation and the complexity of the matter and determines a minimum fee subject to the time expended and the Law Firm’s hourly rates. Generally, fees can range from $3,500 to $10,000. Further, the Law Firm can advise the client as to Pooled Income Trusts for a fee of $1,250.

Trust and Estate Administration (including Probate). The Law Firm will outline the administration process which may include Probate, the appointment of Executor, assistance to the Executor or Trustee in the collection of assets, payment of debts and expenses, the filing of tax returns and the distribution of the estate assets. Generally, fees will start at $5,000, and may range between 2% and 5% of the gross estate (which includes both probate and non-probate assets) plus disbursements.

The Law Firm can also represent the Executor or Trustee regarding any family disputes that may arise during the administration. The fees for the Law Firm’s services are determined on a case by case basis.

Real Estate. Real Estate matters such as the purchase or sale of a personal residence are based on the hourly rates of the attorneys and legal assistants. Generally, the legal fees for a sale or purchase of residential real estate will range from $1,500 to $3,500.

Disclaimer. All Legal fees are determined on a case by case basis. The above outline is merely a general reference guide to the customary legal fees charged by the Law Firm, and is no way intended to be a legal fee quote.