If you’ve ever dealt with the probate process, you’ve probably heard the same concerns again and again: unexpected bills, unclear timelines, and legal fees that seem to grow every month. At our firm, we believe clients deserve better.

That’s why we’re pleased to announce that we now offer flat-fee probate services for many probate matters.

What Does “Flat Fee Probate” Mean?

Instead of charging by the hour, our probate fees are based primarily on the value of the estate, with the total cost discussed up front before we begin work. While certain variables may affect the final fee—such as the complexity of the estate or the nature of the assets involved—the most important difference is that clients will know the fee in advance. This eliminates the uncertainty and surprise that often accompany hourly billing.

Why We Moved Away From Hourly Billing

Hourly billing can create unnecessary stress at an already difficult time. Clients are often left wondering how much the process will ultimately cost, whether they should avoid calling their attorney to keep fees down, or why their bill has increased even when the case appears to be moving slowly.

Experienced and efficient attorneys do not like to measure their value with their time, either.  The hourly billing model incentivizes some attorneys not to work quickly or some firms to have multiple people working on the same issue.

With a lot of thoughtful research and study, we’ve found a way to offer flat-fee probate services. Clients can ask questions and seek guidance without worrying that every phone call or email will increase their legal bill. This approach allows us to focus on efficiently guiding the estate through the probate process, rather than monitoring time spent on each task.

Flat-fee billing also better aligns our interests with those of our clients. Our goal is to resolve probate matters as smoothly and quickly as possible, while keeping expectations clear from the start.

Are All Probate Cases Flat Fee?

Many probate matters are well suited for a flat-fee structure, particularly uncontested estates where assets are clearly identified and beneficiaries agree to the billing model. However, probate is not one-size-fits-all. Certain factors can affect pricing, including the total value and type of assets or complications such as missing beneficiaries or unclear documentation. 

Transparently, we may not accept as many cases as we once would.  The flat fee must be paid in advance, and all beneficiaries must agree to this structure (eliminating cases involving disputes among heirs), although we can sometimes reach alternative arrangements such as getting paid out of the proceeds from the sale of a house that is involved in probate (one of the main reasons why families have to go through this process in the first place).  

For that reason, we evaluate each case carefully before agreeing to proceed and explain how these factors may impact the flat fee before moving forward. Our goal is always to ensure clients understand both the process and the cost from the outset.

A Better Way to Handle Probate

Our goal is simple: to make probate more understandable, more predictable, and less stressful for the people going through it. If you have just suffered the loss of a loved one and may have to serve as the executor, or if you work in an industry where you are frequently involved with executors, we invite you to contact our office to learn more about flat-fee probate services.

Probate is a process that typically occurs while people are grieving the loss of a loved one. Financial uncertainty should not make that experience more overwhelming. Contact Jesson & Rains for assistance. While You Build, We Protect®.