What Am I Paying For?
Attorneys are not one-size-fits-all. Depending on where you go, you’ll see different fees for different services. But what most law offices have in common is that you don’t know what to expect before you meet with an attorney.
At Ozarks Elder Law we’d like to change that. We’ve made a list of the kinds of fees you can expect when you need our services.
Free Consultation
At Ozarks Elder Law your first meeting is ALWAYS free! Many attorneys advertise a free consultation, but when you arrive you find out it’s limited to 20 minutes. At Ozarks Elder Law we don’t set a timer. We want to make sure we have a good understanding of your situation and that you have a good understanding of our services.
Flat Fees
Our firm believes that Estate Planning should be provided at a flat fee. An experienced Estate Planning attorney should have a good idea of how long it will take to prepare and complete your Estate Plan. We believe the same is true of Long-Term Care planning and Medicaid. Thus, after discussing your needs and goals, we will tell you the fee. A flat fee means no surprises.
Hourly Fees
In contested situations (this includes a Will or Trust dispute, contested Guardianship/Conservatorship proceeding, or Fiduciary Litigation), we charge hourly fees. The reality is there is no way to know how “the other side” will react and handle the case. For that reason, we cannot predict exactly how much work will be required to clear up the dispute.
Sometimes these types of matters involve a few phone calls or letters. Sometimes they may lead to court intervention. Hourly fees ensure that we are able to stick by your side and guide you through any complications that might arise.
Contingency Fees
At Ozarks Elder Law, we handle personal injury and wrongful death cases for the elderly and their families. Most of these cases stem from nursing home or caregiver abuse or negligence. These cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. A contingency fee is exactly like it sounds: a fee that is paid contingent upon money being awarded.
If no money is obtained by the lawyer in the case, then the client does not owe the lawyer a fee. If a monetary award is obtained, either through settlement or verdict, the lawyer gets a percentage of the total recovery. The contingency fee fluctuates based on the complexity of the case and the length of time it takes to reach a resolution. You do not pay any money up front in these cases.
Nobody should have to plan ahead or fight a dispute without someone to guide them. Call us today at 417-868-8200 and we’ll get started on that journey together.
