Jessica and Chris couldn’t help but be a little apprehensive when they decided to get their estate planning in order. Interestingly enough, their hesitations had nothing to do with talking about their final wishes. As Jessica said with a smile, “That comes with the territory.” What they did have concerns about was how their attorney charged for his or her services. Chris was convinced that all attorneys charge by the hour. After all, the more hours they could bill a client, the more revenue the firm generated. 

He was so convinced of this that he feared that this process, as important as it was to protect everything they owned and everyone they loved, would be drawn out by the attorney in order to charge more in hourly fees.

Each time they called to ask a question, the clock would be ticking. 

If they scheduled a face-to-face meeting, the clock would be ticking. 

If they needed documents drafted or revised, tick, tick, tick—and often at a rate of several hundred dollars per hour. 

But is Chris right in this instance?

Myth or No? Do all Attorneys Charge By the Hour?

In many ways, Chris is not wrong. The financial viability of most law firms depends on hourly billing. In fact, courts often support this billing method since fees are determined by how long it would take an attorney to provide the requested legal services. This is why most people often think of a ticking clock whenever they need legal services.

But the answer to this question is … no. Not all attorneys charge by the hour. 

Depending on their legal specialty and preferences, attorneys can choose from several billing methods. One is hourly billing, but others include flat-rate billing, contingency billing, and modified contingency. Granted, charging by the hour is extremely common and not a bad thing. In fact, it is often the most suitable choice for more complex legal matters, such as divorce and civil litigation, where the amount of work and time an attorney will put into a case is impossible to predict with reasonable certainty.

Estate planning is a different story because services are typically defined by clear steps and outcomes.

Leigh Hilton PLLC Offers Flat-Rate Pricing

When attorneys offer flat-rate pricing for estate planning, clients like Jessica and Chris can breathe easier. Sure, getting their wills, trusts, and burial directives in working order can be a significant financial investment. That said, they know up front what it will cost and can focus on protecting their family, preserving their legacy, and ensuring their wishes are honored.

Just a few additional benefits include, but aren’t limited to, the following:

• Cost predictability
• No ticking clock
• No surprise invoices
• Ask all the important questions you want
• Faster decision-making
• Improved client satisfaction
• Trust building and a genuine relationship with your attorney

We do not want our clients to see us as a lofty expense. We want them to see us as their advisor and friend. We want them to feel like they can always call us with questions or for help with a specific issue. Hourly billing can fly in the face of this methodology and limit the depth of the relationship we want to have with you today, tomorrow, and for years to come. 

Flat-rate billing fosters transparency, builds trust, and encourages open communication. It aligns perfectly with the goals of estate planning—clarity, peace of mind, and thoughtful preparation.

Call Leigh Hilton PLLC Today!!

Having a competent attorney in your corner will help you and your family navigate the often overwhelming waters of protecting everything you own and everyone you love. That is our job, and we do it better than anyone else. Call Leigh Hilton PLLC so that we can help ensure you and your family are taken care of in the best way possible. 

Leigh Hilton PLLC wants to be your first call every time for any estate planning need. We look forward to serving you.