Our Fees
Our Fees
One of the first questions we hear is, “How much will this cost?” The honest answer is that it depends on your situation, but you should never feel in the dark about legal fees. Our goal is to give you peace of mind by explaining how our fees work and what you can expect.
We offer several fee arrangements designed to fit different client needs in New Hampshire and Massachusetts:
Flat Fees
Flat fees provide predictability. You’ll know the cost of your legal work before we begin, with no hourly billing.
Examples where a flat fee may apply:
- Estate planning packages (such as wills and trusts)
- Transferring real estate into a trust
- Creating a new business entity
Flat fees work best when the scope of work is clear and defined from the start. Some matters may not qualify for flat fees, and we’ll always confirm before beginning.
Hybrid Flat Fees
Some matters begin with a flat fee but may require additional work. In these cases, we use a hybrid approach:
- A flat fee covers the initial service.
- If additional work is needed, we continue on our standard hourly rate.
This option balances cost certainty with flexibility if your matter becomes more complex.
Hourly / Retainer (Pay As You Go)
For cases that are unpredictable or may require extended work, we bill hourly and request an upfront retainer.
How a retainer works:
- You pay an upfront amount based on estimated hours.
- Each month, hours worked are deducted from the retainer.
- If funds remain when your case concludes, they are returned to you.
- If more time is needed, we may request an additional retainer.
This arrangement is common in probate or litigation matters, where timelines and workload can shift.
Contingency Fees
In some cases, such as personal injury, medical malpractice, or certain breach of contract matters, we may offer a contingency fee arrangement. This means our firm is paid only if you recover money. The fee is a percentage of your recovery, and the terms are always explained clearly in writing before representation begins.
Not every case qualifies for contingency, and we’ll discuss whether this option applies to your situation during your consultation.
How Our Fees Compare
Our fees are comparable to other estate planning and elder law attorneys in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. We are not the cheapest, and we are not the most expensive. We believe our clients deserve fair pricing for high-quality, personalized legal guidance.
The Bottom Line
Before we can provide you with a specific estimate, an attorney needs to understand the details of your case. During your initial consultation, we’ll explain which fee arrangement applies and what you can expect in plain language, so you feel confident moving forward.
No surprises. No hidden costs. Just clear guidance tailored to your needs.
Fees & Billing FAQ
Do you offer free initial consultations?
Yes, for Estate Planning, Personal Injury, , and Small Business Law we offer a free initial consultation. For other matters, the consult may be billed. We will confirm when you schedule.
Do you accept credit cards or payment options?
Yes. Credit card payments are available. For some matters we can also discuss payment options during your consultation, so affordability is clear up front.
Will I know the cost before we begin?
For clearly defined work we quote a flat fee before we start. If your matter is better suited for hourly or hybrid billing, we give an estimate, explain what could change the cost, and keep you updated as work progresses.
How does a retainer work, and what if it runs out?
For hourly matters, you place funds in our client trust account. We bill against that balance each month. If the retainer is depleted and more work is needed, we will request an additional retainer. Any unused funds are returned at the end.
What other costs should I expect besides attorney’s fees?
Some matters involve third-party expenses, for example court filing fees, recording fees, or service of process. We identify expected costs in advance and get your approval before incurring them.
Are your fees higher than other attorneys?
Our fees are comparable to other estate planning and elder law attorneys in New Hampshire and Massachusetts. We are not the cheapest and not the most expensive. Our focus is clear guidance, predictable billing when possible, and value for the work provided.
Do you offer contingency fees?
In certain cases, like personal injury, we may work on a contingency fee. You owe no attorney’s fees unless we recover money for you. Not every case qualifies. Terms are explained in writing before representation begins.