Do I Need an Attorney for Probate and Estate Matters?
Attorney Barry S. Seidel in Queens and New York City
I am attorney Barry Seidel, a lawyer providing estate and probate assistance to clients in Queens and throughout New York City. My experience is vast and I am able to offer the help and assistance that clients need.
Why Do I Need an Attorney?
When people handle probate and estate administration issues alone, they may eventually get done. However, the process can be extremely time consuming and can include many trips to court. There are many legal papers which need to be filed in a probate or estate administration case and there may be many corrections required to your documentation, extending the time it takes to complete the process.
Some probate and estate matters are extremely complex and cannot be handled alone. I am able to take these, and simpler matters, out of my client's hands and help bring them to a faster, more successful conclusion while minimizing any misunderstandings. I have many years of experience handling these matters and now focus my attention on the area of probate and estate administration. Contact me to learn more about your options.
Fee Arrangements
I offer several different fee arrangements for my clients' convenience. The type of matter and complexity of the situation will dictate the fees that will be charged.
Flat Fees: Where the facts are relatively simple, I am willing to do the work on a flat fee basis. For example, if you have a will that is drawn by an attorney, where it is clear who the family members are, and they agree that the will is correct, I will most likely agree to have the will probated on a flat fee basis.
Hourly Fees: The service I offer is my time and expertise. When a matter will involve significant work, and I can't predict how much work (because I cannot control other parties involved), an hourly fee is appropriate. I usually (but not always) request an advance retainer which is a deposit toward the initial work on an hourly basis. I will then calculate the hourly rate as we go. Sometimes, I will agree to work on an hourly basis and receive payment when a specific asset, e.g. a house is sold.
Contingency Fee: This would apply in a "kinship/cousin's case" situation or in a will contest. However, I generally will only agree to a contingency fee if it is fairly clear that there is going to be a recovery. After all, if you are making me your partner, I need to know what I am getting into.
Sometimes I will agree to a combination of a retainer against a contingency. For more information about fees, my services or the answer to the question "do I need an attorney," contact me, probate and estate administration attorney Barry S. Seidel today.
