OUR FEES

A. FAMILY LAW CASES

The current hourly rate for attorney Ruth Denburg is $300 per hour.

Sometimes, depending on the circumstances, we may be able to offer a reduced rate or a flat fee. Usually, we can work out a payment schedule.

Initial retainers, or fee deposits, generally range from $2,000 to $5,000, depending on the complexity of the matter. Retainers in bitterly contested custody, or other complicated matters, can be a lot more.

We may also be able to represent you by "unbundling" the issues in your case. This means that we would not appear as your attorney of record, and not go to court with you, but would negotiate for you and prepare all necessary documents on your behalf, issue by issue. This way, you would pay for the least amount of legal services, when and as needed, instead of having to come up with a big retainer all at once. Not all persons and cases are good candidates for legal representation on an "unbundled" basis.

B. PROBATE

Attorney fees in court-supervised probate cases are set by law, in Section 10810 of the California Probate Code, as a percentage of the value of the estate accounted for. The percentages are:

4% on the first $100,000;
3% on the next $100,000;
2% on the next $800,000;
1% on the next nine million dollars ($9,000,000);
½ of 1% on the next 15 million dollars ($15,000,000);
For estates over $25,000,000, a reasonable amount to be determined by the court.

By way of illustration, if the estate accounted for is valued at $330,000, the fee would be calculated as follows:

4% on 1st $100,000 = $4,000
3% on next $100,000 = $3,000
2% on next $130,000 = $2,600

Total fee = $9,600.

Attorney fees in probate are generally payable from estate assets, and only upon court order.

Fees for such matters as drafting wills or trusts, or non-probate transfers, are not set by law but are subject to negotiation between attorney and client. Usually these services are charged at the hourly rate of $300. Sometimes, depending on the circumstances, we may be able to offer a reduced rate or a flat fee. Wills and living trusts are offered at a flat fee. Usually, we can work out a payment schedule.

C. COSTS; MINIMUM CHARGES

In addition to the attorney's fees are costs and expenses that must be advanced by the client. These include, but are not limited to, court filing fees, investigation fees, court reporter fees, court messenger fees, fax and long distance phone charges, delivery charges, witness fees, and similar expenses.

If you are being charged at an hourly rate for services, you will be charged for a minimum of .10 (one tenth) of a hour for phone calls and .25 (one-fourth) of an hour for most letters.

D. DISCLAIMER

The above fees are subject to change and are listed as an illustration and convenience only - these are not a commitment to perform legal services at these or any other prices. Law office reserves the right to refuse to provide services to anybody, in the sole discretion of law office and attorney Ruth Denburg.