Best Probate Attorneys in Phoenix, AZ

When does a probate lawyer get paid? There are four main ways that a lawyer can get paid from a probate. First, the lawyer could charge a flat fee. That normally happens when the probate will be straight forward. The lawyer will want this up front. Second, the lawyer could charge hourly. The lawyer will ask for payments as work is done. Third is the contingent fee. That means the lawyer will get paid a percentage of the estate. That's not very common in Arizona (at least for administering a deceased person's estate). The lawyer gets paid at the end. Finally, the lawyer could charge hourly and wait to be paid later. The lawyer will want to make certain that his or her client will be successful. In other words, if there is going to be a dispute over who is in charge, the lawyer will probably not agree to be paid later. Here are some examples of when the lawyer will want to be paid up front, or perhaps take the case on a contingent fee basis: 1. If there is a dispute over who should be in charge. Maybe there are multiple family members and they don't all agree. 2. If the estate is asset rich but cash poor. In other words, there isn't much money in the estate. In this situation, the lawyer might be concerned that the person in charge won't want to sell the house to pay the lawyer fees. 3. If there is a No Contest clause in the Will or Trust and getting involved would risk violating that provision. If you have questions about a probate, just give us a call.