Some thoughts about money
At Rubin & Bernstein PLLC we fret about fees and costs. Why? Because, as professionals whose time costs real money, we want to be sure our services add value which exceeds our charges, significantly. Again: we want to be sure that our services add value which exceeds our charges, significantly!
Value exceeding charges, significantly? That means we don’t charge $2000 to recover $3-5000. We won’t get involved in a battle driven by feelings, for when the monthly invoices arrive, you’ll wonder what had you so angry! And we’re going to be very practical about solutions, focusing on outcomes and costs. Simply, and we don’t want to sound like we only care about money, but what ends up in your pocket—net of fees and costs—matters most.
In the moment—and, even for some of you, in the abstract—engaging in the battle might seem necessary. Or, perhaps, essential. We come from a different place, and if you feel strongly that it's a "to the end" fight, we might not be the best fit.
Our words count most importantly in difficult situations. But our philosophy applies with respect to everything we do. We focus on best outcomes, and always take fees and costs into account.
Below, we show hourly rates and flat fees for certain activities. Absent exceptional circumstances, hourly rates will not change while we are working on an active matter. (If we handle a protective proceeding and provide annual guardian report or accounting services, rates will change over time.)
Flat fees are not available in every circumstances. Further, we base the rates we show here on typical matters. An actual flat rate might be lower or higher, depending on complexity, expected time commitments, etc.
Fees v. Costs
When we prepare and send an invoice it will often include both fees and costs. Fees are amounts we’re charging you for the services we provided. So, what are costs? Amounts we’ve paid out, most often for a filing fee to a governmental body or a service provider. Costs are pass-through items: we charge what we’ve paid to someone else. Absent extraordinary circumstances, we don’t charge for copies, postage, and other incidentals.
Two or more of us
Another thing about fees. From time to time more than one of us might be in a meeting or in court. In those instances only one of us bills, and if we’re billing by the hour you’ll be charged at your primary attorney’s hourly rate. (We talk amongst ourselves about our cases, as well, as we want to benefit from one another’s knowledge and wisdom. But we never bill for time spent by us, talking with one another.)
Hourly Rates
Mark Rubin
Lawyer
$450 per hour
Leigh Bernstein
Lawyer
$325 per hour
Flat Rates
Initial Consultation
We charge $500 for an initial consultation. The initial consultation usually involves an in-person, 1+ hour meeting. We charge $500 because we have likely spent time on the phone, we may have reviewed documents, done some research, or otherwise prepared before we meet, etc.
Will Package (Will(s), Powers of Attorney, and HIPAA Release)
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Single person – $800
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Married couple – $1,200
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With trust provision – $1,500-$2,000
Trusts (Trust, Pour Over Will(s), Powers of Attorney, and HIPAA Release)
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Simple (single or married) – $2,400-$3,200
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Special Needs Trust as part of Estate Planning – $2,500-$3,500
Other Estate Planning
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Arizona Beneficiary Deeds – $500
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Other Deeds – $250
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Powers of Attorney – $500
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Home Visits (Initial Interview or Signing) – $400 each visit
Decedent’s Estates
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Affidavit for Collection of Personal Property – $400
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Affidavit of Succession to Real Property – $1,500
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Uncontested Probate – $2,500
Guardianship and Conservatorship Proceedings
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Guardianship, Conservatorship, or a combined proceeding – $3,000
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Emergency Guardianship, Conservatorship, or a combined proceeding – $4500