Billing Practices
As with many law firms, Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC charges for services on an hourly rate. At this time, Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC does not offer "flat fee" services other than for simple notarizations. In its sole discretion, Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC may choose to offer services for a "flat fee" to any client.
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Clients are invoiced for time actually spent on a project. This includes, but is not limited to: correspondence such as telephone calls, in person meetings, virtual meetings, emails, etc; review of correspondence and documents, as requested specifically by the client or as needed to complete the project specifically requested by the client; research as needed to complete the project specifically requested by the client; drafting of documents agreed to by Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC and the client; and filing of estate tax returns specifically requested by the client.
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Typically Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC shall invoice clients for services on a monthly basis. Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC, at its sole discretion, may choose to invoice clients at longer intervals or, for estate planning services, at the termination of the project.
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Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC understands that life happens and encourages clients to communicate any difficulty in paying invoices. In its sole discretion, Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC may negotiate payment types, duration, or amount.
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As estate planning is a services industry with the "product" of estate planning documents provided at the end of the estate planning project, Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC does not offer refunds.
Confidentiality
The Washington Rules of Professional Conduct requires that attorneys protect information received from potential clients as if they have hired such attorney. If a client has scheduled a meeting with Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC and chooses to cancel prior to the meeting date, Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC shall keep all prior communications as confidential. Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC shall endeavor to clearly communicate acceptance of engagement and requests that potential clients do the same. Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC maintains electronic records of client communications and documents, not paper files. Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC does not offer storage for original physical documents such as Wills, Trusts, etc.
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Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC may share client information and documents to others as specifically directed by the client in writing such as family, friends, financial advisors, accountants, etc. Absence of such written direction by the client, Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC shall not share any client information and documents with anyone other than the client. Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC shall release client information and documents pursuant to court order. Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC shall release client information pursuant to a legal Small Estate Affidavit provided by the representative, who also provides their government-issued identification and the client's death certificate. In this circumstance, if Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC has any doubts as to the merits of the Small Estate Affidavit, it may require a court order prior to release of client information.
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Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC shall release client files directly to such client or such person that client directs within a reasonable time frame upon receipt of written request by such client. Should client direct that such file be released in physical format, client agrees to be invoiced and shall pay in advance for such expenses to prepare such file in physical format and all shipping costs.
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Cancellations and
Termination of Representation
Client may cancel any services not yet completed at any time prior to completion of such service or may terminate representation in writing of such intent. This includes meetings, research, or drafting of documents, or any other service Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC may be directed to provide by the client. ​As Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC invoices clients based on an hourly rate for services completed, the client shall not be invoiced for any services not performed. Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC has the sole discretion to invoice the client for services rendered prior to the cancellation request by the client. By engaging with Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC, the client agrees to timely pay for any and all services requested by the client which were performed, either in part or in whole, by Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC. This includes services performed by Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC prior to the cancellation requested by the client.
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Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC may cancel any services not yet completed at any time prior to completion of such service and/or terminate representation by notifying the client in writing of such intent for any reason. At the time of such cancellation, Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC shall provide reasoning and/or different dates and times for a makeup meeting. The client may request and receive any or all portion of their file at the time of such cancellation or termination of representation and for 60 days after. As services may not have been completed, any draft or working documents provided to client in this matter shall not be construed or relied upon as legal advice. Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC cannot guarantee the legal validity of such draft or working documents and shall not indemnify the client for any use of such documents in any manner. ​
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Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC takes client confidentiality seriously and shall honor the Washington Rules of Professional Conduct during and after termination of representation. Strategic Estate Planning, PLLC shall not release any client information to any person or organization without written direction from the client; court order; or presentation of death certificate, identification, and Small Estate Affidavit, if warranted.