[WSBAPT] query re reasonable estate fees

[Joshua McKarcher]

I offer this answer re strategy/approach vs numbers: I would start by calling the attorney with the $13k invoice. An attempt at a collegial conversation about any complications – tax returns, IRAs, realtor/title requests, tangible property, who knows? – could save you and the heir a lot of time and misery. In my own view, to send a request for time records, etc. as a first step is just inviting friction and claims of privilege and defensiveness. At least if I were the attorney with the big bill, I would be grateful for the chance at a conversation in case I was able to give context without compromising my PR-client’s position in some way. Best, Josh

From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Marsha Hudson
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2021 11:17 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>
Subject: Re: [WSBAPT] query re reasonable estate fees

I agree with Bryce.  The hourly rate may be reasonable, depends on the PR’s expertise, if any particular expertise is needed.  That’s a little higher than I would typically see in King County for an estate that does not require any particular knowledge or experience.  But both the PR and the attorney should provide a detailed, contemporaneous fee statement.  Those attorney’s fees seem high to me, without more information.

Marsha

Marsha C. Hudson
(She/her/hers)
Attorney at Law #23330
3221 NW 62nd Street, Seattle, WA  98107
Telephone: 206-297-3933
Fax: 206-357-9356
marsha at griffyn.us<mailto:marsha at griffyn.us>

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From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> [mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com>] On Behalf Of Bryce Dille
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2021 11:06 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>>
Subject: Re: [WSBAPT] query re reasonable estate fees

I don’t think the hourly rate is out of line but the amount of time spent needs to be justified also the attys fees requested need to be justified as well.

Bryce H. Dille
Dille Law, PLLC
2010 Caton Way SW Ste. 101
Olympia, WA 98502
Office: 360-350-0270
Cell: 253-579-5561

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Business Entity Creation and Management, Business, Government and Tax Law, Real Estate and Land Use, Residential, Commercial and Condominium Development Real Estate and Commercial Transactions & Closings, Including Performing Services as IRS Section 1031 Exchange Facilitator Estate Planning, including Wills and Trusts, and Probate Administration Representation Homeowners/Condominium Association Real Estate Developments Real Property Foreclosures and Forfeitures.

From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com>> On Behalf Of Shannon Jones
Sent: Thursday, July 15, 2021 10:51 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>>
Subject: [WSBAPT] query re reasonable estate fees

Pierce County testate estate with no creditor claims includes a house (no mortgage), a car (fully paid for), a checking and a savings account. There is one heir, who is not the PR. Estate attorney fees are over $13k (costs NOT included) and PR wants $75 an hour for 42.5 hours work. This seems unreasonable to me but I’ve not challenged estate attorney fee or PR fee for a while. Any thoughts appreciated.

[cid:image001.png at 01D7796D.436C0DB0]
Shannon R. Jones | Attorney
Campbell Barnett PLLC
P: 253.848.3513| F: 253.845.4941
317 South Meridian
Puyallup, WA 98371
shannonj at campbellbarnettlaw.com<mailto:shannonj at campbellbarnettlaw.com>
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