Revising Dad's Will, Giving Me POA

[Anonymous]

My father is dying and my mother is in early onset dementia. So, my father and I met with his attorney (who I had not seen ever) and she wanted $4000 for the above work. That is insane, yes?

[Anonymous]

I’m sorry you are having to go thru this but I do not think that quote is insane.

You could probably get it done cheaper but if this is your father’s existing attorney, your father is dying and your mom has dementia this probably isn’t a great time to start over with a new attorney.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m sorry you are having to go thru this but I do not think that quote is insane.

You could probably get it done cheaper but if this is your father’s existing attorney, your father is dying and your mom has dementia this probably isn’t a great time to start over with a new attorney.

Thank you. I should clarify; my father's attorney died in July so this is another partner in the firm so we (ie he) aren't wedded to him. There is no relationship with this person. I know nothing about these things so I was expecting $1000 but fully admit to being ignorant.

[Anonymous]

When my parents did their wills/trust/poa's a few years ago, it was $2800. I could see being 3k now but 4 seems high.

[Anonymous]

We got passed off to a different attorney after my parents attorney retired. They were pretty bad. I think we just got passed to the attorney with the least work. I might pay for it but look elsewhere for future needs.

[Anonymous]

I just paid 3k for the whole kit and caboodle (POA, medical directives, medical POA) but that was for creating a trust and re deeding two properties. That said, it is essential you get this done ASAP so there is a lot of value in the path of least resistance. I'm sorry about your mom.

[Anonymous]

No, I don't think it's high. It seems to be the going rate. That's based on personal and professional experience.

[Anonymous]

OP - Make sure you are able to read over the documents that your parents say they have such as their will, trust (to keep things out of probate), POA for each, Health Care directive for each. I was at a presentation recently by an Elder Lawyer who clearly said the DNR request under the Health Care directive needs to come from their doctor. This might be key in your mom's case with the dementia. If you have any questions, have someone you trust look over the documents, too. You may also want to go over with your dad as appropriate that you know the passwords to any online financial accounts or the location of all bank accounts, investments as well as safe deposit box. Also that you have the right to access them - not sure if you can ask at the bank or the lawyer should know.