I need some serious legal advice about estate probate. No attorney will discuss this clusterfuck for less than $300.00 for a consult. It's too much to go into here on the boards but if one of you would send me a pm I'd be forever grateful.

Ceeffy

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If you need serious advice...pay the fee. It will cost you more not to.

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you ever worked w/ an atty in the past? ask them for a referral. usually off referrals some consults can be free.

Depends on the area of law. With estate law consults people generally want questions answered and there may be no additional case, ergo a fee.

If it's personal injury...they'll practically pay YOU to come in. (That's called capping! ;D)

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typically the places i have worked people appreciate the business so they'll do what they can to get'em in the door to hook them in. usually a free hour consult is pretty standard on referrals.

granted i've worked at some of the largest and "prestigious" law firms in az and they can generally afford to do that, i think it's pretty standard stuff. a lot of times people will also agree to discuss things for a free meal, like a nice dinner, etc.

anyhow, definitely not work asking if you've worked w/ a prev. lawyer. referrals are a big part of business.

I'd pay the fee but be sure the attorney you are speaking with has experience in the state the estate will be probated in, it does make a huge difference.

I have to concur with the idea that estates and probate can get very very messy very very quickly. Paying someone competent for their expertise really is the smart move compared to potential for Bad Things happening.

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Hope is the new black.

Agreed. There are often very good reasons why lawyers are so expensive.