Fee Agreement – Hourly (Estate Planning)

1. Parties and Matter

• Law Firm: [FIRM NAME], [ADDRESS].
• Client: [CLIENT NAME], [ADDRESS].
• Matter: Estate planning services for [WILL/TRUST/POA/ADVANCE DIRECTIVE].

2. Hourly Rates and Billing Increments

Rates (subject to periodic adjustment with [NUMBER] days' notice):
- Partners: $[RATE]/hour
- Senior Associates: $[RATE]/hour
- Associates: $[RATE]/hour
- Paralegals/Legal Assistants: $[RATE]/hour

Minimum billing increment: [0.1] hour.

3. Retainer Deposit

Client will pay an initial retainer of $[AMOUNT], deposited in the Firm's trust account. The Firm will apply the retainer to fees and costs as billed. Client agrees to replenish the retainer to $[MAINTAINED AMOUNT] within [NUMBER] days of request.

4. Invoicing and Payment Terms

• Invoices issued: [MONTHLY/BIWEEKLY].
• Payment due within [NUMBER] days.
• Past-due balances accrue interest at [RATE]% per month or the maximum lawful rate.

5. Costs and Expenses

Client is responsible for costs such as recording fees, notary fees, courier charges, and third-party vendor costs. Costs over $[AMOUNT] require prior approval.

6. Client Responsibilities

Client agrees to provide complete and accurate information and promptly review drafts.

7. Termination

Client may terminate at any time. The Firm may withdraw as permitted by applicable rules. Upon termination, Client is responsible for fees and costs incurred through termination. Any unearned trust funds will be refunded after final accounting.

8. Fee Dispute Resolution

Fee disputes will be submitted to any required bar fee dispute program prior to court action.

9. Governing Law and Venue

This Agreement is governed by the laws of [STATE], venue in [COUNTY], [STATE].

10. Signatures