How We Operate

1. What kinds of cases does Kelley & Farren handle?
We specialize in the full range of services regarding estate planning, trust and estate administration after death, probate law, and conservatorships. Because our one and only area of practice is estate law, we focus our resources and expertise on staying current with this complex and ever-changing body of law so that we can provide timely, knowledgeable and comprehensive estate planning services to our clients.

2. Do you help with estate settlement as well as estate planning?
Absolutely. Administering the provisions of an estate after death is an essential component of our services. Proper planning in advance, which usually involves setting up a living trust, will minimize the chances of court involvement after death. But in instances when court involvement is necessary, Kelley & Farren will represent clients in Probate proceedings, will or trust contests, and/or any other type of after-death litigation.

3. What is the procedure for creating an estate plan?
First we will send you a relatively simple questionnaire to fill out and bring with you to the initial interview. At that interview we will review all the essential information with you and carefully examine your options and decisions. After our meeting we will compose and send you a draft of your plan. Then you call us with your questions, corrections and/or approval. We make any necessary changes and then schedule a final meeting to sign the documents.

4. How long does it take to create an estate plan?
This depends on your circumstances, such as the nature of your assets, the size of your estate, the number of beneficiaries, any special circumstances, the complexity of your intentions and instructions, and a number of other factors. Typically it takes several weeks from the initial interview until the signing. However, the timeline can be shortened as needed when conditions demand a faster turnaround.

5. How much does an estate plan cost?
Again, this depends on your particular set of needs, conditions and desires. The many aspects and important legal and financial consequences of professional estate planning demand that we carefully attend to every detail and tailor each estate plan accordingly. However, we always strive to deliver precisely the services you need without embellishment, and we believe you will find our rates and fees to be very reasonable for the level of expertise we provide. In most cases, at the initial interview we will quote you a fixed rate for your plan.

6. How often should my estate plan be reviewed?
Any time there are changes in your circumstances, such as new beneficiaries, a change in your marital status or significant changes in your net worth, you should review your estate plan. See Do You Need to Update Your Estate Plan? for a series of questions to help you make this determination. (This questionnaire is also available as a downloadable PDF document.)

In addition to your own changing circumstances, revisions in relevant tax laws might also trigger a review. (See Legal Updates for a brief overview of a host of new and recently changed laws and regulations.) Even if there have been no major personal or external changes, it is still a good idea to review your plan at least every two or three years.

7. How do you review and update estate plans for existing clients, and how much does that cost?
First we provide you with our “Do You Need to Update Your Estate Plan?” questionnaire. After reviewing your answers to the questions, your Kelley & Farren attorney will determine whether a personal appointment is required or if an update is simple enough to perform via a telephone interview. We always attempt to keep update costs reasonable, offering a special fee for existing clients, but keep in mind that even a minor amendment necessitates a thorough review. Any change can affect several aspects of the plan, so we always make sure everything is up to date whenever we make any revision.

8. Do you offer a brief, no-charge get-acquainted meeting like some attorneys?
We do not. A 15-minute appointment is simply not enough time to collect the information we need to give you the quality advice you deserve. In most cases, however, we offer a special $200 fee for an initial meeting of one to one and a half hours of consultation on creating a new estate plan. (This special fee does not apply to reviewing an existing plan created by somebody else, or in the event of highly complex or unusual conditions.) Should you decide to retain us to create an estate plan for you, the introductory fee will be applied toward the cost of your estate plan preparation.

9. How do I make an appointment?
Please call 415-925-5200, extension 0, and tell our receptionist you are interested in an initial estate planning consultation. He or she will direct you to the appropriate person to schedule a meeting.

Thank you for considering Kelley & Farren.