Our Standard Office Procedure (FAQ)

Office Hours

Our general office hours are 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. Please call so we can now so we can make your appointment with Andrew.

The best way to make an appointment is to call us in either the Storrs office (860)-429-1229 or Manchester offce (860) 634-2510.

Charge for Consultations

Life and Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts:  As a prospective client, you are offered a complimentary 30 minute initial consultation. At our first meeting we will spend the 30 minutes discussing your particular needs, plans and goals. Afterwards, we will make our recommendations, designed specific to you.  At the conclusion of our meeting, we will quote you a general flat fee for the design, drafting and execution of the plan, as well as what additional fees might be incurred for the implementation of the plan. At this point, you may choose to engage our firm by signing an engagement letter and making a 50 percent deposit, or continue to review the plans and study your options.  We can also provide you with an executive summary.  This customized document provides you with an analysis of your unique situation, a comparison of options available to you and an opinion as to which option would be best for you.  Finally, we believe it is very important that all pieces of the planning puzzle are in place. As such we make every effort to work closely with all your financial advisors, and attempting to accommodate all viewpoints in establishing a plan that is in the clients best interest.

Elder Law, Probate or Business Matter:  We do charge a minimum fee of $200 per hour for the initial consultation on these matters.  The total will ultimately depend on how long the consultation lasts, the questions you ask, how well prepared you are for the meeting and how complicated your situation is. 

Real Estate:  No fees for consultation are charged.

Special Matters:  We do charge a minimum fee of $200 per hour for the initial consultation on these matters.  The total will ultimately depend on how long the consultation lasts, the questions you ask, how well prepared you are for the meeting and how complicated your situation is. 

Charges for Services

Andrew Ewalt sets fees and retainers based on your unique situation. A member of the office staff cannot tell you in advance what the cost of a project would be. In certain circumstances they can advise you of our minimum fees, but again every situation is unique. Typically the consultation is an opportunity for the attorney to learn about your situation and advise you on your options. After that consultation your attorney will advise you of an estimated cost or a base fee for further work, or quote you a retainer fee if the extent of the work cannot be estimated. In contested or highly emotional matters, it is sometimes impossible to tell in advance whether the matter will settle quickly or escalate. You can decide at that point whether to engage the attorney to do that additional work.

Standard Fees for Services

Andrew Ewalt will evaluate all of the facts before quoting a fee based on the complexity and time requirements for your matter. Our staff is not qualified to quote fees, and until Andrew Ewalt analyzes the issues involved in your particular case, we cannot estimate costs for you.

Life and Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts:  Standard Life and Estate Planning services are generally quoted as a “flat fee” which are paid in two installments, at the beginning and at the end of the project.  At the conclusion of our initial consultation, we will quote you the general flat fee for the design, drafting and execution of the plan, as well as what additional fees might be incurred for the implementation of the plan. At this point, you may choose to engage our firm by signing an engagement letter and making a 50 percent deposit.  In some cases, additional attorney consultation time, changes in the course of the project, and unusual or complex distributional issues can add to the cost.

Probate and Estate Settlement:  Probate or Estate Settlement and Administration matters require a retainer and are billed either hourly or as a percentage of the gross estate.  In most cases it is difficult to estimate the extent of the work needed during the initial consultation.  Thus, Andrew Ewalt makes a determination of the fee structure on a case-by-case basis.

Elder Law:  Title 19 and nursing home matters generally require a retainer and are billed on a flat fee basis, which are paid in two installments, at the beginning (planning phase) and when the application for Medicaid is filed.   In some cases, additional attorney consultation time, fair hearing and litigation requirements or changes in the course of the project can cause additional costs.

Business Formation: Business formation matters generally require an initial consultation to determine the most appropriate type of business entity for your situation. The cost of forming the entity and any related transactional work is then quoted as a base fee, if at all possible, and is payable in two installments, the last being due when the documentation is executed.

Business Representation: Business representation matters generally require a retainer and are often billed on an hourly basis.  However, many of the services offered can be billed on a “flat fee” basis.  Andrew Ewalt sets fees and retainers based on your unique circumstances or needs.     

Real Estate:  Fees for this type of service is generally a “flat fee” and is based on the complexity and time requirements for your matter. However the fees and costs for these legal services will be deducted at the closing from the loan proceeds so no retainer will be required.  

Special Matters:  Fees for special or unique matters may require a retainer and can be billed on an hourly or flat fee basis. The fee will depend on the complexity of your situation and time required for your matter.  Andrew Ewalt sets fees and retainers based on your unique circumstances or needs. 

Making Payments

The Law Office of Andrew W. Ewalt, LLC does not accept credit cards.  Payment should be made by cash or check. Checks should be made payable to the Law Office of Andrew W. Ewalt, LLC.