FAQs
About Estate Planning & Elder Law
An estate planning attorney helps clients create legal documents such as wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to ensure their assets are managed and distributed according to their wishes. They also provide guidance on estate taxes, probate processes, and elder law matters.
When choosing an estate planning attorney, consider their education, experience with estate law, client testimonials, and whether they offer personalized services that meet your specific needs. It’s also helpful to schedule a consultation to discuss your concerns and see if you feel comfortable working with them.
You should hire an elder law attorney if you or a loved one needs assistance with legal issues related to aging, such as long-term care planning, guardianship, or estate planning. Elder law attorneys focus on addressing the unique legal needs of older adults.
Suzan D. Herskowitz is licensed to practice law in Virginia, West Virginia, Florida, and Texas. The information on this website is tailored to the laws of these states and may not be applicable in other jurisdictions.
Simply visiting this website or contacting Suzan D. Herskowitz P.L.L.C through this website or by email does not establish an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is only formed after a formal agreement is made and signed.
The attorney responsible for this site for the purposes of compliance with the Texas Bar Rules is Suzan D. Herskowitz.
The principal office of Suzan D. Herskowitz is located in Winchester, VA.
Suzan often recommends resources like financial planning tools, articles, and checklists that can help clients get started with estate planning. These trusted resources are shared directly during consultations and are tailored to your needs.
Suzan is known for her approachable and friendly demeanor. She focuses on making clients feel comfortable while providing clear and practical legal advice personalized to you.
No, the information on this website is not a substitute for professional legal advice. It is general in nature and may not apply to your specific legal needs. Always consult with an attorney before making any legal decisions.
The attorney responsible for this site for the purposes of compliance with the Texas Bar Rules is Suzan D. Herskowitz.
The principal office of Suzan D. Herskowitz is located in Winchester, VA.
Suzan shares relevant articles and resources from trusted sources on her business’ Facebook page. These resources provide helpful information and updates related to estate planning and elder law.
If an appointment is canceled with less than 24 hours notice, we charge a $100 fee.
Fees are subject to change.
Hourly Rate: $470.
Rates are subject to change.
Check, Cash, Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover (3% surcharge on credit cards). Invoices for services rendered may also be paid by Venmo and PayPal using the Pay Bill feature.
Hourly Rate: $470 or as approved by Commissioner of Accounts or Fiduciary Supervisor.
Retainer: $2000 or 2% of estate value, whichever is greater.
Rates are subject to change.
Business Formation: $300 (excludes state fees, record books, bylaws, etc.).
Bylaws/Operating Agreement: $500 / Simple LLC: $350.
Partnership Agreement: $500 (complex agreements may incur additional fees).
Registered Agent Fee: $150 annually (additional services charged at hourly rate).
Contract Review: $100 minimum.
Contract Preparation: $300 minimum.
Rates are subject to change.
Deeds: $185 each (discounts for multiples).
Deeds of Gift/Transfer: $185 each.
Deed of Trust and Note: $470.
Subordination Agreement: $300.
Deed of Trust, Note, and Subordination Agreement Package: $700.
Closings: Document preparation and review fees based on services rendered.
Rates are subject to change.
Initial Consultation: $100 for up to fifty minutes; missed appointments are $100.
Hourly Rate: $470.
Wills
Simple Will (no trust): $450
Simple Will (with testamentary trust): $650
Powers of Attorney
Financial: $225 / Couple with reciprocal documents: $400
Medical Directives
Individual: $225 / Couple with reciprocal documents: $400
Medical Directive & Power of Attorney:
$400 / Couple with reciprocal documents: $750
Will & Power of Attorney Packages:
Single: $600 / Couple with reciprocal documents: $1100
Comprehensive Estate Planning Packages:
Two Wills (no trust): $850
Two Wills (with trust): $1150
Individual Will (with Power of Attorney and Medical Directives): $775
Couple Will (with Power of Attorney and Medical Directives): $1350
Couple Will (with trust, Power of Attorney, and Medical Directives): $1650
Revocable Living Trust Packages:
Individual Trust with companion wills: $2000
Individual Trust with wills, Power of Attorney, and Medical Directives: $2300
Couple Trust with marital deduction planning: $2500 (Separate trusts: +$1000)
Couple Trust with wills, Power of Attorney, and Medical Directives: $3000 (Separate trusts: +$1000)
Irrevocable Trusts: Case by case, average $3000.
Additional Deeds for Trust Transfers: $100 each (excludes filing fees).
Letters: $250 minimum, based on complexity.
Telephone calls, texts or emails on your behalf or with you: 0.1 of one hour minimum charge, subject to flat fee initial consultation. No weekend emails, texts, or phone calls except for planned appointments or emergencies — 0.2 of one hour minimum.
Consultations with Advisors: Hourly rate applies.
Copy Fee: 25 cents per page.
Paralegal Fee: $50 per hour.
Rates are subject to change.
Travel to Your Location: $100 in Winchester; other areas, including Frederick County, are $100 minimum or based on distance.
Notary Travel Fee: $50 within Winchester; other areas based on distance.
Rates are subject to change.
In most cases, attorney fees for estate planning are not tax deductible. However, fees related to managing income-producing assets or tax advice might be partially deductible. It’s best to consult with a tax professional for guidance specific to your situation.
Elder law focuses on the legal needs of older adults and their families. This area of law covers issues like long-term care planning and guardianships. An elder law attorney helps you plan for future care and navigate the challenges that come with aging, ensuring you and your loved ones are legally protected.
Suzan has been practicing law since 1986, bringing over 30 years of experience to her clients in Virginia, West Virginia, Florida, and Texas.
Suzan D. Herskowitz focuses on estate planning, elder law, probate, and related legal services. This includes drafting wills, setting up trusts, creating powers of attorney, and helping you navigate the probate process.