Q: Our attorney in Ohio just sent us a $48,000 bill for settling my brother's estate. looks excessive. do i have recourse?
The estate is around $800,000. It has been over a year and a half and according to him it is still not settled!
A: You can't simply base whether the fee is reasonable on the amount of the fee vs. the total estate. Was the executor involved in litigation or any other controversies? Does this court have a local rule allowing the attorney a percentage of the assets? Was the attorney acting as executor?
A: Assuming you are a beneficiary of the estate, you should have the choice of approving the attorney fees. In most Probate Courts, if you do not agree with the fees requested, the Court will schedule a hearing id there are any disapprovals of attorney fees requested.
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