Legal Wills Retainer

LEGAL WILLS RETAINER AGREEMENT

This Legal Wills Retainer Agreement ("Agreement") is entered into on between Client Name: (the "Client") and Law Firm Name: (the "Firm").

RECITALS

WHEREAS, the Client seeks legal services from the Firm to prepare, review, and execute testamentary instruments including, as applicable, a Last Will and Testament, testamentary trusts, and ancillary documents necessary to effectuate testamentary intent (collectively, the "Wills and Related Documents"); and

WHEREAS, the Firm has represented that it is experienced in estate planning and wills practice and agrees to perform such services under the terms set forth herein; and

WHEREAS, the Client acknowledges the need to disclose all material facts, relationships, and assets necessary for the Firm to prepare Wills and Related Documents that reflect the Client's wishes.

NOW, THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual covenants contained herein, the parties agree as follows:

1. SCOPE OF REPRESENTATION

1.1 Engagement. The Client retains the Firm to provide legal services to prepare and finalize the Wills and Related Documents described above, including legal advice, drafting, revising documents at the Client's request, and attending up to consultation(s) and one execution/attestation meeting unless otherwise agreed in writing.

1.2 Excluded Services. Services not included unless separately agreed in writing include contested probate litigation, trust administration, tax advice beyond basic estate tax considerations, non-testamentary document drafting for unrelated matters, and court representation in will contests.

2. FEES, BILLING AND RETAINER

2.1 Fee Structure. The Client agrees to compensate the Firm as follows (select applicable and provide amounts):

2.2 Retainer Deposit. The Client shall pay an initial retainer deposit in the amount of to be held in the Firm's trust or operating account as required by applicable rules. The Firm will draw against the retainer for fees and costs as incurred. Any unused portion, after final accounting, will be returned to the Client.

2.3 Billing and Payment. The Firm will render periodic statements itemizing hours, services performed, disbursements, and costs. Payment is due within days of receipt. Overdue balances may accrue interest at a rate of unless prohibited by law.

2.4 Costs and Disbursements. The Client is responsible for all out-of-pocket costs incurred on the Client's behalf, including but not limited to filing fees, recording fees, travel, notary and courier charges, and third-party fees.

3. CLIENT INFORMATION AND RESPONSIBILITIES

3.1 Client Obligations. The Client shall promptly provide full and truthful disclosure of all facts, asset information, beneficiary designations, current estate planning documents, and any material changes in circumstances affecting the representation.

4. CONFLICTS, PRIVILEGE AND CONFIDENTIALITY

4.1 Conflicts. The Firm will conduct a conflict check. The Client represents that the Client has disclosed all persons and entities with potential interests adverse to the Client in connection with the Wills and Related Documents. The Firm reserves the right to withdraw if a disqualifying conflict arises.

4.2 Attorney-Client Privilege. Communications between the Firm and the Client in connection with this engagement are privileged. The Firm will maintain confidentiality except to the extent disclosure is authorized by the Client or required by law.

5. DOCUMENT EXECUTION, STORAGE, AND DELIVERY

5.1 Execution. The Firm will prepare execution copies and will advise the Client regarding attestation and notary requirements. The Client is responsible for attending execution appointments and providing required witnesses or notaries.

5.2 Storage. The Firm may retain a copy of the executed documents in its files and may offer secure storage options for original documents at the Client's request for an additional fee.

6. TERMINATION

6.1 Termination by Client or Firm. Either party may terminate this Agreement upon written notice. The Firm may withdraw for good cause, including nonpayment or a conflict of interest. The Client remains responsible for fees and costs incurred up to the effective date of termination.

6.2 Final Accounting. Upon termination, the Firm will provide a final accounting; any balance due will be billed and payable. Any unearned retainer will be returned to the Client after deduction of sums due.

7. LIMITATION OF LIABILITY

The Firm's liability for any claim arising from this Agreement shall be limited to actual direct damages proven and shall not include indirect, consequential, or punitive damages. Nothing in this provision is intended to limit liability for willful misconduct or gross negligence where such limitation is unenforceable.

8. NOTICES

8.1 All notices required or permitted under this Agreement shall be in writing and delivered by personal service, certified mail (return receipt requested), or courier to the addresses provided below. Notice is effective on receipt.

9. AMENDMENT, WAIVER, COUNTERPARTS

9.1 Amendment. This Agreement may be amended only by a written instrument signed by both parties.

9.2 Waiver. Failure to enforce any provision shall not constitute a waiver of future enforcement of that or any other provision.

9.3 Counterparts. This Agreement may be executed in counterparts, each of which shall be deemed an original and all of which together shall constitute one instrument.

10. GOVERNING LAW; SEVERABILITY; ENTIRE AGREEMENT

10.1 Governing Law. This Agreement shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the state specified below without regard to conflict of law principles.

10.2 Severability. If any provision of this Agreement is found to be invalid or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall remain in full force and effect.

10.3 Entire Agreement. This Agreement constitutes the entire agreement between the parties with respect to the subject matter herein and supersedes all prior oral or written agreements.

11. ADDITIONAL TERMS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

11.1 Electronic Communications. The Client acknowledges that the Firm may communicate by email or other electronic means and that such communications may not be secure; the Client consents to such communications unless revoked in writing.

11.2 Records Retention. The Firm will retain copies of the Client file for a reasonable period unless the Client requests transfer or destruction in writing.

Individual    Joint    Trust    Estate    Other:

12. ACKNOWLEDGMENT AND CONSENT

By signing below, the Client acknowledges that the Client has read and understands this Agreement, consents to the Firm's representation under the terms stated, and authorizes the Firm to proceed with preparation of the Wills and Related Documents upon receipt of the retainer.

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