No Hidden Fees.
Not every case fits neatly into a contingency, and that’s okay. Some clients come to Life Legal not because they need help dealing with a full-scale dispute, but because they need targeted legal help: reviewing documents, interpreting policy language, writing a letter, or getting clearer next steps before they decide if and how to proceed.
Just like with our contingency clients, our first step is always a conversation. We’ll discuss your goals, scope of work, and the time involved. From there, we’ll decide together whether an hourly or flat-fee arrangements makes the most sense for your situation.
We believe legal billing should never feel like a guessing game. You’ll always know:
- What you’re being billed for
- When it will be billed
- What the expected total looks like
No surprise invoices. No mysterious charges. Just straight forward, transparent pricing for the work you actually need.
Whether your issue is big or small, we’ll design a clear plan of action and a clear fee structure to match it.
Policy & Claim Guidance.
- Case Evaluation, Document Review, Plan of Action: Free
| Service | Description | Fee |
| Policy Review & Risk Assessment | Comprehensive review of a life, AD&D, or critical illness policy to identify hidden exclusions, lapse risks, and beneficiary issues. Includes written summary. | Flat $350 (per policy) |
| Claim Prep Consultation | 60–90 minute Zoom or phone consultation to review claim forms, death certificate, and documentation before submission. | Flat $450 or $295/hr |
| Beneficiary Audit / Dispute Prevention | Analyze designations for potential conflicts (divorce, minor children, estate issues). Includes letter with recommendations. | Flat $500 |
| Post-Death Benefit Navigation | Guide executors or next of kin through insurer procedures, estate EIN, and tax considerations for benefit claims. | $295/hr |
| Appeal Letter Review (DIY Support) | Review and edit a client’s drafted appeal or denial response (non-litigation). | $350–$600 depending on complexity |
Life Legal Policy Checkup” package — 3 policies reviewed annually for $750.
ERISA & Employer Benefit Consulting
| Service | Description | Fee |
| Group Plan Compliance Review | Review of employer’s life/AD&D/critical illness benefit plan documents for ERISA compliance and clarity. | $350/hr or $2,500 flat per plan |
| Death Benefit Claim Handling Training | Virtual or in-person training for HR teams on handling post-death benefit claims and avoiding litigation. | $1,200–$2,000 per session |
| On-Call ERISA Advisor Retainer | Monthly retainer for HR/legal teams (includes 2 hours consulting/month, additional hours billed at discounted rate). | $750–$1,000/month |
| Beneficiary Designation Audits for Employers | Prevent interpleaders by auditing forms and processes. | $2,000–$5,000 depending on employer size |
Expert & Co-Counsel Services
| Service | Description | Fee |
| ERISA & Life Insurance Litigation Consulting | Advise other attorneys handling life or disability denials — strategy, drafting, settlement posture. | $400–$500/hr |
| Expert Witness Services | Testify on claim-handling standards, insurer obligations, or ERISA procedures. | $350/hr prep; $500/hr testimony |
| Financial Advisor Partner Reviews | Collaborate with financial advisors to vet policy structures and prevent post-death disputes. | $295/hr or custom retainer |
| Mediator / Neutral Evaluator | Neutral evaluation of claim strength in disputes between beneficiaries or insurers. | $400/hr |
Probate & Estate Claim Assistance
| Service | Description | Fee |
| Estate Claim Coordination | Liaise with insurer, obtain EIN, draft small estate affidavit, oversee fund disbursement. | $295/hr or $850 flat |
| Joint Claimant Coordination | Resolve disputes between multiple beneficiaries (non-litigation). | $350/hr |
| Probate Limited to Insurance Proceeds | Handle minimal probate necessary to claim funds. | $1,200–$2,000 flat |