Looking Ahead to 2026: Thoughtful Changes to Serve You Better
As the new year approaches, many of our clients are taking stock—updating beneficiaries, revisiting old estate plans, or finally deciding it’s time to put documents in place. At the same time, we’ve been looking carefully at how Shafae Law can continue to serve Bay Area individuals and families with the accessibility, clarity, and high-touch support you’ve come to expect.
Beginning in 2026, we’re making a few intentional changes to how we deliver our services—not to our core commitment to flat-fee, full-service estate planning and trust administration. Our goal is simple: make it easier and more convenient to get quality guidance, without sacrificing personal connection.
Moving to a Primarily Remote Practice
Since 2020, many clients have told us how much they value the convenience of virtual meetings and our straightforward scheduling process. Instead of fighting traffic or taking half a day off work, they can meet with us from home, the office, or wherever they happen to be.
Starting in 2026, Shafae Law will operate primarily as a remote-services law firm. That means:
Most meetings will take place by video conference or phone.
You’ll continue to receive clear emails with links, instructions, and next steps.
We’ll keep investing in secure, user-friendly technology that makes it easier to share information and review documents.
In-person appointments will still be available when they are truly the best option—for example, when a client needs hands-on support with signing or has unique circumstances that are better addressed face-to-face. But for most matters, remote services will allow us to offer more flexibility, more appointment options, and more focused time on you and your plan.
Convenient Remote Notarization
One of the biggest pain points in estate planning is often the signing appointment. Coordinating calendars, commuting to an office, and arranging for witnesses or notaries can make the process feel harder than it needs to be.
To support our shift to a primarily remote practice, we’ve partnered with a remote notary service that can meet clients at a time and place that works for them. Instead of rearranging your schedule, you’ll be able to sign and notarize your estate planning documents from the comfort of your home, your office, or another convenient location. Our team will coordinate the details so the process is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Flat Fees & a 2026 Pricing Update
What is not changing is our commitment to flat-fee, full-service work. Our clients will continue to:
Pay a clear, flat fee for estate planning or trust administration.
Receive responses to emails and phone calls at no additional charge.
Be able to schedule follow-up appointments without worrying about hourly billing.
To preserve this level of personalized, high-touch service—and to meet the needs of a growing client community—we will be modestly increasing our flat-fee rates starting in 2026.
Take the Next Step
If you’re ready to create or update your estate plan, we invite you to schedule a complimentary consultation. We’ll discuss your goals, explain the process, and help you decide whether now is the right time to move ahead.