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.

Why Flat Fee Billing Reflects Real Value in Legal Services

When clients hire an attorney—especially for estate planning—they’re often focused on what it costs. But the real question should be: What am I actually paying for? At our firm, we offer flat fee billing not because the work is “simple,” but because we believe in delivering real value, built on experience, efficiency, and clarity.

Flat fee billing isn’t about cutting corners or limiting service—it’s about respecting your time and your peace of mind.

You’re Not Paying for Hours—You’re Paying for Expertise

With flat fee billing, the price you pay reflects the expertise, strategy, and insight we bring to every matter—not the number of hours we spend behind the scenes. You’re not hiring us to “watch the clock.” You’re hiring us to:

• Ask the right questions

• Spot the issues you don’t see

• Avoid the problems you didn’t know existed

• Guide you through high-stakes, personal decisions

• Ensure your plan actually works in the real world

We’ve helped hundreds of families protect their legacies. That experience means we know where the traps are, how to avoid them, and how to deliver plans that hold up—not just on paper, but in real life.

It’s About Certainty, Not Surprises

Legal billing shouldn't feel like a guessing game. With flat fee billing, there are no hidden costs, no surprise invoices, and no stress about calling your attorney with a question.

You know what it costs from day one. And because you’re not being billed by the hour, you’re more likely to engage with us throughout the process—which leads to better results. Open communication builds trust, and trust leads to better planning.

Every Client Deserves Our Best—Not a Sliding Scale

We don’t base our fees on your net worth or your perceived complexity. Why? Because every client deserves our best work.

Whether your estate is modest or substantial, the legal principles are the same:
✅ Proper documents
✅ Clear decision-making authority
✅ Asset protection
✅ Tax and court avoidance
✅ A roadmap for your family

Every client benefits from our systems, our legal judgment, and our commitment to getting it right. That’s what the flat fee covers—not a form, but the expertise behind the form.

Value You Can See—And Feel

The real value of a flat fee isn’t just in the legal documents—it’s in the peace of mind. You’re walking away with a complete, customized plan… and confidence that your family won’t be left scrambling in a crisis.

You also save time, avoid drawn-out billing cycles, and get the full benefit of our support—without ever worrying about running up a tab.

Flat fee billing reflects the way we practice law—with clarity, fairness, and a deep commitment to giving every client our best work. When you hire us, you’re not buying time—you’re investing in judgment, strategy, and peace of mind.

Because when it comes to protecting your family, there’s no substitute for real expertise—and no better feeling than knowing it’s already paid for.