The first step toward your estate plan is to read this Retainer Agreement completely.  If you agree with its terms and conditions, please:

1. Print this form out using the print command on your browser, sign the form and mail to  

Philip J. Hoskins

10940 Wilshire Blvd. Suite 1400

Los Angeles, CA 90024

2. Click on the "Agree" link at the bottom of this page.

Retainer Agreement for Individual

Starter Estate Planning Package

1. CONDITIONS. Attorney will have no obligation to provide legal services until Client returns a signed copy of this Agreement and pays the fee payment called for under paragraph 4. Client states that he or she is resident of California.
2. SCOPE AND DUTIES. Client hires Attorney to provide legal services in connection with preparation of one Last Will customized for Client Attorney shall provide:
1. one draft
2. one  Final Document.
3. Attorney will prepare a custom Will entirely based upon the statements of Client and will make no independent investigation of the facts or circumstances of Client's situation.
4. Client specifically desires to make use of the internet for his/her work in connection with these services and understands that any in-office consultation with regard to this or any matter will be paid by client at the hourly rates quoted below.
3. Client shall read the Client Workbook provided by Attorney, complete the Estate Planning Questionnaire, be truthful with Attorney, cooperate with Attorney, keep Attorney informed of developments, abide by this Agreement, pay Attorney's fees in advance and keep Attorney advised of Client's address, telephone number and whereabouts.
4. FEES. Client shall pay the sum of $200.00 for the services provided herein all of which sum shall be non-refundable and deemed earned upon the signing of this agreement. 
1. Client agrees to pay for any additional, requested legal services at the rates shown on the attached Rate Schedule.
2. Additional fees will be payable for:
1. work in connection with any second or subsequent revision of documents,
2. customization of documents from standard forms at client’s request,
3. consultations in addition to those described above,
4. any work in connection with drafting of documents for transfer of title,
5. Estate tax planning services;
6. telephone calls in excess of 1.5 hours and;
7. any other work by attorney or his staff not described in paragraph 2 above.
5. COSTS AND EXPENSES. In addition to paying legal fees, Client shall reimburse Attorney for all costs and expenses reasonably incurred by Attorney, including, but not limited to, fees charged by any governmental unit, long distance telephone calls, messenger and other delivery fees, postage, in-office photocopying, parking, mileage, facsimile transmission fees, computer assisted research charges and other similar items.
6. DISCHARGE AND WITHDRAWAL. Client may discharge Attorney at any time, although no refund shall be given of fees paid. Attorney may withdraw with Client's consent or for good cause. Good cause includes:
1. Client's breach of this Agreement,
2. Client's refusal to cooperate with Attorney or to follow Attorney's advice on a material matter or any fact or circumstance that would render Attorney's continuing representation unlawful or unethical.
3. If Attorney withdraws, he shall refund to Client within 10 days any fees not earned, based upon work actually completed and the hourly rate quoted herein.
7. CONCLUSION OF SERVICES. When Attorney's services conclude, all unpaid charges shall become immediately due and payable. After Attorney's services conclude, Attorney will, upon Client's request, deliver Client's file to Client, along with any Client funds or property in Attorney's possession.
8. RELEASE OF CLIENT'S PAPERS:At the termination of services under this Agreement, Attorney will release promptly to Client upon request, all of Client's papers and property, including correspondence, legal documents and other items reasonably necessary to Client's representation. Attorney is free to dispose of any such items if not requested by Client after a period of one year of the termination of services.
9. DISCLAIMER OF GUARANTEE. Nothing in this Agreement and nothing in Attorney's statements to Client will be construed as a promise or guarantee about the outcome of Client's matter. Attorney makes no such promises or guarantees. Attorney’s comments about the outcome of Client's matter are expressions of opinion only.
10. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Agreement will take effect when Client has performed the conditions stated in paragraph 1, but its effective date will be retroactive to the date Attorney first provided services. The date at the beginning of this Agreement is for reference only. Even if this Agreement does not take effect, Client will be obligated to pay Attorney the reasonable value of any services Attorney may have performed for Client.
11. QUALITY OF SERVICES AND INSURANCE. Attorney will competently represent the interests of Client as set forth in this Agreement.

 E-Mail - E-mail is a convenient, fast method of communication. It is, however, not secure and communications between attorney and client could be seen by others. Nevertheless, Client may wish to utilize this method of communication. If you send anything to us by e-mail, you acknowledge that the same is not secure and you hereby agree that you take any and all risk of inadvertent disclosure.

Our Rates for Other Services not included in the above package:

A. Hourly Rates

Philip J. Hoskins $ 350.00

B. Minimums

We charge for our time in minimum units of ten minutes.

C. Costs

In-office photocopying .15 per page

Mileage .30 per mile

Facsimile transmission .85 per page

D. What will you be charged for?

Subject to the terms of this agreement, as is customary for attorneys, the client shall be billed for all consultations with the client or other persons in connection with the matters covered by this agreement, all telephone conversations, correspondence, research, drafting of documents and other time spent by the attorney on these matters.

Sorry, I do not agree to these terms.