It's a way to insure that beneficiaries are getting the best price, and a protection against even the suggestion of back-alley deals. What's more, Nash said, he makes sure appraisers are objective. That means they aren't tempted to lowball a price on something they also plan to buy. While some lawyers are abusing Florida's probate fee law to inflate bills, others are behaving honorably. Although the law allows lawyers to charge hourly rates plus a percentage of the estate, St. Petersburg attorney Nancy E. Rutland charges strictly by the hour.
People pay for the services they're getting.
To lawyers like Rutland and judges like Penick, probate is more than an occasion to soak fees and push paper.