Consultation Terms

Updated January 2026

Estate Planning Consultation

Please select your consultation type to view the relevant terms:

Estate Planning Consultation (Complimentary initial meetings)
Estate Administration Consultation (Paid probate and trust guidance)
Business Consultation - Introductory (Complimentary 15-minute discovery calls)
Business Consultation - Paid (Substantive legal analysis and document review)

By scheduling an estate planning consultation with Munson Law Firm (the “Firm"), you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Purpose of the Consultation

The consultation is an initial meeting to discuss your goals, answer general questions, and help determine whether the Firm is a good fit for your estate planning needs.

Initial estate planning consultations are complimentary unless the Firm notifies you in writing of a consultation fee prior to scheduling and you agree in writing to such fee.

No Attorney-Client Relationship

Scheduling or attending a consultation does not, by itself, create an attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is formed only when: (1) you and the Firm mutually agree in writing to move forward with representation; and (2) you and the Firm execute a written engagement agreement signed by you and an authorized representative of the Firm.

Any information provided during the consultation is preliminary in nature, based on the information you choose to share, and is intended for general guidance and issue spotting only. Any discussion during a complimentary consultation is limited to general information and does not constitute ongoing legal representation.

Format and Timing

Consultations typically last 30-45 minutes and may take place in person or via Zoom or video conference. Complex matters may require up to one hour.

Please arrive on time for your scheduled consultation. If you cannot attend, provide at least 24 hours' notice. Complimentary consultations do not have a cancellation fee; however, the Firm reserves the right to decline future scheduling requests if a client fails to provide at least 24 hours' notice of cancellation or fails to attend a scheduled meeting.

Confidentiality and Recording Policy

Information you share during the consultation will be treated as confidential in accordance with the North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct, even if you do not engage the Firm.

If multiple parties attend the consultation (such as spouses or family members), all attendees should understand that confidential information may be shared among all participants. By attending a joint consultation, each participant acknowledges and agrees that: confidential information may be shared among all participants; the Firm cannot represent conflicting interests; the Firm does not represent each participant individually unless expressly agreed in writing; and information shared by one participant may be disclosed to other participants present. The Firm reserves the right to decline representation if conflicts of interest are identified.

Neither party may record the consultation without advance written consent from all participants. Unauthorized recording may result in immediate termination of the consultation. The Firm may also decline to reschedule the consultation.

For consultations held via Zoom or video conference, the client is responsible for ensuring they are in a private and secure location to maintain the confidentiality of the discussion.

Please do not send documents or information unless specifically requested by the Firm.

After the Consultation

The consultation ends when the meeting concludes. The Firm has no ongoing duty to monitor legal developments, your circumstances, or any deadlines unless and until a written engagement agreement is executed. If you have time-sensitive legal matters, including but not limited to matters involving statutes of limitations, filing deadlines, or time-sensitive transactions, you are solely responsible for tracking and meeting all such deadlines. You may not rely on the Firm to monitor or remind you of any deadlines unless a written engagement agreement is in place.

If both you and the Firm decide to move forward, we may provide an engagement agreement describing the scope of services and fees. The Firm may decline representation for any lawful reason. If we do not move forward, we may close our file no earlier than ninety (90) days after the consultation date unless the parties have entered into a written engagement agreement.

Changes

These terms may be updated from time to time. The version in effect when you schedule your consultation governs that consultation.

No Guarantee of Outcome
Legal outcomes depend on facts, documents, and circumstances outside the Firm's control. No guarantees or promises are made regarding outcomes, timing, or costs.

Governing Law and Venue
These Consultation Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Consultation Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state courts of Chatham County, North Carolina, and the federal courts for the Middle District of North Carolina, and each party consents to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

Acknowledgment
By scheduling an Estate Planning Consultation, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to these Consultation Terms. Your scheduling constitutes electronic acknowledgment of these terms.

Conflicts Check
All consultations are subject to a conflict-of-interest check. You agree to provide the full legal names of all relevant parties (including spouses, family members, business partners, or decedents) at the time of scheduling.

Next Steps

We look forward to meeting with you. If you have questions about these terms, please contact us through our website or scheduling system before scheduling your consultation.

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Estate Administration Consultation Terms

By scheduling an estate administration consultation with Munson Law Firm (the "Firm"), you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Purpose of the Consultation

The Estate Administration Consultation is a paid, attorney-led meeting to provide initial guidance regarding probate, trust and estate administration, and related post-death legal obligations under North Carolina law. The consultation is limited to discussion and issue spotting based on information you provide. It does not include document preparation, court filings, representation before the Clerk of Superior Court, or ongoing advice after the meeting unless and until a separate written engagement agreement is executed.

Format and Timing
Estate Administration Consultations typically last 60-90 minutes and may take place in person or via Zoom or video conference, depending on complexity and client preference.

To ensure a productive meeting, copies of any relevant Wills, Trusts, or Death Certificates must be submitted through the Firm's secure portal at least three (3) business days prior to the consultation. For purposes of this requirement, business days means Monday through Friday, excluding federal and North Carolina state holidays. If required documents are not timely provided, the Firm may reschedule the consultation.

Fee and Payment

The fee for the Estate Administration Consultation is $425, unless the Firm notifies you in writing in advance of a different fee, payable as a flat fee due in full before the consultation is scheduled. Payment is made through the Firm’s online payment system. The consultation will not be scheduled or held without payment.

The consultation fee compensates the attorney’s time and expertise for this limited meeting and is not contingent on any outcome. The fee is non‑refundable once the consultation has commenced. For purposes of these terms, the consultation is deemed commenced at the scheduled start time, regardless of whether the client appears or participates.

What the Consultation Includes

During the consultation, the attorney may:

Review the general facts you provide about the decedent, assets, debts, and family structure
Explain the basic trust/estate administration or probate process applicable to those facts
Identify common deadlines, risks, and decision points
Discuss potential next steps and available service options

Any estimates, timelines, or cost ranges discussed are preliminary and non‑binding.

What the Consultation Does Not Include

Unless expressly agreed in writing, the consultation does not include:

Preparation or review of pleadings, accountings, inventories, deeds, or tax filings
Court appearances or communications with the Clerk of Court
Communications with beneficiaries, creditors, financial institutions, or third parties
Ongoing legal advice after the consultation
Representation of the estate, personal representative, executor, or any beneficiary

No Attorney-Client Relationship

Scheduling or attending the Estate Administration Consultation does not, by itself, create an ongoing attorney-client relationship. A limited attorney-client relationship exists solely for the purpose of the consultation and automatically terminates when the consultation concludes. The Firm will maintain the confidentiality of information shared during the consultation in accordance with the North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct, subject to applicable exceptions under those Rules. No ongoing attorney-client relationship is created unless and until a separate written engagement agreement is signed by both the client and the Firm. The Firm is not obligated to represent you or the estate after the consultation. Information discussed during the consultation is limited to that meeting and does not constitute ongoing legal advice. The Firm has no duty to update, supplement, or revisit that advice after the consultation.

After the Consultation

If both you and the Firm decide to move forward with representation, we may provide a written engagement agreement describing the scope of services, fees, and terms of representation, typically within five (5) to seven (7) business days of the consultation. The Firm may decline representation for any lawful reason. If we do not move forward, we may close our file no earlier than ninety (90) days after the consultation date unless the parties have entered into a written engagement agreement. The Firm has no ongoing duty to monitor legal developments, your circumstances, or any deadlines unless and until a written engagement agreement is executed. If you have time-sensitive legal matters, including but not limited to matters involving statutes of limitations, filing deadlines, or court deadlines, you are solely responsible for tracking and meeting all such deadlines. You may not rely on the Firm to monitor or remind you of any deadlines unless a written engagement agreement is in place.

Confidentiality and Recording Policy

Information shared during the consultation is treated as confidential in accordance with the North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct. Confidentiality does not create an obligation for the Firm to accept future representation.

If multiple parties attend the consultation, all attendees should understand that confidential information may be shared among all participants. By attending a joint consultation, each participant acknowledges and agrees that: confidential information may be shared among all participants; the Firm cannot represent conflicting interests; the Firm does not represent each participant individually unless expressly agreed in writing; and information shared by one participant may be disclosed to other participants present. The Firm reserves the right to decline representation if conflicts of interest are identified.

Neither party may record the consultation without advance written consent from all participants. Unauthorized recording may result in immediate termination of the consultation without refund.

For consultations held via Zoom or video conference, the client is responsible for ensuring they are in a private and secure location to maintain the confidentiality of the discussion.

Please do not send documents or information unless specifically requested by the Firm.

Scheduling, Rescheduling, and No‑Shows

Consultations must be scheduled in advance through the Firm’s scheduling system.

Cancellations or rescheduling with at least 24 hours’ notice may be rescheduled once without additional charge. The rescheduled consultation must occur within 90 days of the original scheduled date.
Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice and no-shows are not refunded. The Firm may, in its discretion, make exceptions in documented emergency circumstances. If technical difficulties prevent completion of a virtual consultation through no fault of the client, the Firm will reschedule the consultation at no additional charge.
If the consultation is canceled by the Firm, any fee paid will be refunded.

No Guarantee of Outcome

Trust, estate administration and probate outcomes depend on facts, documents, court procedures, and third-party actions outside the Firm’s control. No guarantees or promises are made regarding outcomes, timing, or costs.

Governing Law and Venue

These Consultation Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Consultation Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state courts of Chatham County, North Carolina, and the federal courts for the Middle District of North Carolina, and each party consents to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

Acknowledgment

By scheduling and paying for the Estate Administration Consultation, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to these Consultation Terms. Your scheduling and payment constitute electronic acknowledgment of these terms.

Conflicts Check
All consultations are subject to a conflict-of-interest check. You agree to provide the full legal names of all relevant parties (including spouses, business partners, or decedents) at the time of scheduling.

Next Steps
We look forward to meeting with you. If you have questions about these terms, please contact us through our website or scheduling system before scheduling your consultation.

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Business Consultation Terms (Introductory ONLY)

By scheduling a business consultation with Munson Law Firm (the “Firm”), you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Purpose of the Consultation

The business consultation is an initial meeting to discuss your business goals or legal questions, provide high-level guidance, and determine whether the Firm is a good fit for your business legal needs.

Business consultations are complimentary when scheduled as a 15-minute introductory meeting, unless the Firm notifies you in writing before scheduling that a consultation fee will apply and you agree in writing to such fee.

Complimentary 15-Minute Consultation

The 15-minute consultation is strictly for introductory purposes. The Firm will not review, comment on, or interpret any specific legal documents during this time. The attorney will manage the consultation time to ensure the discussion remains within scope. If the consultation extends beyond 15 minutes, the Firm may, in its discretion, continue the discussion at no charge, suggest converting to a paid consultation with your agreement, or schedule a paid follow-up consultation.

If it becomes clear before or during scheduling that document review, substantive analysis, or extended discussion will be required, the Firm may require the consultation to be scheduled as a paid consultation instead.

No Attorney-Client Relationship

Scheduling or attending a business consultation, whether complimentary or paid, does not by itself create an ongoing attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship is formed only when: (1) you and the Firm mutually agree in writing to move forward with representation; and (2) you and the Firm execute a written engagement agreement signed by you and an authorized representative of the Firm.

Information discussed during the consultation is limited to that meeting and does not constitute ongoing legal advice. Any discussion during a complimentary consultation is limited to general information and does not constitute ongoing legal representation. Paid business consultations are governed by separate consultation terms describing a limited-scope attorney-client relationship for that meeting.

Format and Timing

Consultations may take place in person or by Zoom or video conference.

Complimentary consultations are limited to 15 minutes
Paid consultations may range from 30 minutes to two hours or more, depending on scope

Please arrive on time for your scheduled consultation. If you cannot attend, provide at least 24 hours’ notice. For paid consultations, cancellation and rescheduling terms will be provided in advance with the applicable consultation terms.

Confidentiality and Recording Policy

Information you share during the consultation will be treated as confidential in accordance with the North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct, even if you do not engage the Firm.

If multiple parties attend the consultation, all attendees should understand that confidential information may be shared among all participants. By attending a joint consultation, each participant acknowledges and agrees that: confidential information may be shared among all participants; the Firm cannot represent conflicting interests; the Firm does not represent each participant individually unless expressly agreed in writing; and information shared by one participant may be disclosed to other participants present. The Firm reserves the right to decline representation if conflicts of interest are identified.

Neither party may record the consultation without advance written consent from all participants. Unauthorized recording may result in immediate termination of the consultation.

For consultations held via Zoom or video conference, the client is responsible for ensuring they are in a private and secure location to maintain the confidentiality of the discussion.

Please do not send documents or information unless specifically requested by the Firm.

After the Consultation

The consultation ends when the meeting concludes. The Firm has no ongoing duty to monitor legal developments, your circumstances, or any deadlines unless and until a written engagement agreement is executed. If you have time-sensitive legal matters, you are responsible for tracking and meeting all deadlines, including statutes of limitations. You may not rely on the Firm to monitor or remind you of any deadlines unless a written engagement agreement is in place.

If both you and the Firm decide to move forward, the Firm may provide a written engagement agreement describing the scope of services and fees. The Firm may decline representation for any lawful reason. If representation does not proceed, the Firm may close its file no earlier than ninety (90) days after the consultation date unless the parties have entered into a written engagement agreement.

Changes

These terms may be updated from time to time. The version in effect when you schedule your consultation governs that consultation.

No Guarantee of Outcome

Legal outcomes depend on facts, documents, and circumstances outside the Firm's control. No guarantees or promises are made regarding outcomes, timing, or costs.

Governing Law and Venue
These Consultation Terms are governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of North Carolina, without regard to its conflict of laws principles. Any dispute arising out of or relating to these Consultation Terms shall be subject to the exclusive jurisdiction of the state courts of Chatham County, North Carolina, and the federal courts for the Middle District of North Carolina, and each party consents to the personal jurisdiction of such courts.

Acknowledgment

By scheduling a business consultation, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to these Business Consultation Terms.

Next Steps
We look forward to meeting with you. If you have questions about these terms, please contact us through our website or scheduling system before scheduling your consultation.

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Business Consultation Terms (Paid)

By scheduling and paying for a paid business consultation with Munson Law Firm (the “Firm”), you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

Purpose of the Consultation

The paid business consultation is an attorney-led meeting that may include advance document review, substantive legal analysis, and discussion of business, transactional, or governance issues based on the information you provide. The consultation is intended to provide focused guidance on discrete issues and to assist in evaluating potential next steps.

The consultation is limited to discussion and analysis during the scheduled meeting and does not include document drafting, negotiations, court filings, regulatory filings, or ongoing legal advice after the meeting unless and until a separate written engagement agreement is executed.

Fee and Payment

The fee for a paid business consultation will be disclosed to you in writing in advance of scheduling. Fees may be structured as a flat fee or hourly fee depending on the scope, anticipated preparation, and length of the consultation.

Payment, if required, is due in full before the consultation is scheduled. Payment is made through the Firm's online payment system, which accepts major credit cards, debit cards, and ACH transfers. The consultation will not be scheduled or held without payment and written agreement to these terms.

The consultation fee compensates the attorney’s time and expertise for this limited engagement and is not contingent on any outcome. The fee is nonrefundable once the consultation has commenced. For purposes of these terms, the consultation is deemed commenced at the scheduled start time, regardless of whether the client appears or participates, unless the Firm has agreed in writing to reschedule. If you cancel with at least 24 hours' notice before the scheduled start time, you may receive a full refund. If the consultation is canceled by the Firm, any fee paid will be refunded.

Document Review

If document review is included, the scope of review is limited to the specific documents and issues identified in advance. Documents must be submitted at least three (3) business days before the scheduled consultation. For purposes of this requirement, business days means Monday through Friday, excluding federal and North Carolina state holidays. The Firm reserves the right to reschedule if documents are not timely provided. The Firm does not verify the completeness or accuracy of documents provided and does not review documents not expressly agreed upon.

Document review is for discussion purposes only and does not constitute approval, certification, or legal sufficiency of any document. The Firm relies entirely on the documents and information you provide for purposes of the consultation.

No Attorney-Client Relationship

Scheduling or attending a paid business consultation does not, by itself, create an ongoing attorney-client relationship. An attorney-client relationship exists solely for the purpose of the consultation and automatically ends when the consultation concludes. The Firm has no duty to update, supplement, or revisit that advice after the consultation.

No ongoing attorney-client relationship is created unless and until you and the Firm mutually agree in writing to proceed and execute a separate written engagement agreement signed by you and an authorized representative of the Firm.

Format and Timing

Paid business consultations may range from 30 minutes to two hours or more, depending on the agreed scope and preparation required. Consultations may take place in person or by Zoom or video conference.

Please arrive on time for your scheduled consultation. If you cannot attend, provide at least 24 hours’ notice.

Cancellations, Rescheduling, and No-Shows

Cancellations or rescheduling with at least 24 hours’ notice may be rescheduled once without additional charge. Any rescheduled consultation must occur within 90 days of the original scheduled date.
Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice and no-shows are not refunded. The Firm may, in its discretion, make exceptions in documented emergency circumstances.
If technical difficulties attributable to the Firm's systems or internet connectivity prevent completion of a virtual consultation, the Firm will reschedule the consultation at no additional charge within thirty (30) days of the original consultation date. Technical difficulties attributable to the client's systems, internet connectivity, or equipment are the client's responsibility.
If a consultation must be rescheduled due to technical difficulties attributable to the Firm, the Firm will make reasonable efforts to provide the same attorney for the rescheduled consultation. If the originally scheduled attorney is unavailable, the client may choose to proceed with another attorney of comparable experience or receive a full refund.

Confidentiality and Recording Policy

Information shared during the consultation is treated as confidential to the extent required by the North Carolina Rules of Professional Conduct. Confidentiality does not create an obligation for the Firm to accept future representation.

If multiple parties attend the consultation, all attendees should understand that confidential information may be shared among all participants. By attending a joint consultation, each participant acknowledges and agrees that: confidential information may be shared among all participants; the Firm cannot represent conflicting interests; the Firm may not be able to treat communications from one participant as privileged as against the other participants present; the Firm does not represent each participant individually unless expressly agreed in writing; and information shared by one participant may be disclosed to other participants present. The Firm reserves the right to decline representation if conflicts of interest are identified.

Neither party may record the consultation without advance written consent from all participants. Unauthorized recording may result in immediate termination of the consultation without refund.

For consultations held via Zoom or video conference, the client is responsible for ensuring they are in a private and secure location to maintain the confidentiality of the discussion.

The client should not send documents or information to the Firm prior to the consultation unless specifically requested by the Firm. Any unsolicited documents sent to the Firm may not be reviewed prior to the consultation.

After the Consultation
The consultation ends when the meeting concludes. Unless and until a written engagement agreement is executed, the Firm has no ongoing duty to monitor legal developments, your circumstances, or any deadlines, and any advice provided during the consultation is based solely on the information available at the time of the consultation. If you have time-sensitive legal matters, you are responsible for tracking and meeting all deadlines, including statutes of limitations.

If both you and the Firm decide to move forward, the Firm may provide a written engagement agreement describing the scope of services and fees. The Firm may decline representation for any lawful reason. If representation does not proceed, the Firm may close its file no earlier than ninety (90) days after the consultation date unless the parties have entered into a written engagement agreement.

No Guarantee of Outcome

Business and legal outcomes depend on facts, documents, third-party actions, and circumstances outside the Firm’s control. No guarantees or promises are made during the consultation or in any subsequent representation regarding outcomes, timing, or costs. Any estimates or projections provided during the consultation are preliminary and subject to change based on additional information and developments.

Governing Law

Changes
These terms may be updated from time to time. The version in effect when you schedule your consultation governs that consultation.

Acknowledgment

By scheduling and paying for a paid business consultation, you acknowledge that you have read, understand, and agree to these Business Consultation Terms (Paid). Your scheduling and payment constitute electronic acknowledgment of these terms.

Next Steps
We look forward to meeting with you. If you have questions about these terms, please contact us through our website or scheduling system before scheduling your consultation.

Estate Administration Consultation (Paid)

Business Consultation-Intro

Business Consultation - Paid