"My
commitment to you is to fully explain the process before you pay
us anything, that we will quote you a fair price up front, and
that we will stick to that price. Only if the
circumstances change -- such as your application is contested --
will our fee change. That is a commitment few can
match." David
M. Pyke
Legal Fees: Depending on the circumstances, Pyke & Associates will charge $1,650 for a non-contested Guardianship of the Person.
Ad Litem: The court will appoint an attorney to represent the proposed ward called the attorney ad litem. The ad lirem's fees are approved and awarded by the Judge. If the Proposed Ward has sufficient assets, the Ad Litem's fees will be paid from those assets, not the applicant's assets. If the Proposed Ward has no assets, the County will pay the Ad Litem's fees. Ad Litem's fees range from $400 on up, but do not usually exceed $1000.
Court Costs: The County Clerk's fees vary from County to County and depend on the number of persons to be served, but $250 is a good estimate.
Security Bond: A Guardian of the Estate will need to obtain a surety bond, after the amount is approved by the Court, issued by a bonding company. Annual premiums are paid directly to the bonding company and are a percentage of the bonded amount. A Guardian of the Person must post a more nominal bond and the cost is not significant.
