Are you supposed to socialize with the help?

(Just joking to get your attention....not a Gwyneth thread) My uncle died and the lawyer who is settling the estate keeps asking me and my parents and another relative to social events, (dinner, the theatre etc.) We always make an excuse but he keeps trying. I sort of feel like saying just fill out the forms and leave us alone!!!

and who would pay for these events?
• Maybe he is just lonely.

• Never hurts to have a friend in the legal community. A friend might would offer quick advice without charge. Go ahead and bite him.

• Lawyers are "the help"? And what, if anything, is your profession, OP?

• I still use the lawyer that settled my mother's estate years ago. One reason I still do is because he only charges me for what he does. Many lawyers want a chunk of cash for a consultation alone to discuss your issue. This lawyer was also a personal and social friend of mother's, knows me and understands my situation and there is no need to get him up to speed.

• [quote] a personal and social friend of mother's Norman, is that you?

• All my family's lawyers were Dutch; they wouldn't be caught dead with cold, bitter Germans. My mother did invite our cleaning ladies to Halloween and Twelfth Night parties. I also worked for them for two summers: best weed ever and Kahlua for breakfast!

• How big is the uncle's estate, OP? If it's sizable, I suspect the lawyer's trying to butter you and your family up so you'll continue to use his services after probate.

• [quote]One reason I still do is because he only charges me for what he does. Many lawyers want a chunk of cash for a consultation alone to discuss your issue. This lawyer was also a personal and social friend of mother's, knows me and understands my situation and there is no need to get him up to speed. The last sentence is why he "only charges you for what he does" and probably donates a lot of free time to you. When lawyers charge you to discuss your issue, it's because they expect to be paid for their time. You know, like everyone else.