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How Much Does Estate Planning Cost?
Estate planning costs vary widely depending on complexity and how you get it done. Here is what you can expect to pay for a will, a trust, and a full estate plan — and how to avoid paying more than you need to.
Quick Answer
A basic will costs $300–$1,000 through an attorney. A full estate plan with a revocable living trust, powers of attorney, and healthcare directive typically costs $1,500–$5,000. Online services offer lower-cost options for simple situations. The cost of no plan — probate, legal disputes, court-appointed guardians — almost always exceeds the cost of planning.
Cost is one of the most common reasons people delay estate planning — and one of the most misunderstood. Most people significantly overestimate what it costs, while underestimating what no plan costs them.
What does a simple will cost?
A basic will drafted by an estate planning attorney typically costs:
- Simple will (single): $300–$750
- Simple will (married couple, mirror wills): $500–$1,000
These prices are for uncomplicated situations: no business interests, no trusts, no blended families, modest assets, and a clear picture of who inherits what.
Online services like LegalZoom offer will drafting starting around $89–$200. These can be appropriate for very straightforward situations but may not account for state-specific requirements or nuanced family situations.
What does a full estate plan cost?
A comprehensive estate plan typically includes a revocable living trust, pour-over will, durable power of attorney, healthcare power of attorney, and advance healthcare directive. Attorney fees for this package typically range:
- Individual: $1,500–$3,000
- Married couple: $2,500–$5,000
- Complex situations (business interests, blended families, special needs, estate tax planning): $5,000–$15,000+
Prices vary significantly by geography — attorneys in major metropolitan areas charge more than those in smaller markets. Attorney experience and specialization also affect rates. Board-certified estate planning specialists or Fellows of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) typically charge at the higher end of these ranges.
How much does probate cost if you have no plan?
This is the number most people do not think about. Probate — the court process that handles estates without a trust — typically costs:
- Attorney fees: Often 3–5% of the gross estate value, sometimes more
- Court filing fees: $200–$1,000+ depending on state
- Executor compensation: 2–4% of the estate value in many states
- Appraiser and accounting fees: Varies
On a $500,000 estate, probate can easily cost $20,000–$35,000 and take 12–18 months. A revocable living trust avoids probate entirely for assets held in the trust — which for most families represents a net savings even after accounting for the upfront cost of the trust.
What affects the cost most?
- Complexity of your situation: Business ownership, blended families, special needs beneficiaries, estate tax exposure, international assets — each adds time and expertise required
- Number of documents: A will alone costs less than a full plan with trust and ancillary documents
- Attorney's hourly rate vs. flat fee: Some attorneys charge flat fees for standard packages; others bill hourly. Ask before you begin.
- Geographic location: Urban practices charge significantly more than suburban or rural ones
How do you get the most out of the money you spend?
The families who spend the least on estate planning (relative to the value they get) are the ones who arrive prepared. Attorneys spend less time gathering information and more time advising. You get a better plan in fewer billable hours.
Coming into an attorney meeting knowing your assets, your family structure, your existing documents, and your goals is the single most cost-effective thing you can do before hiring an estate planning attorney.
Know what you have before you hire an attorney
The Will & Estate Ready assessment gives you a clear picture of your estate planning situation — what you have, what you are missing, and what to prioritize. For $21, it is the most cost-effective first step in your estate planning process.
Start My Assessment — $21 →Frequently asked questions
Is it worth hiring an attorney or should I use an online service?
For simple situations — single adult, no minor children, straightforward assets — an online service may be adequate. For anyone with minor children, significant assets, a business, a blended family, real estate in multiple states, or a special needs beneficiary, a licensed estate planning attorney is strongly recommended. The complexity of your situation, not the cost, should drive the decision.
How much does it cost to update an estate plan?
Minor updates (changing a beneficiary in a will, amending a trust) typically cost $150–$500. Major revisions — adding a trust, significant restructuring — may cost $500–$2,000. Some attorneys offer maintenance plans that include periodic reviews for a flat annual fee.
Are estate planning costs tax deductible?
As of current tax law, personal estate planning fees are generally not deductible on your individual federal return. However, fees for estate planning related to business ownership or income-producing property may have some deductibility. Consult a tax advisor for your specific situation.
What is the cheapest way to create a valid will?
The cheapest legally valid will is a holographic will — handwritten, signed, and dated entirely in your own handwriting — which some states recognize without witnesses or notarization. However, holographic wills are more easily contested and offer no guidance on complex situations. Online services ($89–$200) are a more reliable low-cost option for simple situations.
Will & Estate Ready is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. This article is for educational and informational purposes only. Consult a licensed estate planning attorney for guidance specific to your situation.