Estate Planning Lawyer Costs (2026)
Estate planning lawyers help you protect your assets and provide for your family after death or incapacity. Most offer flat fee packages for standard documents.
Estate Planning Services & Costs
Will Preparation Cost
$300 - $3,000
Flat Fee ($300-$3,000)
Having a professionally drafted will ensures your wishes are legally enforceable and helps your family avoid costly probate disputes.
Trust Attorney Cost
$1,500 - $7,000
Flat Fee ($1,500-$7,000)
Trusts avoid probate and provide more control over asset distribution than wills alone. A properly funded trust saves families time and money after death.
Probate Lawyer Cost
$3,500 - $50,000
Hourly or Percentage (2-4%)
Probate is the court process of validating a will and distributing assets. Attorney fees vary significantly based on estate size and whether the will is contested.
Power of Attorney Cost
$100 - $500
Flat Fee ($100-$500)
Power of attorney documents designate someone to make financial or medical decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated.
Estate Administration Cost
$3,000 - $25,000
Percentage or Hourly
Estate administration involves managing and distributing a deceased person's assets according to their will or state law.
Living Will Cost
$100 - $500
Flat Fee ($100-$500)
A living will specifies your medical treatment preferences if you become unable to communicate. It's different from a regular will.
Estate Tax Planning Cost
$3,000 - $20,000
Hourly ($300-$600/hr)
Estate tax planning helps high-net-worth individuals minimize federal and state estate taxes through legal strategies including trusts, gifting, and charitable planning.
Guardianship Petition Cost
$2,500 - $15,000
Hourly ($200-$400/hr)
Guardianship petitions for incapacitated adults require proving the person cannot manage their own affairs. The process involves medical evaluations and court hearings.
Common Questions About Estate Planning Costs
How much does a will cost?
Simple will: $300-$600. Complex will with trusts: $1,200-$3,000+. Online will services: $50-$200.
How much does a trust attorney cost?
Individual living trust: $1,500-$3,000. Couple: $2,500-$5,000. Complex asset protection trusts: $5,000-$10,000+.
How much does a probate lawyer cost?
Simple estates: $3,500-$7,000. Medium estates: $7,000-$15,000. Large/contested estates: $15,000-$50,000+.
How much does a power of attorney cost?
As part of an estate plan: $100-$300. Standalone document: $200-$500. Online templates: $0-$50.
How much does estate administration cost?
Executor fees: 2-5% of estate value. Attorney fees: $3,000-$25,000+. Total costs: 4-7% of estate value.
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