When thinking about your long-term financial goals, estate planning may not immediately spring to mind. But it should. This process isn’t just for the wealthy. If you own a home, personal belongings, investments, or insurance policies—together, those make up your estate. An estate plan helps ensure those assets are passed down directly to your loved ones the way you intend.

A vital first step in estate planning is understanding the investment it requires. Like many financial and legal services, estate planning costs can vary widely, depending on what you need and how complex your estate is. For example, costs can range from $15 for a basic will to more than $5,000 for a comprehensive plan. Knowing what to expect can help you plan smart and avoid surprises down the road. In this article, we cover how to compare attorney fees, what DIY options are available, and how to lower your estate planning costs.

What is estate planning and why does it matter?

Estate planning involves outlining how you want your money, property, and possessions handled—and who will make important health care decisions for you—if you pass away or become unable to communicate. At its core, this process is about peace of mind, knowing your family won’t be overwhelmed with added stress and confusion during an already emotional time.

A typical estate plan may include:

• A will, which directs how your property and assets should be distributed
• A trust, which allows you to direct how your assets are managed and distributed, both during your lifetime and after you pass away
• Powers of attorney, which let someone you trust make financial, legal, or medical decisions on your behalf if you cannot express your wishes
• An advance health care directive, which spells out your medical preferences if you can’t communicate them yourself

A solid estate plan makes it easier to pass your assets to your heirs and helps prevent costly disputes and court delays later on. Starting early gives you time to explore your options and make thoughtful decisions. It also allows you to manage your estate planning costs in a way that fits your budget.

How much does estate planning cost?

Here’s a general breakdown of some average estate planning costs:

• Basic will: $15-$1,500+
• Power of attorney: $200-$500 each
• Living trust or trust package: $1,000-$4,000
• Full estate plan with attorney: $2,000-$5,000+
  • Usually includes a will, trust, power of attorney(s), and advance health care directive
• Advance health care directive: $200-$1,000

These estate planning costs represent broad ranges; actual costs can be higher or lower. That’s because everyone’s plan is unique. Someone with one home and only a handful of financial accounts will have simpler needs than someone with multiple properties, investments, or a family business.

The more moving parts to your life and finances, the more time and legal expertise it takes to ensure every last detail is covered.

What’s more, if you secure the help of a lawyer, your estate planning costs will likely be higher than if you were to do it on your own.

Estate planning lawyer fees, explained

There are advantages to working with an attorney who’s well-versed in estate planning. They can help ensure your documents are legally valid, complete, and tailored to your unique situation. They can also identify tax-saving opportunities and help prevent expensive mistakes.

If you choose to go this route, it helps to understand how lawyers bill for their services:

• Hourly rates: The average hourly rate lawyers charge in the U.S. is $162 to $3921, depending on their expertise and location. This is common for complex or open-ended cases that require extra consultation or customization.
  • ✅ Pros and cons: Hourly billing gives you flexibility but makes your estate planning costs less predictable. Fees can add up quickly if your plan requires multiple revisions.
• Flat fees: Many attorneys offer fixed pricing for standard documents that don’t consume a lot of time, like wills or powers of attorney. Flat fees can make budgeting easier and typically range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars.
  • ✅ Pros and cons: Flat fees offer predictability but may not include every customization.
• Retainers or ongoing services: Some clients need continuing support—such as updating trusts or revising documents after major life events. In those cases, an attorney may charge a retainer or periodic review fee.
  • ✅ Pros and cons: Retainers make sense if you anticipate ongoing changes to your estate.

Factors that influence estate planning costs

Several factors can affect what you’ll pay for an estate plan:

1. Complexity of your estate and your goals: More assets, investments, or properties typically mean more time and detail. Your objectives matter, too. If you just want to ensure your property lands in the hands of your loved ones, that involves less time and effort than developing a plan that strategically reduces your estate taxes.
2. Type of plan: A simple will costs less than a comprehensive trust-based plan.
3. State-specific requirements: Each state has its own rules for notarization, witnessing, and taxes, which can impact cost.
4. Location: Attorneys in large cities usually charge more than those in rural areas. For instance, lawyer fees in major metro areas like New York or Los Angeles tend to be higher than in smaller towns or rural regions.
5. Attorney experience and reputation: Highly specialized estate lawyers may charge premium rates, but can save you and your family money in the long run by avoiding pricey pitfalls.
6. Special circumstances: Blended families, small businesses, complex real estate portfolios, or dependents with special needs may require an estate plan with highly tailored provisions—and that adds to the cost.

DIY estate planning: Can it save you money?

It’s no secret online tools and DIY platforms have made estate planning more accessible—and often more affordable. For example, platforms like Rocket Lawyer, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and FreeWill offer templates or guided forms for wills, trusts, and health care directives.

✅ Benefits:

• There are lower upfront costs; some basic wills start under $100.
• They are convenient, since you can complete documents from home.
• They offer simplicity—for small, straightforward estates, these types of services may be all you need.

❌ Risks:

• Online templates may not meet your state’s legal requirements.
• Important details (like witness signatures or tax clauses) could be missing.
• A one-size-fits-all form may not fully protect your assets or loved ones.

DIY estate planning can be a good fit for simple estates—for example, if you own one property, have limited financial accounts, and plan to leave everything to one or two beneficiaries.

But if your assets and family needs are less than straightforward, it may be a good idea to invest in professional legal help. The peace of mind and legal protection often outweigh the upfront savings.

"If there are any complications… a second marriage, family estrangement, a special needs family member, a partnership or ownership of a small business, or you've just got piles and piles of money… in any of those cases, use a qualified estate planning attorney,” said CBS News Business Analyst Jill Schlesinger in an interview. “This will make the process go better."

How can I lower my estate planning costs?

Estate planning doesn’t have to be a budget-buster. Here are a few ways to save without compromising your goals:

• Compare quotes: Talk to several attorneys before committing. Ask for estimates and what’s included in each package.
• Ask about flat fees: Many law offices offer bundled estate planning packages that can reduce your overall costs.
• Prepare ahead: Gather information on your assets, debts, financial accounts (e.g., bank accounts, life insurance policies, annuities, retirement accounts), intended beneficiaries, and health care preferences in advance to help cut down on billable hours.
• Use hybrid options: Consider starting with online DIY forms, and then have an attorney review them for accuracy and compliance.
• Seek community resources: Nonprofits and local bar associations sometimes offer free or low-cost estate planning services and workshops for older adults. See this list of free legal help resources from the American Bar Association.

A sound estate plan is worth the investment

While it’s natural to focus on estate planning costs, it’s equally important to think about value. “Estate planning provides a clear roadmap for your family and reassurance for you,” said Josh Hodges, NCOA's Chief Customer Officer. “It’s a powerful way to make sure the people you love are taken care of in the years to come.”

Ready to set your plan in motion? Start with our estate planning checklist.  

Source

1. LawPay. How much is a lawyer? Hourly rates by state and more in 2025. September 24, 2025. Found on the internet at https://www.lawpay.com/about/blog/lawyer-hourly-rate-by-state/