Estate planning is something many people put off—but it’s one of the most important things you can do to protect your family, property, and peace of mind. If you’re wondering, “How much does estate planning cost?”—you’re not alone.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about estate planning costs, from basic wills to complex trusts. It also explains how to choose between using an attorney or an online tool and offers tips to help you save money. Don’t worry—we’ve made this easy to understand, even if legal terms aren’t your thing.
What Is Estate Planning?
Estate planning is the process of deciding what will happen to your money, property, and other belongings after you pass away. It also includes plans for who will take care of your children or make medical decisions if you can’t.
A complete estate plan may include:
- A will
- A trust
- A power of attorney
- A living will or health care directive
- Guardianship instructions for children
The cost of estate planning depends on which documents you need, how complex your situation is, and whether you hire a lawyer or use an online service.
Average Estate Planning Costs
Here’s a general overview of what you might expect to pay for the most common estate planning documents. Prices vary depending on where you live, the complexity of your estate, and whether you use an attorney or an online service.
- Basic Will
- Cost with an attorney: $300 to $1,000
- Cost with online software: $50 to $200
A basic will is the foundation of most estate plans. It outlines who inherits your belongings, names guardians for minor children, and can include simple instructions for handling your estate. If your financial situation is straightforward, a basic will may be all you need. Hiring an attorney gives you legal advice and peace of mind, while online tools are more budget-friendly but offer less customization.
- Trust (Revocable Living Trust)
- Cost with an attorney: $1,000 to $3,000+
- Cost with online software: $100 to $500
A revocable living trust allows your assets to be managed during your lifetime and passed on without going through probate. It’s more flexible and private than a will but also more complex. Many people choose a trust to save their families time, court fees, and stress later. An attorney can tailor your trust to your specific needs, especially if you have real estate, a blended family, or special care requirements.
- Power of Attorney (POA)
- Cost with an attorney: $100 to $300
- Cost with online software: Often included in will or trust packages
A power of attorney lets you name someone you trust to handle your financial matters if you become unable to do so. This document is important for avoiding delays and legal battles during a health emergency. Many estate planning bundles include a POA, especially when using online platforms.
- Living Will / Health Care Directive
- Cost with an attorney: $100 to $300
- Cost with online software: Often included
This document, also called an advance directive, outlines your medical care preferences if you’re seriously ill or unconscious. It may include instructions about life support, pain management, and organ donation. Having this document can help your family avoid difficult decisions during emotional times and ensures your wishes are followed.
What Factors Affect the Cost of Estate Planning?
Estate planning is not one-size-fits-all. Several things can affect how much you pay:
1. Your Family and Financial Situation
- If you’re single with few assets, it’s simpler—and cheaper.
- If you’re married, have kids, own a business, or have property in multiple states, expect higher costs.
2. Attorney vs. Online Tools
- Lawyers offer personal advice and create customized documents, but they charge more.
- Online tools are cheaper and fast but may not work well for complex situations.
3. Your State
Some states have higher legal fees than others. For example, estate planning in California or New York may cost more than in states like Kansas or Iowa.
4. Flat Fee vs. Hourly Rate
- Flat fees are common for wills and trusts. You know the cost upfront.
- Hourly fees (usually $150–$500/hour) apply if your plan is complicated or needs updates.
When to Use an Attorney
While online estate planning tools work well for straightforward situations, there are times when hiring an experienced attorney is the smarter, safer choice. Legal help can ensure your plan is accurate, complete, and built to handle complex situations.
When an Attorney Is the Better Option:
- You have a blended family (stepchildren or a remarriage): Estate planning becomes more complicated when you want to provide for a current spouse and children from a previous relationship. An attorney can help you create a plan that’s fair and legally sound.
- You own a small business: A lawyer can assist with business succession planning and ensure your business assets are protected and properly passed on to partners or heirs.
- You want to set up a special needs trust: These trusts must be structured carefully to ensure the beneficiary doesn’t lose access to government benefits. A qualified attorney can help you avoid disqualifying your loved one from essential support.
- You own real estate in multiple states: Property in different states may require separate probate proceedings. A lawyer can help you create a plan that avoids this through trusts or other strategies.
- You expect a family member to contest the will: If there’s likely to be tension or disagreement, a properly drafted and witnessed estate plan can help avoid court battles. An attorney can create stronger legal protections that hold up in court.
- You want help minimizing estate taxes: For high-value estates, legal advice can help you take advantage of tax exemptions, charitable giving strategies, and other tools to reduce the amount owed in estate taxes.
In all of these cases, the cost of hiring a lawyer is often worth the peace of mind and long-term savings. They can spot potential problems, explain your options clearly, and tailor your estate plan to fit your exact needs.
When Online Tools Are Enough
Online estate planning software can be a convenient and affordable option—especially if your needs are straightforward. These tools walk you through the basics and help you create legally valid documents without needing a lawyer.
Online Tools May Be Right for You If:
- You’re single or married with a simple estate: If your assets are limited to a home, savings, and a few retirement accounts, online software can help you create a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive with ease.
- You don’t own a business or complex assets: Without complications like business ownership, trusts, or property in multiple states, you likely don’t need a custom legal strategy.
- You want to save money and get started quickly: Many tools offer affordable pricing and easy-to-use templates that guide you through the process in just a few hours.
Popular Online Estate Planning Tools:
- Trust & Will – Modern and user-friendly with packages that include wills, trusts, and guardianship forms.
- LegalZoom – Offers a wide range of legal documents and optional attorney support.
- Quicken WillMaker – One of the oldest and most trusted tools for simple wills and powers of attorney.
- FreeWill – A basic tool that allows you to make a simple will at no cost, often through charitable partnerships.
If your life circumstances are simple, online tools can help you take the first important step in estate planning—without the legal bill.
Additional Costs to Consider
Estate planning doesn’t end once you draft your documents. There may be other costs to keep in mind:
- Document notarization: $10 to $50
- Filing fees: Varies by state
- Updating documents: You may need to update your plan after major life changes like divorce, remarriage, or a new child. Some lawyers include one free update; others charge by the hour.
- Trust funding: If you create a trust, you’ll need to move your assets into it. This can involve extra steps or legal fees.
How to Save on Estate Planning Costs
You don’t have to spend a fortune to get a good estate plan. Here are a few tips to save money:
- Bundle documents: Many lawyers and websites offer packages that include all key documents at a discount.
- Shop around: Get quotes from a few local attorneys before choosing one.
- Use hybrid services: Some platforms offer lawyer-reviewed documents for less than hiring a lawyer from scratch.
- Do your prep: Gather your financial info, list of assets, and family details before your appointment. This saves time and money.
- Ask about payment plans: Some law offices offer installment options.
Is Estate Planning Worth the Cost?
Absolutely. Not having an estate plan can create serious problems for your family:
- The state decides who gets your stuff
- Probate court can be slow and expensive
- Loved ones may argue over your wishes
- You have no say in who raises your children
- You miss out on ways to protect your money and lower taxes
Even if your estate is small, a good plan provides peace of mind and makes life easier for your family.
How Often Should You Update Your Estate Plan?
Estate plans aren’t “set and forget.” Review your plan every 3–5 years or when major life changes happen:
- Marriage or divorce
- Birth of a child or grandchild
- Big changes in wealth
- A move to another state
- Death of a beneficiary or executor
Keeping your plan updated ensures it reflects your current wishes and protects your family effectively.
Final Thoughts
So, how much does estate planning cost? The answer depends on your needs. You might spend as little as $100 using online tools—or several thousand dollars if you have complex finances and work with an attorney.
While the price can vary, one thing’s clear: having a plan is better than having none. Whether you choose a lawyer or an online service, take the first step today. It could save your loved ones time, stress, and money down the line.
