Estate Planning Attorney Fees: What to Expect

Estate planning attorneys typically charge in one of three ways: flat fees for standard documents, hourly rates for complex planning, or a combination. Flat fee pricing is most common for standard estate plans: simple will $300–$700, will with trust $1,500–$3,500, full estate plan (trust, will, POA, HCPOA) $2,500–$5,000. Hourly rates range from $150–$400/hour depending on location and attorney experience. Complex matters — business succession planning, special needs trusts, Medicaid planning, or multi-state property — are often billed hourly. When comparing attorneys, ask: Do you charge a flat fee or hourly? What is included in the flat fee? Are amendments included? What is your experience with [your specific situation]? Online estate planning services offer significant cost savings for simple estates: Trust & Will ($199 for a will, $399 for a trust), LegalZoom ($279–$599), and Fabric ($89 for a will). These services are appropriate for straightforward situations but may miss nuances that a qualified attorney would catch. The American Bar Association recommends consulting an attorney for estates over $500,000, blended families, business owners, and anyone with minor children or special needs dependents.