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Will & Estate Planning Cost Estimator

Compare attorney and DIY cost ranges for wills, powers of attorney, and living trusts.

Plan type

Choose a plan type and click Calculate to compare both routes.

How to use

Choose the plan type that matches what you are considering.
Click Calculate to see the general attorney range and the general DIY range side by side.
Remember that notarization, recording, and witness requirements vary by state and may add cost.

Worked example

Inputs: plan type will + power of attorney.

Result: attorney route $500 – $1,500; DIY route $0 – $250. The DIY range covers templates, software, or forms plus possible notarization costs; the attorney range reflects professional drafting and review, which varies with location and complexity.

A simple will states how assets should be distributed and can name guardians for minor children. A power of attorney names someone to act on financial or legal matters if you cannot. A living trust is a separate arrangement that holds assets for beneficiaries and can involve more drafting, funding steps, and ongoing administration than a will alone.

How attorney fees work

Most lawyers charge in one of four ways. An hourly fee means you pay for each hour (or fraction of an hour) the lawyer works on your matter. A flat fee is a single fixed price for a defined task, such as drafting a simple document. A contingency fee is a percentage of the amount recovered in a case; if nothing is recovered, the fee arrangement may still leave you responsible for court costs and other expenses, depending on the agreement. A retainer is an advance payment, often held in a trust account and drawn against as work is done; it is not always the total cost, and unused amounts may be refundable under the terms of the agreement.

Fee structures vary by lawyer, location, and type of matter. Some states restrict contingency fees for certain kinds of cases, and some matters are not handled on contingency at all. Always read the written fee agreement before signing it.

What to ask a lawyer before hiring

Which fee structure applies to my matter, and what exactly does it cover?
What costs are separate from the fee, such as filing fees, expert fees, copies, postage, or travel?
How often will I receive an itemized bill, and how are hours rounded and recorded?
What happens to any retainer or advance payment if the work ends early?
Who else will work on my matter, and what are their rates?
How will you keep me updated, and how quickly should I expect replies?

What drives costs up or down

Costs tend to rise with complexity, the number of parties involved, disputed facts, extensive documents or discovery, court appearances, expert witnesses, and a longer timeline. Costs tend to be lower when the matter is routine, the facts are clear, documents are organized, communication is efficient, and the scope is agreed in writing at the start. Getting a clear written scope and a realistic estimate, and asking for updates when the scope changes, helps avoid surprises.

This page provides GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY and is NOT legal advice; it does not create an attorney-client relationship; consult a licensed attorney in your state for advice about your situation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between a will and a living trust?

A will generally takes effect after death and goes through probate, a court process. A living trust can hold assets during life and pass them to beneficiaries without probate for those assets, but it usually costs more to set up and must be funded correctly to work as intended.

What does a power of attorney do?

It authorizes a trusted person to act on your behalf for financial or legal matters. The scope and duration depend on the document and state law, so the wording matters.

When might DIY documents be riskier?

DIY forms can be a poor fit for complex estates, blended families, property in several states, business ownership, or special-needs planning. In those cases, errors in wording or execution can create problems later.

Do estate documents need witnesses or notarization?

Requirements vary by state and document type. Some documents need witnesses, notarization, or both to be valid, so check your state's rules or have documents reviewed before signing.

How often should estate plans be updated?

Major life events — marriage, divorce, births, deaths, property purchases, or moving to another state — are common reasons to review a plan. Even without such events, a periodic review keeps documents aligned with current wishes and law.

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