How Much Does Estate Planning Cost?

How much does estate planning cost? With a lawyer, basic Wills run an average of $733. Full plans with trusts can cost over $3,000. What you pay depends on where you live, how complex your estate is, and whether you use DIY tools, an online service, or hire a lawyer.

Here's what matters most: NOT planning costs way more than planning. Even with an estate plan, your family may go through probate, a court process that could cost 4-5% of your estate's total value. On a $500,000 estate, that's $20,000 to $25,000 in fees, plus months or years of delays. A good estate plan costs a few thousand dollars at most and could save your family all of that.

According to Caring.com, an estimated 76% of Americans die without a Will. If cost is a factor for you, the good news is that affordable options exist. This guide explains what you'll pay, what drives those costs, and how to get professional help without breaking the bank.

You can avoid many of these high estate planning fees with a LegalShield monthly subscription.

Estate planning cost breakdown

There are several general instruments that lawyers recommend for many clients. Here's a simple definition and explanation of what each estate planning document does.

Last Will and Testament

Average cost: $735

A Will directs how your assets get distributed after you die, names an executor to manage your estate, and designates guardians for minor children. Your cost is dependent on the complexity.

Healthcare Power of Attorney 

Average cost: $185

A healthcare Power of Attorney tells doctors and family what medical treatments you want if you can't speak for yourself. The document covers things like life support, resuscitation, and end-of-life care.

Revocable living trust

Average cost: $2,500

A revocable living trust holds your assets while you're alive and transfers them to your beneficiaries when you die — all without going through probate. Setting up a trust is more complex (and expensive) than a simple Will, but it can save your family thousands in probate costs if you have a larger estate.

LegalShield can help: Get started preparing your Last Will and Testament with a lawyer (some plan options include annual reviews and updates).

For a closer look at each essential estate planning document and when you might need it, our estate planning documents guide walks through each one in detail.

Typical estate planning legal costs

There are three main pricing models that may help determine the cost of estate planning:

Hourly fees

You pay for every minute of the lawyer's time: calls, emails, drafting, revisions, everything. Rates run $200 to $500 per hour in most places, depending on your location. Also, the more complex your planning is, such as if you have businesses, a blended family, or dependents who have special needs, the higher the cost.

The problem? Costs are unpredictable. What seems like a simple Will and Power of Attorney can turn into several hours of work once you count consultations, revisions, and follow-up questions. Many people avoid calling their lawyer because every conversation costs money, which means important questions don't get answered.

Flat fees

You pay one set price upfront. No surprises. Many lawyers offer packages with the estate planning documents that are best for you. You know what you'll pay before you start, and you can ask questions without worrying about the bill.

Subscription model

LegalShield works differently. Instead of paying per document or per hour, you pay a low monthly fee. You get ongoing access to licensed lawyers in your state, and the cost stays the same regardless of where you live.

Some subscription-based plans may also offer access to annual reviews and updates, providing you with the services you need to keep your estate plan updated due to family and probate or tax law changes.

What's included: 

• Lawyer-drafted Wills, Living Wills, and Powers of Attorney
• Services for other legal issues (contracts, disputes, etc.)

The math: A traditional lawyer charges over $3,000 for similar documents. LegalShield memberships are significantly less than that per year — and you get ongoing legal support for other areas as well, not just one-time documents.

Which approach to estate planning is right for you?

You know what estate planning costs. Now decide how you want to handle it.

Traditional lawyer

Hiring a traditional lawyer means full-service help: consultation, custom documents, review meetings, and final signing. Everything is tailored to your exact situation.

• Pros: Professional guidance, legally sound documents, and comprehensive review.‍
• Cons: Potentially high and sometimes unknown costs.

LegalShield

LegalShield's low monthly membership includes lawyer-drafted Wills, Living Wills, and Powers of Attorney prepared by a licensed lawyer in your state. Some enhanced plans include an annual review with updates, and memberships cover unlimited legal consultations on any personal legal issue, not just estate planning.

Compared with a traditional lawyer package that costs $1,500 to $2,500, many members save thousands in year one alone. For most, it's the option that makes professional estate planning accessible and keeps it current without a new bill every time life takes a turn.

Plan for your future with LegalShield

Now you know why having a Will matters and how much estate planning can cost. Here's the reality: estate planning isn't one-and-done. Life changes. You have kids, move to a new state, get divorced, and inherit money. Each time, you should review your estate plan. With a traditional lawyer, that means a new bill every time — $200, $500, even $1,000+ for major updates.

LegalShield works differently. You pay a low monthly fee and get ongoing access to licensed lawyers who can review your beneficiary designations or answer quick questions — all included. No hourly bills. No surprise invoices. Just the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have professional legal support whenever life throws you a curveball. Explore LegalShield's personal legal plans and see how affordable it is to help protect your family for the long term.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a simple estate plan cost?

A simple estate plan usually includes a Will, Power of Attorney, and healthcare directive, and can cost around $3,000 when hiring a lawyer traditionally. LegalShield members get all three documents included in their membership, starting at around $30 per month.

What factors most affect estate planning costs?

Location and estate complexity have the biggest impact on what you'll pay.

How much does probate cost compared to estate planning?

In almost every situation, what you'll spend on a professionally prepared estate plan is a fraction of the cost of going through the probate process without one. In addition to the months of time involved, probate expenses can run as high as 5% or more of your estate's value.