Wills & Trusts Fee Calculator
Estimate the cost of creating wills and trusts with legal assistance.
Estimate common estate planning costs based on your planning needs.
Estimate the cost of creating wills and trusts with legal assistance.
Estimate probate-related costs involved in settling an estate.
Review essential steps involved in basic estate planning.
Estimate expenses involved in settling and distributing an estate.
Navigating estate planning can feel overwhelming—especially when trying to understand the potential costs involved. Whether you’re creating a basic will, setting up a trust, or preparing for probate, knowing what factors influence expenses can help you plan more effectively. This guide breaks down the key components of estate planning costs, how they vary across the US, and what to consider when estimating your own expenses.
Estate planning costs aren’t one-size-fits-all. Several variables impact how much you might spend, and understanding these can help you avoid surprises down the line:
Geographic Location: State laws and local attorney rates play a huge role. For example, legal fees for trust creation in California tend to be higher than in Texas, while probate court fees in New York differ significantly from those in Florida.
Complexity of Your Estate: A simple will for a small estate with few assets will cost less than a comprehensive plan that includes multiple trusts, tax planning, or guardianship arrangements for minor children.
Professional Support: Working with a specialized estate planning attorney vs. using online templates changes costs—attorneys bring expertise but charge hourly or flat fees, while DIY options are cheaper but may lack customization.
Probate Requirements: Some states have streamlined probate processes for small estates, which reduces costs, while others require extensive court involvement for even modest assets.
Below is a breakdown of typical cost ranges for core estate planning components, based on national averages and state-level trends:
A basic last will and testament typically falls in the $150–$300 range for simple cases, though this can rise to $500+ if your estate has unique considerations (like blended families or out-of-state property). Revocable living trusts—often used to avoid probate—are more expensive, with national averages ranging from $1,000 to $3,000. The gap stems from the additional legal work needed to fund the trust and align it with your asset ownership.
Flat fees are common for standard wills or trusts, but hourly rates (which range from $200 to $500+ across the US) may apply for complex revisions or custom structures.
Probate costs cover court filing fees, executor fees, appraisal fees, and legal representation. For small estates (under $100,000), probate expenses might total $1,000–$3,000. For larger estates, costs can climb to 1–5% of the estate’s total value—this includes statutory fees for executors (which many states set as a percentage of assets) and attorney fees for guiding the process.
Some states offer "small estate affidavits" that bypass full probate, cutting costs significantly for eligible estates.
Settling an estate goes beyond probate—it includes funeral expenses, debt repayment, tax filing fees, and asset distribution costs. Funeral expenses alone can range from $5,000 to $10,000, while tax preparation (for estate or inheritance taxes) may cost $500–$2,000 depending on complexity. Other expenses include property appraisals ($300–$800 per asset) and cleaning/repair fees for real estate left in the estate.
Important Consideration: Each state has its own probate code, attorney fee guidelines, and filing requirements. For example:
States like California and New York have higher attorney hourly rates (often $350–$500) for estate planning, while Midwestern states like Iowa or Nebraska average $200–$300 per hour.
Probate court fees in high-cost states (e.g., Massachusetts, Connecticut) can be $400–$800, compared to $150–$300 in lower-cost states like Alabama or Mississippi.
Some states (e.g., Texas, Florida) have homestead exemptions that reduce probate costs for primary residences, while others do not.
To get a more accurate sense of what you might spend, consider asking the following when evaluating professional services:
Are fees quoted as flat rates (for specific services like will creation) or hourly? If hourly, what is the estimated number of hours?
What is included in the fee (e.g., revisions, asset reviews, or court appearance for probate)?
Are there additional costs for filing documents with the court or appraising assets?
How do state-specific rules apply to your estate (e.g., inheritance taxes, probate thresholds)?
Ultimately, the goal of understanding estate planning costs is to make informed decisions about how to protect your assets and loved ones. Taking the time to assess your unique situation—including the size of your estate, your state of residence, and your long-term goals—can help you prioritize where to allocate resources.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Estate planning laws and costs vary widely by jurisdiction and individual circumstances. No portion of this content should be construed as a recommendation or endorsement of any specific legal strategy, service, or professional. Always consult with qualified legal, financial, or tax professionals familiar with the laws of your state before making decisions related to estate planning. The cost estimates provided are based on national averages and do not reflect exact costs for any specific case or location.