Estate Planning Cost Calculator
Estate planning involves creating documents that specify how your assets will be managed and distributed during your lifetime and after your death. A comprehensive estate plan typically includes a will, a revocable living trust (to avoid probate), a durable power of attorney (for financial decisions), and an advance healthcare directive. This calculator estimates attorney fees for these documents based on typical market rates. Costs vary significantly by attorney, geographic market, and the complexity of your situation. All figures are estimates only.
Estimates based on typical attorney fees in mid-size US markets (2024). Costs vary widely by location and attorney. These are estimates only.
Estate planning cost formula
Document Fees = Will Cost + Trust Cost + POA Cost + Healthcare Directive Cost
Deed Costs = Number of Properties * Recording Cost Per Deed
Total = Document Fees + Deed Costs
These estimates reflect typical flat fees charged by estate planning attorneys in mid-size US markets in 2024. Rates in major metropolitan areas (New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco) may be 50% to 100% higher. Solo practitioners and rural attorneys may charge less. Complex estates with business interests, blended families, or special needs beneficiaries require custom pricing.
Core estate planning documents
- Will (Last Will and Testament): directs how your assets are distributed at death and nominates guardians for minor children. Assets passing under a will go through probate.
- Revocable Living Trust: holds assets during your lifetime and passes them to beneficiaries without probate. Can be changed or revoked at any time while you are alive and competent.
- Durable Power of Attorney: authorises an agent to make financial decisions if you are incapacitated. Essential for managing finances without court involvement.
- Advance Healthcare Directive: specifies your medical wishes and designates a healthcare agent. Reduces family conflict and ensures your wishes are known in a medical crisis.
- HIPAA Authorization: allows medical providers to share your health information with designated people.
Estate planning cost calculator: frequently asked questions
How much does a basic will cost?
A simple will prepared by an attorney typically costs $300 to $1,000 depending on complexity and the attorney's hourly rate. Online will-preparation services (which do not provide legal advice) can cost $50 to $200. For married couples with significant assets or complex family situations, the cost can be $1,500 to $3,000 or more.
How much does a revocable living trust cost?
A revocable living trust is more complex than a will and typically costs $1,500 to $5,000 or more for attorney preparation. The trust must also be funded (assets transferred into it), which may involve recording fees for real property. Online services offer trust documents at lower cost but without personalised legal advice.
What is a durable power of attorney?
A durable power of attorney (DPOA) authorises another person (the agent) to make financial decisions on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Durable means it remains in effect even if you lose mental capacity. A healthcare proxy or healthcare power of attorney similarly designates someone to make medical decisions. These documents typically cost $150 to $500 each when prepared by an attorney.
What is an advance healthcare directive?
An advance healthcare directive (also called a living will) specifies your medical wishes if you are unable to communicate them, such as whether you want life-sustaining treatment in a terminal condition. Most states have a statutory form. Attorney preparation typically costs $150 to $350. Many states provide free statutory forms at health department websites.
Do I need to update my estate plan?
Estate plans should be reviewed after major life events: marriage, divorce, birth of a child or grandchild, significant increase or decrease in assets, moving to a different state, or changes in federal estate tax law. Many estate planning attorneys recommend a review every 3 to 5 years even without a triggering event.
Official sources
- IRS, Estate and Gift Tax: IRS Estate Tax overview.
- American Bar Association, Estate Planning: ABA Estate Planning Resources.
Reviewed by the CalculatorHub team, edited by James Graham, 14 June 2026. See our methodology.