How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Charge?

There is no set fee for the services of an estate planning lawyer. In some cases, attorneys will only charge a flat fee for a basic package, including a will, trust, and power of attorney. However, this can vary. Some attorneys don't offer these services, and others may ask for a partial retainer before starting work. It's best to ask about the fees before signing any contracts.

The fee for an estate planning lawyer is determined by the number of documents required to create an estate plan. In more complicated cases, the fee will be higher due to the amount of time spent with the client. If you need a more basic plan, an estate planning attorney might recommend a more basic living trust. A lawyer may charge less if you need a more comprehensive plan.

In addition to hourly rates, an estate planning lawyer may offer a flat fee. Flat fees offer clients certainty and are advantageous. Flat fee agreements can include a fixed number of meetings, or the number required to amend important documents. Some attorneys will charge a flat fee based on how many of those documents you require. Depending on your needs, you may have a flat fee that includes everything you need to create an estate plan.

Estate planning attorneys may charge for the time spent drafting your plan in some cases. You should expect to pay anywhere from $200 to $5,000, although this amount could be much more depending on the complexity of your situation. A retainer may be required by some attorneys before they begin work. A retainer can cover the full cost of creating an estate plan. Retainers can be half or more of the original cost. Some firms offer free consultations.

Flat fees are the standard fee for estate administration and planning. An attorney might quote one price for a simple will or a typical probate proceeding. If you hire an estate planning firm, you'll also need to choose a flat-fee option. Flat-fee plans are the norm for most lawyers. This means that the fee will not change if you have multiple questions.

An estate planning lawyer may charge an hourly rate or a flat fee. Flat fees are usually less expensive than hourly rates, but the more experience a lawyer has, the higher the fee. If you have a small estate, a flat fee may be an option. However, an hourly rate is a good choice for simple wills. However, it will be well worth the extra cost.