2025 Estate Planning Cost Guide
📜 How Much Does Estate Planning Cost?
Estate planning costs in 2025. Simple will $89–$200 online, full trust package $600–$2,000 online, attorney-drafted trust $2,000–$8,000+. What you actually need.
✓ Official Sources
AmericanBar.orgNOLO.comLegalZoom pricing dataTrust & Will pricing dataForbes Advisor
Estate planning costs vary dramatically based on complexity and whether you use online software or an estate attorney. A simple will can be created online for $89–$200. A full revocable living trust package (will + trust + power of attorney + healthcare directive) runs $600–$2,000 online vs $2,000–$8,000+ through an estate attorney. The right choice depends on the size and complexity of your estate.
| Service Level |
Low End |
High End |
Notes |
| Simple Will (Online, DIY) |
$0 |
$100 |
FreeWill (free), Tomorrow (free basic), Willing ($69). Valid in all US states when properly signed and witnessed |
| Will + POA + Healthcare Directive (Online) |
$89 |
$200 |
Trust & Will Individual: $159. LegalZoom Estate Plan: $179. Includes all essential documents |
| Revocable Living Trust Package (Online) |
$399 |
$799 |
Trust & Will Trust: $599. LegalZoom Living Trust: $279+. Includes trust, will, POA, healthcare directive |
| Attorney-Drafted Simple Will + POA |
$300 |
$1,000 |
Typical attorney hourly rate: $200–$500/hr. Simple estate plan takes 2–4 hours |
| Attorney-Drafted Living Trust Package |
$1,500 |
$5,000 |
Varies by state and attorney; includes trustee instructions, asset schedule, and funding guidance |
| Complex Estate Planning (Tax Planning) |
$5,000 |
$15,000+ |
QTIP trusts, AB trusts, irrevocable trusts, estate tax mitigation for estates over $13M (2024 exemption) |
💡 Expert Tips
- 📌 Everyone over 18 with any assets or dependents should have at minimum a will and healthcare directive. The cost of dying intestate (without a will) in probate courts far exceeds the $89–$200 cost of an online will.
- 📌 Use a living trust if you: own real estate in multiple states, have a blended family, want to avoid probate, or have assets over $150,000.
- 📌 Online services (Trust & Will, LegalZoom) are legally valid but don't provide personalized advice. Use an attorney if you have a business, significant assets, or complex family situation.
- 📌 Once created, update your estate plan every 3–5 years or after major life events (marriage, divorce, new child, significant asset change).
Top Vendors in This Category
Trust & Will
$159 will / $599 trust
Best overall online estate planning
Visit site ↗
Disclaimer: All pricing ranges are estimates based on data sourced from AmericanBar.org, NOLO.com, LegalZoom pricing data, Trust & Will pricing data, Forbes Advisor as of 2025. Actual costs vary significantly based on individual circumstances, location, complexity, and provider. This is not financial, legal, or tax advice. FinanceStackHub does not guarantee the accuracy of these figures. Always obtain multiple quotes and conduct your own due diligence.