How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Charge?

An estate planning lawyer does not charge a set fee. In some cases, attorneys will only charge a flat fee for a basic package, including a will, trust, and power of attorney. This can change. These services may not be offered by all attorneys. Others may require a retainer to start work. Before signing any contracts, it is best to inquire about the fees.

The fee for an estate planning lawyer is based on the number of documents he or she needs to create an estate plan. In more complicated cases, the fee will be higher due to the amount of time spent with the client. An estate planning attorney may recommend a basic living trust if you require a simpler plan. A lawyer may charge less if you need a more comprehensive plan.

An estate planning lawyer might offer a flat fee in addition to hourly rates. Flat fees offer clients certainty and are advantageous. Some flat fee agreements may include a specific number of meetings or the number of changes to important documents. Some lawyers will charge a flat rate based on the number of documents that you need. Depending on your needs, you may have a flat fee that includes everything you need to create an estate plan.

In some cases, estate planning attorneys charge based on the time they spend drafting your plan. 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. Some attorneys may require a retainer before beginning work. A retainer may cover all costs associated with creating an estate plan. Retainers can be half or more of the original cost. Some firms offer free consultations.

A flat fee is the standard fee for estate planning and administration. An attorney may quote a single price for a simple will and 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.

A flat fee or an hourly rate may be charged by estate planning lawyers. Flat fees are usually less expensive than hourly rates, but the more experience a lawyer has, the higher the fee. A flat fee can be a good option if you don't have a large estate, but an hourly rate can be a good deal for a simple will. However, it will be well worth the extra cost.