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. 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. If you're looking for a more detailed plan, a lawyer can charge a lower hourly rate.

In addition to hourly rates, an estate planning lawyer may offer a flat fee. These flat fees are advantageous because they give clients certainty. Some flat fee agreements may include a specific number of meetings or the number of changes to important documents. Some attorneys will charge a flat fee based on how many of those documents you require. You may be charged a flat fee depending on what you need.

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 can cover the full cost of creating an estate plan. Some retainers are half the cost or more. 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.

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. It will be worth the extra money, though.