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. 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 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. 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 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. The average cost of an estate planning attorney's services is $200 to $5,000. However, this can vary depending on your specific situation. Some attorneys may require a retainer before beginning work. A retainer may cover all costs associated with creating an estate plan. Some retainers are half the cost or more. Some firms offer free consultations.

A flat fee is the standard fee for estate planning and administration. 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. Most lawyers have a flat-fee plan, which means the fee will be the same whether you have a few or many 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. 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.