How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Charge?

There is no set fee for the services of an estate planning lawyer. Sometimes, an attorney will only charge a flat rate for a basic package that includes 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 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. 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.

In addition to hourly rates, an estate planning lawyer may offer a flat fee. These flat fees are advantageous because they give clients certainty. 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.

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 may cover all costs associated with creating an estate plan. Retainers can be half or more of the original cost. Free consultations are offered by some firms.

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. 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. A flat fee is usually cheaper than an hourly rate, but the more experience the lawyer has, the more likely he'll charge. 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.