Creating a will is one of the most common tools people use for estate planning. And one of the most common questions onthis topic is about cost. Specifically, what average attorney fees for establishing wills are. Attorney fees for establishing wills vary widely based on geography, complexity, and the services included. (They also change over time.)
When you hire an attorney to draft a will, you’re paying for a consultation to discuss your goals. You’re also paying for legal guidance to align your wishes with state laws and a tailored will that clearly outlines asset distribution, guardianship, and executors. Sometimes, other essential documents like a durable power of attorney or advance healthcare directive are necessary. This bundled approach determines attorney fees for establishing wills.
On average, the cost of having an attorney prepare a simple will ranges between $300 and $1,200. Basic individual will: $300 to $600. Will with additional documents (e.g., power of attorney): $800 to $1,500. Complex wills (blended families, multiple properties, charitable bequests, etc.): $2,000 or more.
These prices can vary even more depending on where you live. Attorney fees for establishing wills often reflect the local cost of living and demand for legal services. In New York, New York, a straightforward will may start at $800 to $1,200. More complex plans can easily reach $2,500 or more. In Boise, Idaho, a simple will typically runs $300 to $600. Adding extra documents may bring the total closer to $900 or $1,100.
How Average Attorney Fees for Establishing Wills Works
What Makes a Will More Expensive?
Certain factors can increase the cost of attorney fees for establishing wills:
- Blended families: Distributing assets across multiple family branches takes more planning
- Multiple properties: Especially those in different states
- Charitable donations: Requires legal language for nonprofit distributions
- Disinheritance clauses: These must read carefully to minimize challenges
- Guardianship considerations: Especially if naming backups or stipulating conditions
Each of these adds time and complexity, which may push the cost into higher ranges.
How Attorneys Typically Charge You
Attorneys typically charge for wills using one of two models:
Flat Fee:
- Most common for basic or moderately complex wills
- Easier to budget for
- Ranges from $300 to $1,500, depending on location and scope
Hourly Rate:
- Often used for complex wills or those requiring custom estate planning strategies
- Rates range from $150 to $500 per hour
- Final cost depends on how much time it takes to prepare the will
Hourly billing is more common when the will includes provisions for business succession, trusts, or unusual asset structures.
Ways to Reduce Costs
There are a few ways to get the most value out of your attorney’s time and reduce costs:
- Make a list of your assets and liabilities ahead of time
- Decide who will serve as executor and guardian, if applicable
- Think through your distribution preferences
- Get quotes from multiple attorneys and ask what is in their fee
Basically, organizing helps streamline the attorney’s work, which can save you some time and money.