What Does Estate Planning Cost in Washington?

Major life events like marriage, divorce, or having a child often require updating your estate plan. Some providers require purchasing an entirely new plan, while others offer amendments. Attorney amendments in Washington typically cost $1,360 to $2,720 for major changes.

Online services have lower upfront costs ($30-$600) compared to attorneys in Washington (around $340/hour for trusts). However, total lifetime cost depends on subscription fees, amendment charges, and how often life events require updates. This calculator compares the full cost across providers.

Many online estate planning services charge annual subscription fees ranging from $0 to $240/year. These subscriptions may include document access, minor amendments, or attorney consultations depending on the provider and tier.

Trusts cost more upfront than wills but can save money long-term by avoiding probate. In Washington, an attorney-prepared trust typically costs $3,400 to $5,100, while a will costs $1,164 to $2,328. Wills require probate, which adds about $30,624 in costs for heirs on a $500,000 estate. See a detailed breakdown with the Washington trust cost calculator.

Probate on a $500,000 estate in Washington costs about $30,624 — roughly 6% of estate value — including attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and publication costs.RCW 11.62.010 (small estate, $100K, 40-day wait, personal property only; last amended 2008, no CPI escalator, no pending change); RCW 11.40.020 (notice/publication, permissive — "may give notice"; publication once a week for 3 successive weeks if given); RCW 11.40.051 (4-month creditor claims with notice, 24-month bar without); RCW 11.28.185 (bond; waived if will manifests intent, surviving spouse/DP takes entire estate, or bank/trust company; substitute security per RCW 11.130.445); RCW 11.44.015 (inventory within 3 months of appointment, court filing optional); RCW 11.48.210 ("just and reasonable" PR/attorney fees, no statutory percentage); RCW 11.68 / 11.68.011 (nonintervention powers / independent administration); RCW 36.18.020(2)(f) $200 + (5) $40 + (6) $50 = $290 flat filing fee (HB 1207 / 2025 c 357, eff. 7/27/2025). EHB 2445 / 2026 c 204 (eff. 6/11/2026, "ending probates for profit") amends RCW 11.28.185, 11.48.210, 11.68.011 — fee standard and bond waiver exceptions unchanged; adds bond + compensation restrictions for PRs appointed under RCW 11.28.120(3) — re-verified against app.leg.wa.gov 2026-06-10Verified Jul 14, 2026 Estates with a trust can bypass probate entirely, potentially saving heirs thousands of dollars. Estimate probate fees with the Washington probate calculator.