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A will is a one-time document expense, but the real cost hits your heirs at probate. See upfront fees from attorneys, online services, and DIY options alongside the 3-8% probate costs your estate will owe.
Will costs range from under $100 for basic online services to several hundred dollars when working with an attorney. However, the true cost includes probate fees your heirs will pay, which typically add 3-8% of your estate value.
Probate costs include attorney fees, executor fees, court filing fees, bond premiums, publication costs, and potentially appraiser fees. These typically total 3-8% of your estate value and are paid before your heirs receive their inheritance.
For smaller estates, a will may be more affordable upfront. For estates over $100,000, a trust often saves money overall by avoiding probate. Use our Trust vs. Will comparison to see which is right for your situation, or compare trust costs with our Trust Cost Calculator.
Document costs vary by provider type (online vs attorney) and complexity. Probate costs vary by state - some states have statutory fee schedules while others allow reasonable hourly billing.
No. All wills must go through probate court to be validated and executed. Only a living trust can avoid probate. However, some states have simplified probate for smaller estates. Use our Do I Need a Trust? tool to see if a trust makes sense for your situation.
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