How Much Does a Will Cost in New York?

An attorney-prepared will in New York runs $1,344 to $2,688, against $0 to $299 up front with an online service, and probate on a $500,000 estate adds about $35,992.

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General information about what estate planning costs. Cost figures are each provider's published pricing. Pricing verified Jul 1, 2026

A will in New York costs what the provider charges. An online service runs $0 to $299 up front. An attorney in New York charges around $448 an hour for wills and estates work, which puts a simple will at $1,344 to $2,688. The document is only part of the cost: probate adds about $35,992 on a $500,000 estate in fees the heirs pay later.

Probate in New York costs about $35,992 on a $500,000 estate: attorney fees of typically 2.5% to 4% of the estate, plus executor fees, the court filing fee and publication. The estate pays those costs before anything transfers to the beneficiaries. The New York probate calculator estimates them for a given estate.

No. A will does not avoid probate in New York; probate is the court process that proves the will, pays the debts and distributes the assets. In New York, estates with personal property of $50,000 or less use the Voluntary Administration, a court filing short of full probate. A revocable living trust transfers assets to the beneficiaries without probate at any estate size.

An online will service costs $0 to $299 up front against $1,344 to $2,688 for an attorney in New York. Either way the will goes through the same probate. The lifetime figure turns on the subscription, the amendment charges and the probate expenses the heirs pay at the end.

A marriage, a divorce or a new child means updating the will. Some online providers require a new document. An attorney amendment in New York costs $425 to $850 for a minor change and $1,700 to $3,400 for a major restructuring.

Will Costs in New York

A will in New York costs $1,344 to $2,688 through an attorney, or less up front through an online service. However, the document cost is only the beginning. The will still goes through probate, adding about $35,992 on a $500,000 estate in court costs, attorney fees, and executor compensation that heirs must pay.

Probate in New York lasts 7 months to 9 months for straightforward cases, with attorney fees that are reasonable compensation. Small estates under $50,000 may use abbreviated procedures. The New York probate costs page carries the detailed fee breakdown.

For a will to be accepted during New York probate, it must meet the state's execution requirements, including witness and notary rules. Failing to meet these requirements can invalidate the document entirely. The New York will signing requirements set out what the state requires.

SimplyTrust Editorial·Updated October 15, 2026

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Data sourced from New York statutes and official state code. How we research.

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Is this your situation?

New Baby or Adoption

Divorce

Moving to a New State

Forms for Planning Your Estate in New York

Last Will and Testament

Healthcare Power of Attorney

Financial Power of Attorney

Transfer on Death Deed

Tools for Planning Your Estate in New York

How Do I Name a Guardian for My Minor Children?

Trust or Will: Which Costs Less?

What Does Estate Planning Actually Cost?

How Much Life Insurance Do I Need?

Are My Beneficiary Designations Protected?

How Do I Sign Estate Documents?

Will My Estate Documents Transfer?

How Much Does Probate Cost?

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