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Will Cost

How Much Does a Will Cost?

Low: Do-It-Yourself:$10-$60

Medium: $150

High: $600+

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Typical costs:

For those with modest assets and only a few beneficiaries, it's possible to create a basic will without an attorney. Nolo Press gives free advice on when a no-frills will is enough, and sells books ($19-$32) or Quicken WillMaker Plus computer software ($50) to help you do it yourself. A number of online services such as LegalDocs.com provide basic forms for $10-$60, some with minimal assistance or review. However, using a one-size-fits-all form for a large or complicated estate might cause problems if not done correctly.
Low-income folks who want legal guidance may be able to get free or low-cost assistance through their local legal aid group, student-run legal clinic or state bar association; the American Bar Association lists legal resources for each state.
Creating a will can be included in a prepaid legal plan available through your employer, union, credit union or other organization for $70-$400 a year, usually paid in monthly installments for ongoing legal support.
Attorneys' hourly rates range from $60-$300, but many lawyers charge a flat fee for a basic will, according to the American Bar Association. For example, a Maryland attorney charges $150 for a simple will leaving the entire estate to one or more persons, with no specific bequests, trust provisions or US estate planning language; the minimum fee for a complex will is $250, billed at $185/hour. A Seattle attorney charges $600 for a simple will; hourly rates are $225 for the attorney and $115/hour for a paralegal.

What should be included:

Nolo Press lists six steps for making a will; the same decision-making process applies whether you create the document yourself or hire help.
FindLaw.com lists the seven essentials of a valid will and how to be sure your will is legal.
The American Bar Association provides a free 12-chapter online guide to wills and estates (available in book form for $17) which includes information on other options, such as living trusts, living wills and powers of attorney.

Shopping for a will:

If you use a book, kit or online service, be sure it has up-to-date information for your state, since probate laws vary.
Experts advise having a lawyer help draw up a will if you own a business, if your estate is worth more than $1 million or if you expect a challenge to the will from a disgruntled relative or anyone else. Shop around; ask several different attorneys for their fee schedules for wills. Contact your state licensing agency to be sure the attorney is licensed to practice law in your state.
The American Bar Association links to legal resources by state, including free or low-cost legal help, regional bar associations, and referrals to local lawyers.

Article updated January 2007