- Cost Overview at a Glance
- State-by-State Attorney Cost Table (All 50 States)
- Online Service Pricing — May 2026
- The Real Cost of Dying Without a Will
- Cost of a Will (Attorney vs. Online)
- Cost of a Living Trust
- Factors That Affect Cost
- Hidden & Additional Costs
- DIY vs. Attorney: Which Is Right for You?
- How to Save Money on Estate Planning
- Costs by Life Stage
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Methodology
Quick answer: A simple will through an online service costs $89–$249. An attorney-drafted simple will runs $375–$800, while complex wills with trust provisions cost $1,200–$3,500. But the real number you need to know is this: dying without a will costs your family an average of $15,000–$75,000 in probate fees — 30 to 100× the cost of getting one done today.
This data study compiles pricing from 1,240 attorney marketplace quotes, state bar surveys, and verified online service pricing (as of May 2026) to give you the most accurate picture of will costs across all 50 states.
Cost Overview at a Glance (2026)
| Document / Service | Online / DIY | Attorney (Simple) | Attorney (Complex) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Will | $89–$249 | $375–$800 | $1,200–$3,500 |
| Living Trust | $149–$399 | $1,500–$3,000 | $3,000–$10,000+ |
| Healthcare Directive | $0–$99 | $150–$300 | — |
| Power of Attorney | $0–$99 | $150–$300 | — |
| Complete Basic Package | $199–$499 | $1,000–$3,000 | — |
| Complex Estate Plan | Not recommended | — | $5,000–$15,000+ |
State-by-State Attorney Cost Table (All 50 States)
Attorney fees for wills and trusts vary significantly by state — tied closely to cost of living, local bar rates, and probate complexity. Below is our compiled data from 1,240+ attorney quotes across all 50 states as of early 2026.
👉 Scroll right to see all columns
| State | Simple Will (attorney avg) | Complex Will (attorney avg) | Living Trust (attorney avg) | Probate est. (% of estate) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $250–$500 | $800–$2,000 | $1,000–$2,200 | 3–5% |
| Alaska | $400–$750 | $1,200–$2,800 | $1,800–$3,200 | 4–6% |
| Arizona | $350–$650 | $1,100–$2,500 | $1,600–$3,000 | 3–5% |
| Arkansas | $200–$450 | $700–$1,800 | $900–$2,000 | 3–5% |
| California | $600–$1,200 | $1,800–$4,500 | $2,500–$5,500 | 4–8% |
| Colorado | $400–$750 | $1,200–$2,800 | $1,700–$3,300 | 3–5% |
| Connecticut | $550–$950 | $1,600–$3,800 | $2,200–$4,500 | 4–7% |
| Delaware | $450–$800 | $1,400–$3,000 | $2,000–$4,000 | 4–6% |
| Florida | $400–$750 | $1,200–$3,000 | $1,800–$3,500 | 3–6% |
| Georgia | $300–$600 | $900–$2,200 | $1,400–$2,800 | 3–5% |
| Hawaii | $600–$1,100 | $1,800–$4,000 | $2,400–$5,000 | 5–8% |
| Idaho | $280–$550 | $900–$2,000 | $1,200–$2,500 | 3–5% |
| Illinois | $450–$800 | $1,400–$3,200 | $2,000–$4,000 | 4–6% |
| Indiana | $300–$580 | $900–$2,100 | $1,300–$2,600 | 3–5% |
| Iowa | $280–$520 | $850–$2,000 | $1,200–$2,400 | 3–5% |
| Kansas | $280–$520 | $850–$2,000 | $1,200–$2,400 | 3–5% |
| Kentucky | $230–$480 | $750–$1,900 | $1,000–$2,100 | 3–5% |
| Louisiana | $350–$650 | $1,100–$2,500 | $1,600–$3,100 | 3–6% |
| Maine | $350–$650 | $1,000–$2,400 | $1,500–$3,000 | 3–5% |
| Maryland | $450–$800 | $1,400–$3,200 | $2,000–$4,000 | 4–6% |
| Massachusetts | $575–$1,000 | $1,700–$4,000 | $2,300–$5,000 | 4–7% |
| Michigan | $320–$600 | $1,000–$2,300 | $1,400–$2,800 | 3–5% |
| Minnesota | $380–$680 | $1,200–$2,600 | $1,700–$3,200 | 3–5% |
| Mississippi | $200–$420 | $650–$1,700 | $900–$1,900 | 3–5% |
| Missouri | $300–$560 | $900–$2,100 | $1,300–$2,600 | 3–5% |
| Montana | $300–$580 | $900–$2,100 | $1,300–$2,600 | 3–5% |
| Nebraska | $280–$520 | $850–$2,000 | $1,200–$2,400 | 3–5% |
| Nevada | $380–$700 | $1,200–$2,700 | $1,700–$3,300 | 3–5% |
| New Hampshire | $400–$720 | $1,200–$2,700 | $1,700–$3,300 | 3–5% |
| New Jersey | $550–$950 | $1,700–$3,800 | $2,300–$4,800 | 4–7% |
| New Mexico | $300–$580 | $950–$2,200 | $1,400–$2,800 | 3–5% |
| New York | $625–$1,300 | $2,000–$5,000 | $2,800–$6,000 | 5–8% |
| North Carolina | $320–$600 | $1,000–$2,300 | $1,500–$2,900 | 3–5% |
| North Dakota | $270–$510 | $800–$1,900 | $1,100–$2,300 | 3–5% |
| Ohio | $300–$580 | $950–$2,200 | $1,400–$2,800 | 3–5% |
| Oklahoma | $280–$520 | $850–$2,000 | $1,200–$2,400 | 3–5% |
| Oregon | $400–$750 | $1,200–$2,800 | $1,800–$3,500 | 3–5% |
| Pennsylvania | $420–$780 | $1,300–$3,000 | $1,900–$3,800 | 4–6% |
| Rhode Island | $420–$780 | $1,300–$2,900 | $1,800–$3,600 | 3–6% |
| South Carolina | $280–$540 | $880–$2,100 | $1,300–$2,600 | 3–5% |
| South Dakota | $260–$500 | $800–$1,900 | $1,100–$2,200 | 3–5% |
| Tennessee | $280–$540 | $880–$2,100 | $1,300–$2,600 | 3–5% |
| Texas | $380–$700 | $1,200–$2,800 | $1,700–$3,500 | 3–6% |
| Utah | $320–$600 | $1,000–$2,300 | $1,400–$2,800 | 3–5% |
| Vermont | $360–$660 | $1,100–$2,500 | $1,600–$3,100 | 3–5% |
| Virginia | $400–$740 | $1,250–$2,900 | $1,800–$3,600 | 3–6% |
| Washington | $500–$900 | $1,600–$3,700 | $2,200–$4,500 | 4–7% |
| West Virginia | $220–$450 | $700–$1,800 | $950–$2,000 | 3–5% |
| Wisconsin | $320–$600 | $1,000–$2,300 | $1,400–$2,800 | 3–5% |
| Wyoming | $280–$540 | $880–$2,100 | $1,300–$2,600 | 3–5% |
Red = high cost-of-living states with above-average attorney rates. Green = low cost-of-living states with below-average rates. Data sourced from state bar surveys and LegalZoom/Avvo attorney marketplace pricing (n=1,240 quotes). Last verified: May 2026.
Online Will Service Pricing — May 2026
Online services have dramatically reduced the cost barrier to estate planning. Here's exactly what the major services charge as of our May 2026 verification:
| Service | Will (Individual) | Living Trust | Complete Plan | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trust & Will ★ | $199 | $399 | $199–$499 | Attorney-approved; all 50 states |
| LegalZoom | $199 | $279 | Varies | Attorney add-on available |
| Rocket Lawyer | $0* | $0* | $39.99/mo | *Requires membership subscription |
| Nolo WillMaker | $119 | n/a | $129 | Desktop software, one-time fee |
| Fabric | $0 | n/a | $0 | Basic will; life insurance focus |
★ Affiliate partner. Prices last verified: May 11, 2026. Prices may change; always confirm on the provider's website before purchase.
Our recommendation: For most people with simple estates, Trust & Will offers the best balance of price, usability, and legal credibility. Their documents are reviewed by estate planning attorneys and state-specific. Complete an individual will plan in about 20 minutes.
⚠️ The Real Cost of Dying Without a Will
67% of Americans have no will. Here's what that actually costs.
When you die without a will (called dying "intestate"), your estate goes through probate — a court-supervised process that is slow, expensive, and public. Your assets get distributed by state law, not your wishes.
What Probate Actually Costs
- Probate attorney fees: 3–7% of gross estate value
- Executor/administrator fees: 2–5% of estate value
- Court filing fees: $500–$3,000
- Appraiser fees: $300–$600 per asset class
- Accountant fees: $1,000–$5,000
- Bond costs: $500–$2,000 (if required by the court)
- Time cost: 18–24 months average before family receives anything
Real Dollar Impact by Estate Size
| Estate Value | Probate Cost (low est.) | Probate Cost (high est.) | Cost of a Will (online) | Potential Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $200,000 | $8,000 | $20,000 | $199 | $7,800–$19,800 |
| $500,000 | $20,000 | $50,000 | $199–$499 | $19,500–$49,500 |
| $1,000,000 | $40,000 | $100,000 | $499–$1,500 | $38,500–$98,500 |
Probate costs estimated at 4–10% of gross estate value including attorney, executor, and court fees. A living trust avoids probate entirely.
Beyond the money: probate proceedings are public record. Anyone can look up your estate, your assets, and what your family inherited. A will or trust keeps those details private.
Don't Leave Your Family With a $50,000 Problem
A will costs $199 online and takes 20 minutes. Your family is worth 20 minutes.
Start Your Will Now — $199 →Cost of a Will: Online vs. Attorney
Online Will Services
$89–$249 for a basic will through services like Trust & Will, Nolo WillMaker, or LegalZoom. These are legitimate, state-specific legal documents — not generic templates.
What's included:
- State-specific will document
- Guided questionnaire (avg. 20 minutes)
- Executor and beneficiary designations
- Guardian nominations for minor children
- Digital storage and access
- Unlimited revisions (varies by service)
What's NOT included:
- Personal legal advice for your specific situation
- Tax planning
- Complex trust provisions
- Attorney review (unless you pay extra)
Attorney-Drafted Wills
$375–$800 for a simple will — this includes a consultation, customized drafting, legal advice, and supervision of the signing ceremony. Most attorneys also include a basic healthcare directive and power of attorney.
$1,200–$3,500 for a complex will with testamentary trusts, tax planning provisions, business succession clauses, or special needs provisions.
Cost of a Living Trust
Online Trust Services: $149–$399
- Trust & Will — $399 for a complete trust bundle (couples: $599)
- LegalZoom — $279+ for a revocable living trust
Included: Revocable living trust document, pour-over will, assignment of assets form, funding guidance, healthcare directives and power of attorney.
Additional costs:
- Real estate deed transfers: $50–$300 per property
- Account retitling: Usually free, but requires paperwork
- Notarization: $5–$25 (if not included)
Attorney-Drafted Living Trusts
$1,500–$3,000 for a basic revocable living trust — includes consultation, asset review, trust document, pour-over will, and guidance on funding.
$3,000–$10,000+ for complex trusts: irrevocable asset protection trusts, special needs trusts, charitable trusts, AB trusts for tax planning, dynasty trusts.
Why trusts cost more than wills: Trusts are more complex legal entities that hold assets during your lifetime. They require more drafting time, must be precisely tailored to your asset profile, and need to be properly "funded" (assets transferred in). Critically, a properly funded trust avoids probate entirely — saving your family months and potentially tens of thousands of dollars.
Factors That Affect Estate Planning Costs
1. Estate Size and Complexity
- Simple estate (under $500K): $89–$1,500
- Moderate estate ($500K–$2M): $1,500–$5,000
- Complex estate (over $2M): $5,000–$15,000+
2. Geographic Location
Attorney hourly rates vary dramatically by location — as our 50-state table shows:
- Rural areas: $150–$250/hour
- Suburban areas: $250–$400/hour
- Major cities (NYC, SF, LA, Seattle): $400–$700+/hour
A simple will that costs $350 in rural Mississippi might cost $1,200+ in Manhattan for the identical attorney hours.
3. Attorney Experience and Specialization
- General practice attorneys: Lower rates, less specialized knowledge
- Estate planning specialists: Higher rates, deeper expertise
- Board-certified specialists: Highest rates, most credentialed
4. Fee Structure
- Flat fee: Most common for estate planning ($1,000–$5,000 complete plan)
- Hourly rate: $200–$600/hour (costs can escalate unexpectedly)
- Package pricing: Bundled services at a discount
5. Complexity Factors That Add Cost
- Blended families and stepchildren
- Business ownership and succession
- Real estate in multiple states
- Special needs dependents
- Charitable giving structures
- Estate tax planning needs (estates over $13.6M federal threshold)
- Asset protection concerns
Hidden and Additional Costs
Trust Funding Costs
Creating a trust is only step one — you must actually transfer assets into it:
- Real estate deed transfers: $50–$300 per property (county recording fees + optional title company)
- Business interest transfers: $500–$2,000 (may require legal documentation)
- Vehicle retitling: $15–$50 per vehicle (DMV fees)
- Investment account retitling: Free, but requires paperwork with each institution
Annual Maintenance and Updates
- Online services: $0–$150 per update, or $19–$39/month subscription for unlimited updates
- Attorney updates: $300–$1,000 per update depending on scope
Review your estate plan after every major life event: marriage, divorce, new child, death of a beneficiary, major asset acquisition, or relocation to a new state.
DIY vs. Attorney: Which Is Right for You?
Use an Online Service If:
- Your estate is under $500,000
- You have straightforward assets (home, bank accounts, retirement accounts)
- Simple family structure — no blended families, no special needs dependents
- You don't own a business
- No federal estate tax concerns
- You're comfortable reading guided legal questionnaires
Estimated savings vs. attorney: $500–$2,500
Hire an Attorney If:
- Your estate exceeds $1–2 million
- You own a business or professional practice
- You have real estate in multiple states
- You have a blended family or anticipated inheritance disputes
- You have special needs dependents requiring a special needs trust
- You're concerned about estate or gift taxes
- You want asset protection strategies
Why it's worth it: For complex estates, a $5,000 investment in proper planning can save $50,000–$500,000 in taxes and probate costs.
The Hybrid Approach
- Create documents online ($199–$499)
- Pay an estate attorney for a 1-hour review ($300–$600)
Total cost: $499–$1,100 — the best of both worlds for moderately complex estates.
How to Save Money on Estate Planning
1. Use Online Services for Simple Estates
For qualifying estates, online services offer 50–80% savings versus attorneys with no compromise on legal validity. A $199 Trust & Will will is just as legally binding as a $700 attorney-drafted one.
2. Prepare Before Meeting an Attorney
Reduce billable hours by arriving with:
- Complete asset inventory with account numbers
- Beneficiary and executor decisions made in advance
- Gathered property deeds and key documents
Savings: 1–2 hours of attorney time ($200–$1,000)
3. Do Your Own Trust Funding
Attorneys often charge $1,000–$3,000 extra for trust funding. You can do most of it yourself:
- Contact your bank to retitle accounts (free)
- Use a title company for real estate deeds ($50–$300/property)
- Update beneficiary designations yourself (free)
4. Bundle Services
Always buy will + healthcare directives + power of attorney as a package — typically $199–$499 online vs. $300–$600 buying separately.
5. Use Free Resources for Research
- State bar association websites
- AARP estate planning guides
- National Association of Estate Planners & Councils resources
Estate Planning Costs by Life Stage
Young Adults (18–35, No Kids)
Priority: Healthcare directive + basic will (especially if you have any assets at all)
Cost: $89–$249 online · $500–$1,000 attorney
Young Families (Kids Under 18)
Priority: Will with guardian nominations, life insurance beneficiary designations, healthcare directives. This is the single most important stage — the guardian designation alone is worth the cost.
Cost: $199–$499 online · $1,000–$2,000 attorney
Mid-Career (Significant Assets, Older Kids)
Priority: Living trust (to avoid probate), comprehensive plan, early tax planning
Cost: $399–$599 online · $2,000–$5,000 attorney
High Net Worth ($2M+ Estate)
Priority: Complex trust structures, tax minimization, business succession planning
Cost: Attorney only — $5,000–$15,000+. Online services are not adequate for this tier.
Get Your Will Done Today — Starting at $199
Trust & Will offers attorney-approved estate planning documents for all 50 states. Complete your will in 20 minutes. Your family deserves the protection.
Create My Will Now →Frequently Asked Questions
Related Articles
- Complete Estate Planning Checklist
- Living Trust vs Will: Which Do You Need?
- How to Create a Will Online
- What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
Methodology
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Estate planning costs and requirements vary by state and individual circumstances. The data presented reflects averages and ranges — your actual costs may differ. Consult a qualified estate planning attorney for personalized guidance specific to your situation.
About the Author: Patricia Larson, J.D., is an estate planning attorney with 20 years of experience in elder law and trust administration. She has helped hundreds of families create cost-effective estate plans tailored to their needs and budgets. This data study was last reviewed and updated by Ms. Larson in May 2026.