Estate planning costs $149 to $5,000 per plan in 2026
Estate planning costs $149 to $5,000 per plan in 2026. LegalZoom lists an online will at $149 and a living trust at $399 or more. AI Lawyer says a full plan from a lawyer runs $2,000 to $5,000 or more. Counsel, a law firm, lists a trust package at $1,500 to $5,000. Your price depends on your family, your assets, and whether you use an online tool or a lawyer.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages on October 7, 2026. They do not all measure the same thing, so read each line for what it counts.
| Source | What it found |
|---|---|
| LegalZoom | LegalZoom lists a Pro Will at $149, a Premium Will at $299, Trust & Will at $199, and living trusts at $399 to $549. |
| AI Lawyer | AI Lawyer lists a lawyer trust plan at $1,500 to $4,000, a full plan at $2,000 to $5,000+, and hourly rates of $150 to $400+. |
| Counsel | Counsel, a law firm, lists a basic will at $500 to $1,500, a trust package at $1,500 to $5,000, and a blended family plan at $3,000 to $8,000. |
Estate planning price by type and provider
| Item | Price | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Online will, LegalZoom Pro or Premium | $149 to $299 | LegalZoom |
| Online will, Trust & Will | $199 | LegalZoom |
| Online living trust | $399 to $549 | LegalZoom |
| Lawyer will, basic | $500 to $1,500 | Counsel |
| Lawyer living trust plan | $1,500 to $4,000 | AI Lawyer |
| Full lawyer estate plan | $2,000 to $5,000+ | AI Lawyer |
| Blended family plan | $3,000 to $8,000 | Counsel |
| Lawyer hourly rate | $150 to $400+ | AI Lawyer |
Every number in this table was read on one of the source pages listed at the bottom of this page.
What pushes the price up
| What | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Online or lawyer | Online tools cost far less. LegalZoom lists a will at $149 and a trust at $399. AI Lawyer lists a full lawyer plan at $2,000 to $5,000. |
| Will or trust | A will is the cheapest paper. A living trust costs more because it holds your assets. Counsel lists a trust package at $1,500 to $5,000. |
| Family setup | A blended family needs more care. Counsel lists a plan for a blended family at $3,000 to $8,000 because the trust must protect more groups. |
| Extra papers | Other forms can cost extra. AI Lawyer lists powers of attorney at $100 to $400 and health care directives at $300 to $1,000. |
| Lawyer rates and place | Hourly rates change by city and skill. AI Lawyer lists $150 to $400 or more per hour, and Counsel lists $200 to $500 per hour. |
What the price includes
A flat fee plan often covers the will or trust, plus a power of attorney and a health care form. Counsel says a trust package includes a pour over will, health care proxy, and power of attorney. Court filing fees, notary fees, and changes later can cost extra. It does not include tax or extras the provider adds on the day.
Who charges this and how it is billed
Three kinds of providers sell estate plans. Online services like LegalZoom and Trust & Will charge a flat price for each paper, and LegalZoom says a Trust & Will living trust bundle totals $847. Lawyers charge a flat fee or an hourly rate. AI Lawyer lists hourly rates of $150 to $400 or more, and Counsel lists $200 to $500. Some lawyers quote one fee for a will, power of attorney, and health care form. Ask how the bill works before you sign. Ask what is left out, such as notary fees, filing fees, and later changes.
When you need this
Most adults need at least a will. You should plan sooner if you have children, own a home, or have a business. A big life change is a good time to update your papers. This includes marriage, divorce, a birth, or a death in the family. A blended family or a large estate often needs a lawyer. Without a plan, a court may decide who gets your things.
How to judge your quote
- Is the price a flat fee, or an hourly rate that can grow?
- Does the plan list a will or trust, a power of attorney, and a health care form?
- Are notary and filing fees in the price or extra?
- Does the fee cover changes later, such as after a move or a birth?
- Compare the total with the range above: $149 to $5,000 per plan for most people in 2026.
Ways to pay less
- Start with an online will if your life is simple. LegalZoom lists a Pro Will at $149 and Trust & Will lists a will at $199.
- Ask a lawyer for a flat fee. A flat fee tells you the full price up front, so an hourly bill cannot grow past your budget.
- Bundle the papers together. A will, power of attorney, and health care form often cost less in one package than bought one by one.
- Make a list of your assets and your heirs before you call. A lawyer who needs less time to learn your case bills fewer hours.
- Couples can save by buying one plan for two. LegalZoom and Trust & Will list couple plans at $100 more than the single price.
How we got these numbers
The range on this page comes from LegalZoom, AI Lawyer and Counsel. We opened each source page and read every number on it on October 7, 2026. Where the sources disagree, the table above shows each one so you can see the spread. These are planning ranges, not quotes. The written price you are given is the real price.
Common questions
How much does a will cost?
An online will costs $149 to $299 at LegalZoom and $199 at Trust & Will. Counsel lists a lawyer drafted basic will at $500 to $1,500.
How much does a living trust cost?
LegalZoom lists an online trust at $399 to $549. AI Lawyer lists a lawyer trust plan at $1,500 to $4,000.
How much does a full estate plan cost with a lawyer?
AI Lawyer lists a full lawyer plan at $2,000 to $5,000 or more. Counsel lists a trust package at $1,500 to $5,000.
What do estate lawyers charge per hour?
AI Lawyer lists $150 to $400 or more per hour. Counsel lists $200 to $500 per hour, depending on skill and place.
Do couples pay twice?
Not always. LegalZoom and Trust & Will list couple plans at $100 more than the single price. A lawyer may also quote one fee for a couple.