Most people put off writing a will because they assume it costs too much. Knowing exactly how much should a will cost removes that barrier. Prices range from about $50 for a basic online document to over $5,000 for a full attorney-drafted estate plan. Your estate size, family situation, and the method you choose all shape the final number. This guide breaks down every option clearly so you can move forward with confidence.
How Much Should a Will Cost? Key Factors That Affect Price
Several things drive will costs up or down. Understanding them first helps you budget accurately before you start.
- Estate complexity: A simple estate with one home and clear heirs costs far less than a blended family with multiple properties or business ownership.
- Drafting method: Attorneys charge more than online platforms. Both can produce legally valid documents for most straightforward estates.
- Your location: Estate attorneys in major cities typically charge more than those in smaller markets.
- Billing structure: Flat fees offer cost certainty. Hourly rates, typically $200 to $500 per hour, can add up quickly if your estate is complex.
These four variables shape almost every will pricing conversation. Knowing them upfront helps you pick the right path and avoid surprises.
How Much Should It Cost to Make a Will With an Attorney?
Attorney-drafted wills remain the preferred option for complex estates. For a simple will, most estate attorneys charge between $300 and $1,000. Thumbtack’s national pricing data puts the average at about $890 for a basic will.
A complete estate plan costs considerably more. A standard package, including a will, financial power of attorney, healthcare proxy, and living will, typically runs $1,000 to $2,500 with most estate attorneys. Complex situations, such as business succession or large investment portfolios, can push fees to $3,000 to $7,000 or higher.
Flat-fee billing is common for simple wills. It gives you a clear number before work begins. If an attorney insists on hourly billing for a basic document, ask whether a flat fee is available instead. That one question can save you hundreds of dollars.
How Much Should a Will Cost Through an Online Service?
Online will services have made basic estate planning faster and far more affordable. According to MetLife’s 2026 research, the average cost of an online will is about $160. Most platforms charge between $50 and $300.
Common platform pricing at a glance:
- Trust and Will: $159 for an individual will, $299 for couples
- LegalZoom: $199 for a basic will package
- Rocket Lawyer: $39.99 per month with will access included
These services guide you through a series of questions about your assets and beneficiaries. They then generate state-appropriate documents for you to review and sign. Most users finish the entire process in 15 to 30 minutes.
Online tools work best for simple estates. Our detailed comparison of LegalZoom vs Trust and Will shows exactly how these platforms differ on pricing and core features. For more complex estates, an attorney’s guidance adds genuine value that outweighs the higher cost.
When Should You Choose an Attorney Over an Online Tool?
The right choice depends on your estate’s complexity. Online platforms handle simple situations efficiently. Attorney guidance becomes essential when more is at stake.
Choose an online will service if you:
- Own one or two properties with clear, straightforward ownership
- Have clear beneficiaries and no contested family relationships
- Do not own a business or hold complex financial interests
- Want a legally valid document at the lowest possible cost
Choose an estate attorney if you:
- Have a blended family with children from multiple relationships
- Own a business or significant partnership interests
- Hold assets over $1 million or need estate tax strategies
- Want to place specific conditions on how beneficiaries receive assets
This single decision can save or cost you thousands of dollars. Matching your approach to your actual situation is the most important step you can take before drafting anything.
How Much Should a Will and Trust Cost Together?
Many families pair a will with a living trust. A revocable living trust allows assets to pass directly to heirs without going through probate court. Combined with a will, the total cost rises, but so does the legal protection for your family.
| Document | Online Service | With an Attorney |
|---|---|---|
| Simple Will | $50 to $300 | $300 to $1,000 |
| Revocable Living Trust | $500 to $1,500 | $1,000 to $3,000 |
| Will and Trust Package | $500 to $1,500 | $1,500 to $4,000 |
| Full Estate Plan | $500 to $2,000 | $2,500 to $5,000+ |
NCOA data shows attorney-prepared full estate plans cost most families between $1,000 and $3,000. Irrevocable trusts, which provide stronger creditor protection, typically run $3,000 to $10,000 depending on complexity. Before choosing an online path for a trust, read our guide to the benefits and drawbacks of creating an online will and trust. It covers what online platforms handle well and where they fall short.
Does Your Will Need to Be Notarized?
Many people are surprised by this question. A will does not always require notarization to be legally valid. However, two witnesses are nearly always required when you sign.
What notarization adds is a self-proving affidavit. You and your witnesses sign this document before a notary. It allows probate courts to accept your will without contacting those witnesses later, saving time and reducing the risk of future challenges.
Key facts about will notarization:
- A self-proving affidavit speeds up probate and protects your estate against legal challenges
- State rules vary significantly, so local requirements matter
- Many states now accept remote online notarization for estate documents
- You can meet a commissioned notary by video, sign digitally, and finish the process from home
Our guide to what documents need to be notarized explains which estate planning documents benefit most. Also check witness requirements for online notarization by state before finalizing your plan. Our guide to notarizing a document online walks through every step in detail.
How to Keep Will Costs Low Without Cutting Corners
Saving money on a will does not mean reducing the quality of your plan. A few practical steps can lower your bill significantly without leaving gaps.
- List your assets and intended beneficiaries before your first appointment. This directly reduces attorney time and lowers your fee.
- Match the method to your complexity. Online platforms suit simple estates. Complex ones need professional guidance.
- Ask for a flat fee on simple documents. This protects you from unexpected hourly charges.
- Bundle your documents. Many attorneys discount packages that combine a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive.
- Notarize correctly the first time. A properly completed self-proving affidavit prevents costly probate disputes after your death.
An imperfect will completed today protects your family far better than a perfect one you never finish.
Conclusion
Knowing how much should a will cost puts you in control of the entire process. A simple will starts at about $50 online or around $300 with an attorney. A full estate plan with a trust runs $1,500 to $5,000 or more. The right path depends on your assets, your family structure, and your estate’s complexity. Once your documents are complete, proper notarization protects your final wishes for the long run. We make that step simple with remote online notarization you can complete from home at BlueNotary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a will cost for a single person?
A single person with a straightforward estate can expect to pay $300 to $1,000 with an attorney, or $50 to $200 through an online service. The final figure depends on your state, asset complexity, and whether you also need supporting documents like a power of attorney or healthcare directive.
How much should it cost to make a will and trust together?
A combined will and revocable living trust package typically runs $1,500 to $4,000 with an estate attorney. Online platforms charge $500 to $1,500 for similar packages. Irrevocable trusts, which offer stronger asset protection, often cost $3,000 to $10,000 depending on complexity.
Is a $300 will legally valid and good enough?
For a simple estate, yes. A $300 attorney-drafted will or a $160 online will can be fully valid and legally enforceable. The key is ensuring it meets your state’s signing and witness requirements. Complex estates always benefit from more thorough professional planning.
How much does it cost to notarize a will?
Notarizing a will typically costs $5 to $25 per signature depending on your state. Mobile notary services add a travel fee of $25 to $75. Remote online notarization is often less expensive and completes entirely online without scheduling delays.
Do I need a lawyer to write a valid will?
No. Online services and handwritten holographic wills are legally valid in many states. However, attorneys add real value for complex estates, blended families, or significant assets. For simple situations, a reputable online tool is a practical and affordable alternative.
How often should I update my will and what does it cost?
Most estate planners recommend reviewing your will every three to five years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, or a new child. Attorney updates typically cost $100 to $500. Many online platforms allow updates for a flat annual fee, often under $50.
Can I write my own will for free?
Yes. A handwritten holographic will costs nothing to create. Several states accept these as legally valid if they meet specific formatting and signature requirements. However, unclear language or missing signatures can trigger probate disputes that cost far more than a professionally drafted will would have.
What is the most expensive part of estate planning?
Trusts are typically the costliest element. An irrevocable trust can cost $3,000 to $10,000 to set up with an estate attorney. Ongoing trust administration adds further annual costs after that. For most families, a revocable living trust paired with a simple will offers the right balance of cost and protection.
