Estate Planning Lawyers
Estate planning lawyers draft the legal documents that direct how your assets are managed and transferred during incapacity and after death — wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
48
Estate Planning Attorneys
6
States Covered
4.4/5
Average Rating
18
Avg Years Experience
What estate planning lawyers handle
- →Wills and revocable living trusts
- →Durable powers of attorney
- →Healthcare directives and living wills
- →Probate avoidance
- →Special-needs trusts
- →Estate-tax planning
- →Business succession
When to hire
Anyone over 18 with assets, dependents, or strong opinions about end-of-life care should have basic estate documents. Major life events — marriage, divorce, children, real estate, business ownership — should trigger an update.
Typical fees
Basic will package: $300–$1,500. Revocable trust packages: $1,500–$5,000. Complex high-net-worth plans: $5,000–$25,000+.
Top cities for estate planning lawyers
Estate Planning attorneys by state
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a estate planning lawyer do?
Estate planning lawyers draft the legal documents that direct how your assets are managed and transferred during incapacity and after death — wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
When should I hire a estate planning lawyer?
Anyone over 18 with assets, dependents, or strong opinions about end-of-life care should have basic estate documents. Major life events — marriage, divorce, children, real estate, business ownership — should trigger an update.
How much does a estate planning lawyer cost?
Basic will package: $300–$1,500. Revocable trust packages: $1,500–$5,000. Complex high-net-worth plans: $5,000–$25,000+.
Do I need a will or a trust?
A will is sufficient for most simple estates. A revocable living trust avoids probate, keeps your affairs private, and is worth the extra cost for owners of real estate or assets above ~$200k.
What happens if I die without a will?
Your state's intestacy laws decide who inherits. Outcomes are often surprising — unmarried partners, stepchildren, and friends typically receive nothing.