On average, will attorneys charge a minimum of $300 an hour and a maximum of $1,200, with average prices around $750.
*Disclaimer – These fees are always changing, and this is not an actual quote. If you need an experienced divorce lawyer contact Moshier Law to start your initial consultation. Subject to your location and how complex your family and financial conditions are, a lawyer can charge anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand dollars for a will and other key estate planning forms.
The Way Lawyers Charge
Not all Estate planning lawyers charge the same. You should ask first-hand if you are more comfortable with one way or a different way.
Average Will Attorney Cost
It’s normal for a lawyer to charge a flat rate to prepare a will and other key estate planning forms. The lower end for a basic lawyer-created will is about $300. A price of closer to $1,000 is more normal, and it’s not surprising to expect a $1,200 amount. Lawyers like flat rates for a number of reasons. First, they can utilize pre-written forms – a lot of estate planning lawyers have a set of customary clauses they’ve written for different circumstances, which they gather into a will that suits a new client’s wishes. It doesn’t take a lawyer long to create your document, but with a flat rate the lawyer can charge for their knowledge and expertise. Also, with a flat rate they don’t have to retain records of how their time is used. In conclusion, most lawyers agree that using a flat rate is more relaxed and provides for a more effective attorney-client relationship. There won’t be reluctance to email or call with questions, and the lawyer can take the time to listen to you and answer them, without thinking like you’re being charged by the minute. Nonetheless, lawyers do not charge their clients a similar flat rate. You will have to speak with a lawyer to learn what they will charge you—don’t think you’ll find what they’ll charge on their website. A dedicated lawyer will do this not to conceal anything, but because it’s not possible to know what your situation requires without discussing it. An exceptional lawyer will speak with you (in person or on the phone) prior to providing you with a price.
Will Lawyer Cost Per Hour
A few estate planning lawyers charge clients by the hour. These rates depend mainly on the lawyer’s and knowledge and training, and your location. In smaller cities, you may find a lawyer that charges $150 an hour, but in larger cities, a rate lower than $200 an hour would be surprising. Lawyers in larger firms typically charge higher rates than small firms or sole professional, unless the small firm is made up of lawyers that focus mainly in complex tax and estate planning matters. A lawyer that only does estate planning will most likely charge more than a general one but will also be more efficient and experienced. (View specifics of hourly rates stated by estate planning lawyer around the US.) When your attorney commissions less knowledgeable legal assistants (paralegals)or lawyers (associates) their time will be charged at an hourly rate that is lower. A lot of lawyers record their time in increments of 6-minutes (1/10th of an hour). This means you won’t ever be charged for less than 6 minutes of their time, even if the they take just 2 minutes talking with you.
Estate Planning Cost
A lot of people are paying a lawyer for more than just a will. Some lawyers appropriately advise clients to make a couple of other estate planning forms along with a will, which includes:
- Durable power of attorney for financial conditions
- Advance directive (durable power of attorney for living will and health care—these can or can’t be included into one legal document, subject to state law)
This is excellent advice since every adult needs to have those durable powers of attorney. They give a person the authority to act on your behalf (consistently in your best interest) should you become debilitated—for instance, because of a sudden serious illness or an accident. These aren’t complex forms, and a lot of states have their own advance directive forms. But they’ll probably charge a few hundred dollars. (View the outcome of the national survey on how lawyers charge for the preparation of estate planning bundles.) A lawyer might also suggest a living trust, that lets your family stay away from the expense and delay of the probate court process after you die. Although not everybody needs a living trust. It is dependent on your location (probate costs differ from state to state), how your assets are owned (if you own essential things mutually with your significant other, you can’t need a trust), and how old you are, younger individual, usually, won’t need trusts). Lawyers usually charge a lot more for a living trust than they do for a will, although a simple living trust is a quite standard form, like a will. It’s uncommon to see a price lower than $1,200 or $1,500 for a trust. One catch: Subsequent to your will being properly signed and witnessed, you are done. However, after a living trust is created and signed, you are required to modify the title to assets that you wish to leave using the trust. Be sure you know if the lawyer’s fee is including doing this type of work (known as funding the trust) or not; if it doesn’t, you are accountable for getting this vital part done.
Need an Affordable Will Lawyer in Scottsdale?
Moshier Law should be your choice when you need the best will lawyer in Scottsdale. An experienced family law attorney will work with you to obtain the best possible outcome in your situation. We advocate for our clients so they have the brightest future possible. Give us a call today at 480-999-0800 for a free consultation.
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