Power of Attorney and Will Cost Estimator
Planning cost estimate for wills, power of attorney and trust documents by route and complexity.
What does the undefined do?
It estimates what a will, power of attorney or trust document costs depending on whether you use an online service, a local lawyer or a specialist firm.
- Inputs: the document type, the preparation route and the complexity.
- Output: an estimated cost and a typical low-to-high range.
- Method: a base cost per document type is adjusted by route and complexity factors.
Quick answer
A simple will prepared through an online service comes out near 75, with a typical range of about 53 to 105. A complex will through a specialist firm can run into the thousands.
What This Calculator Really Does
Estate planning documents vary hugely in cost because both the document and the way it is prepared matter. A simple will is short and cheap, while a complex will with trusts and tax planning is not. A power of attorney is usually the least expensive document, and a living trust the most involved. The preparation route moves the price as much as the document: online services and software sit well below a local lawyer, and a specialist firm that handles large estates sits above. Complexity then scales the whole thing. This tool puts those three factors together so you can plan a realistic budget and know when a quote looks out of line.
The formula it uses
Estimated cost = base x route factor x complexity factor. Base is 150 for a simple will, 600 for a complex will, 120 for a power of attorney and 1,500 for a living trust. Route is 0.5 online, 1.0 local lawyer and 1.8 specialist. Complexity is 1.0 simple, 1.5 moderate and 2.4 complex.
Worked example with real numbers
A simple will through an online service with simple complexity: 150 x 0.5 x 1.0 = 75, with a range of about 53 to 105. A complex will through a specialist firm with complex complexity: 600 x 1.8 x 2.4 = 2,592, before any extra advice fees.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Choosing the cheapest template and ending up with an invalid document that costs far more to fix.
- Forgetting that the cost of probate or a trust administration often dwarfs the drafting fee.
- Assuming an online document covers unusual family situations, when it may not.
Assumptions and limitations
Figures are indicative planning estimates and vary by country, state and firm. Court fees, probate costs, notarisation and ongoing trust administration are not included.
Disclaimer
This is a budgeting estimate, not legal advice. Estate documents must comply with local law to be valid, so have anything important reviewed by a qualified lawyer.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How is the undefined calculated?
A base cost for the document type is multiplied by a route factor for how it is prepared and a complexity factor for how involved it is. The steps panel shows each factor.
What do I need to use the undefined?
The document type, the preparation route and the complexity level. Nothing else is required.
What does the result from the undefined show?
An estimated cost and a typical low-to-high range, so you can tell whether a quote is reasonable.
Is a cheap online will good enough?
For a simple, straightforward estate it can be, but review it carefully and get witness requirements right. Unusual families or larger estates usually justify a lawyer.
Why is a living trust so much more expensive?
Because a trust must be drafted, funded and administered, which takes more legal work than a will, so both the drafting and the ongoing cost are higher.
Is the undefined really free?
Yes — 100 percent free, no sign-up, and everything runs in your browser.
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