Thinking about your own mortality isn't exactly a fun Saturday morning activity. It's right up there with getting a root canal or filing taxes. But eventually, you realize that leaving a giant legal mess for your family is probably worse than spending a few hours on paperwork. The big question usually hits when you start looking at the numbers: how much does it cost to create a will without getting ripped off?
Honestly, the price is all over the place. You can spend zero dollars or you can spend five thousand. It depends on how much stuff you own and how much you trust a computer to handle your legacy.
The $0 to $100 "I’ll Do It Myself" Route
Technically, you can write a will on a napkin for free. It’s called a holographic will. But unless you’re in a movie or a very specific legal bind, this is a terrible idea. Many states don't even recognize them.
Most people looking for a bargain go with a basic template or a DIY kit. You've probably seen them at office supply stores or online for about $50. They’re fine if your life is incredibly simple. If you’re single, don't own a house, and want everything to go to your sister, a $20 template works. But the second you add a mortgage or a kid into the mix, these "cheap" options start looking risky. A single typo or a missed witness signature can make the whole thing useless.
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Online Will Makers: The Middle Ground
If you want something better than a blank form but aren't ready to drop a grand on a lawyer, online services are the "Goldilocks" zone. For 2026, prices have actually stabilized a bit.
- LegalZoom: Usually starts around $99 for a basic will, but their "premium" bundles with attorney advice can hit $250 to $400.
- Trust & Will: A bit more modern. You’re looking at roughly $199 for an individual will.
- Rocket Lawyer: They often use a subscription model, maybe $20 to $40 a month, which is great if you need to change things often.
These platforms use a "TurboTax" style interview. They ask about your kids, your dog, and who gets your vintage record collection. It feels safe because it's guided. However, they aren't law firms. They won't tell you if your plan is actually smart—only that the document is formatted correctly.
Hiring a Real Human Attorney
This is where the real money happens. Most people assume lawyers are just for the rich, but that's not really true. If you have a "blended family" (think step-kids or ex-spouses), a DIY will is a ticking time bomb.
In 2026, a simple attorney-drafted will usually runs between $300 and $1,200.
Why the huge range? Location. A lawyer in a Manhattan skyscraper might charge you $1,500 for the same document a guy in rural Indiana drafts for $400. Most estate attorneys prefer a flat fee. You pay one price, and it covers the consult, the drafting, and the "signing ceremony" where they make sure the witnesses don't mess up.
If your situation is weird—like you own a business or have assets in three different states—they might switch to an hourly rate. Expect to pay anywhere from $250 to $500 per hour. It sounds steep. But fixing a broken will in probate court after you're gone can cost your family $10,000 or more. You're basically paying for "disaster insurance."
Why Your Will Might Cost More Than Your Neighbor's
It's rarely just about the will itself. Most people walk into a lawyer's office asking for a will and walk out with an "Estate Plan." These are the extra bits that drive up the cost:
- Power of Attorney: This lets someone pay your bills if you’re in a coma. Usually $200 to $500.
- Healthcare Directive: This tells doctors when to "pull the plug." Often bundled with the will for a small extra fee.
- The "Spouse Discount": If you and your partner have identical wishes (everything to each other, then the kids), lawyers often do a "Mirror Will" for both of you at a discounted rate—maybe $700 to $1,000 for the pair.
The Living Trust Factor: The Pricey Upgrade
When people ask "how much does it cost to create a will," they often get hit with the "Trust" pitch. A Living Trust is like a will on steroids. It helps your family skip probate court entirely, which saves months of time and thousands in court fees.
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But it’s expensive upfront. A basic Living Trust usually starts at $1,500 and can easily hit $5,000 for complex estates. If you own real estate, it’s usually worth it. If you’re renting and have a $5,000 savings account, it’s probably overkill.
Hidden Costs People Forget
Even after you pay the lawyer or the website, there are "nuisance fees."
- Notaries: Most wills need a notary stamp. Some banks do it for free; others charge $15 to $30.
- Updates: Life changes. You get divorced, you have another kid, or you suddenly win the lottery. Updating an online will might be a $19/year subscription fee. An attorney might charge $200 to $500 for a "codicil" (a fancy word for an amendment).
Real-World Triage: What Should You Spend?
Let's be practical. Don't overspend if you don't have to.
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Spend $0-$100 if: You are young, single, have no kids, and your only "asset" is a 2018 Toyota Camry. Just use a reputable online template and get it notarized.
Spend $200-$500 if: You have a house and a "normal" family. Online services like Trust & Will or LegalZoom are perfect here. They’re "good enough" for 90% of people.
Spend $1,000+ if: You own a business, have a child with special needs, are in your second marriage, or have over $1 million in assets. You need a human who can spot tax traps and family drama before they happen.
The true cost of a will isn't the check you write today. It's the money your family loses later if the document fails. Don't be cheap where it matters.
Actionable Next Steps
- Inventory your "Big Three": Write down your real estate, your retirement accounts, and who you want to take the kids.
- Check your beneficiaries: Many people don't realize that 401(k)s and life insurance policies bypass your will entirely. They go to whoever you named on the bank's website. Update those for free right now.
- Pick your "Executor": Ask that person if they actually want the job. It's a lot of work.
- Set a budget: Decide if you're a "DIY" or "Full Service" person and book a consultation or a login accordingly.