How Much Does a Will Cost?

A basic Will—where spouses leave their assets to each other and, upon the death of the surviving spouse, to their adult children—typically costs between $300 and $450 per individual.

If the couple has minor children and wishes to hold their inheritance in trust until a later age (instead of the default age of 18), the cost of the Will and Trust together usually ranges from $550 to $800 per person. Additional trust provisions will increase the price, depending on how complex they are.

Essential documents such as the Statutory Durable Power of Attorney, Medical Power of Attorney, HIPAA Release, Living Will (Directive to Physicians), Declaration of Guardian, and Disposition of Remains are often bundled together for a flat fee. These documents are vital in naming someone to manage your financial and healthcare decisions if you become incapacitated. The average fee for this package, including the Will, is approximately $500 to $750 per person.

Creating a Special Needs Trust for a beneficiary who receives government assistance such as Medicaid or Social Security Disability benefits will involve a higher cost. However, this type of trust is crucial, as a direct inheritance could disqualify the beneficiary from receiving valuable government support—making the extra expense worthwhile.

In Texas, a Lady Bird Deed or Transfer on Death Deed can ensure that real estate or mineral interests pass directly to designated beneficiaries upon death, bypassing probate. These deeds are highly useful estate planning tools for many, but not all individuals. The preparation of one of these deeds generally costs between $350 and $500, depending on the number of properties and the complexity of the beneficiary designations. Additionally, filing fees will apply based on the county where the property is located.