How Much Does an Estate Planning Lawyer Cost?

Let’s be honest—no one wants to think about estate planning. But if you’re reading this, you’re probably trying to do the responsible thing: protect your family, your assets, and make sure things are handled the right way when the time comes.

One of the most common questions we get at Yu & Yu Law is: “How much is this going to cost me?” And while there’s no one-size-fits-all answer, we’ll break it down in plain English to help you understand what to expect—and what you’re really paying for.

What Are You Actually Paying For?

Estate planning isn’t just about creating a will. It’s about building a plan that reflects your wishes, protects your loved ones, and avoids unnecessary headaches like probate, taxes, or family drama. Depending on your situation, that might include:

  • A will

  • A living trust

  • Powers of attorney (financial & medical)

  • Health care directives

  • Guardianship planning for kids

  • Trust funding guidance

The more complex your life (think: blended families, real estate, business ownership, or special needs planning), the more customized your plan will need to be.

How Much Does It Usually Cost?

We keep our pricing straightforward and transparent. You can view our full cost breakdown right here, but here’s a quick overview of some of the services we offer:

  • Revocable Living Trust.

  • Certificate of Trust.

  • Durable Power of Attorney.

  • Advance Healthcare Directive.

  • Pour-Over Will.

  • Trust Transfer Deed (for real property, if any).

Some folks only need a simple will and power of attorney. Others need a full trust-based plan to avoid probate or protect high-value assets. We offer both flat-rate options and custom plans, depending on what’s best for your situation.

What Factors Affect Cost?

A few things can influence the final price:

  • Complexity: More assets = more planning

  • Family structure: Blended families or special circumstances may require extra care

  • Goals: If you want to minimize taxes, avoid probate, or protect heirs from mismanaging assets, your plan may need more layers

And yes, location plays a role too—estate planning in California, especially in places like Orange or Riverside County, is different than in smaller states or rural areas.

Is It Worth It?

It’s tempting to go the DIY route or download a cheap will online. But we’ve seen the fallout from bad planning: family fights, long delays in probate, unexpected taxes, and even assets ending up with the wrong people.

A well-crafted estate plan gives you peace of mind. You’ll know your wishes will be honored and your family won’t be left with a legal mess. Read our post “Do I Need an Estate Plan.”

Let’s Talk

If you’re curious what a custom estate plan would cost for your situation, schedule a free consultation with us. No pressure, just real answers.

View our pricing
Schedule a free consultation

At Yu & Yu Law, we make estate planning clear, comfortable, and completely personalized.