How Much Does Estate Planning Cost on Average?

Estate planning doesn’t have to drain your bank account. The average cost for estate planning varies widely depending on your situation, but understanding what drives these expenses helps you make smarter financial decisions.

At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we help clients throughout Palm Beach County, Florida navigate these costs without overpaying. This guide breaks down real pricing, shows you where to save money, and explains what you actually need.

What Pushes Estate Planning Costs Up or Down

Simple Estates Cost Less

Your estate planning bill depends almost entirely on how much work your attorney needs to do. If you own a single home, have straightforward finances, and want a basic will, the cost stays low. According to the National Council on Aging, a simple will typically runs $250 to $350 in Boca Raton, while a durable power of attorney costs $200 to $350 and a healthcare directive runs $150 to $250. Bundle these three documents together and you’ll pay $1,500 to $2,000 for a comprehensive package-significantly cheaper than purchasing them separately.

Complexity Raises the Price Tag

The math changes fast when your situation becomes complicated. Multiple properties, investment accounts, business interests, or a blended family with stepchildren all demand more detailed planning. A living trust, which helps your assets bypass probate entirely, typically costs $995 to $1,950 depending on complexity. Florida probate costs typically range from $2,000 to $6,000, so a well-constructed trust can easily pay for itself by keeping your family out of court.

Florida Rules and Local Factors Matter

State requirements matter more than most people realize. Florida has specific rules about how wills must be witnessed, how trusts are structured for tax purposes, and what happens to your property if you die without a plan. As of mid-2025, the average home value in Florida sits around $382,000-that’s a major asset requiring proper protection. An attorney licensed in Florida knows these rules and can recommend cost-effective solutions that still provide full protection.

Location within Palm Beach County also influences pricing. Prime office locations may charge higher hourly rates, typically $250 to $350 per hour, but an experienced attorney’s knowledge of local probate courts and tax implications often saves families thousands later. The National Council on Aging reports that more moving parts consistently increase costs because more time and detail are required. If you own property in multiple states, you’ll need extra documents to avoid probate in each state.

Preparation Cuts Your Costs

Coming prepared to your initial consultation cuts costs dramatically. Gather your financial documents, list your assets and debts, identify your beneficiaries, and write down your wishes before meeting with an attorney. This preparation alone reduces billable hours significantly. Understanding what documents you actually need-and which ones you can skip-helps you avoid paying for unnecessary services while still protecting what matters most.

What You’ll Actually Pay for Estate Planning Documents

Simple Documents Have Straightforward Costs

A simple will costs between $250 and $350 in Boca Raton, but that’s just the starting point. According to the National Council on Aging, a durable power of attorney runs $200 to $350 and a healthcare directive costs $150 to $250. The real savings appear when you bundle these documents together. A comprehensive package combining a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive typically costs $1,500 to $2,000, which is substantially cheaper than purchasing each document separately. Your attorney sets up the framework once rather than starting from scratch for each document.

Living Trusts Command Higher Prices

Living trusts require more detailed drafting and ongoing management than basic wills. A basic living trust package starts around $995 and can reach $1,950 or more for comprehensive options. The difference in price reflects the complexity of trust administration and the specific provisions your situation demands. Florida probate costs typically range from $2,000 to $6,000, so a well-constructed living trust often pays for itself by keeping your family out of the probate system entirely.

Fee Structures Affect Your Bottom Line

Many attorneys in Palm Beach County charge flat fees for standard documents, which gives you certainty about costs upfront. Hourly rates typically run $250 to $350 per hour in the Boca Raton area, but these work best when your situation is straightforward enough to estimate accurately. The National Council on Aging reports that attorney fees for estate planning range from $2,000 to $5,000 for a complete plan, though this varies significantly based on asset complexity.

Complexity Drives Costs Higher

Multiple properties, business interests, or a blended family push costs higher because your attorney must address additional scenarios and tax implications. Specialized trusts for special needs beneficiaries or irrevocable structures cost substantially more due to their complexity. Obtain multiple quotes from different attorneys and ask about flat-fee packages before committing. Transparent pricing upfront prevents surprises later, and comparing offers helps you find genuine value rather than simply the lowest price.

Your fee structure choice and document selection set the foundation for your overall investment. The next section shows you how to reduce these expenses without sacrificing protection for your family and assets.

Ways to Reduce Estate Planning Expenses in Boca Raton

Bundle Documents for Maximum Savings

Combining documents together remains the single most effective way to reduce what you pay for estate planning. When you purchase a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive separately, your attorney essentially starts from scratch three times. A comprehensive package combining all three typically costs $1,500 to $2,000, compared to roughly $600 to $900 if you bought each document individually. The savings happen because your attorney builds the framework once and customizes each document within that structure. Ask your attorney specifically about package pricing before accepting hourly rate estimates, since many firms in Palm Beach County offer substantial discounts when you commit to multiple documents at once.

Choose Flat Fees Over Hourly Rates

Flat-fee arrangements beat hourly billing when you know exactly what you need. Hourly rates in the Boca Raton area run $250 to $350 per hour, and a straightforward estate plan often requires 10 to 20 billable hours depending on complexity. That translates to $2,500 to $7,000 with no ceiling. Flat fees eliminate this uncertainty entirely. If your situation involves a single home, basic investment accounts, and clear beneficiaries, flat-fee pricing typically ranges from $1,500 to $2,500 for a complete plan.

Prepare Your Documents in Advance

Before your initial consultation, prepare a detailed list of your assets, debts, and beneficiaries. This preparation cuts billable hours dramatically and demonstrates to your attorney that you’re organized, which often results in better pricing. You’ll arrive at your meeting with everything your attorney needs to move forward efficiently.

Start with Essential Documents First

Starting with essential documents first makes financial sense when your estate is relatively simple. A will and durable power of attorney cost far less than adding a living trust, yet they address most urgent protection needs. You can always add a trust later if your situation changes or your assets grow. This phased approach lets you invest $500 to $600 initially and expand your plan without redoing everything from scratch.

Final Thoughts

Estate planning costs vary based on your assets, family situation, and which documents you need. The average cost for estate planning in Boca Raton ranges from $1,500 to $2,000 for a comprehensive package, while simple wills start around $250 to $350 and living trusts run $995 to $1,950 depending on complexity. Florida probate costs typically range from $2,000 to $6,000, making a well-constructed plan a smart financial investment that pays for itself through probate savings alone.

Professional estate planning protects far more than just your money-it directs what happens to your assets, your children, and your property if you become unable to decide for yourself. A well-constructed plan keeps your family out of probate court, reduces conflict between beneficiaries, and provides clarity when emotions run highest. The upfront investment delivers peace of mind that extends far beyond dollars.

Whether you own a home, have investment accounts, or simply want to protect your family’s future, the time to act is now. At Rubino Findley, PLLC, we help clients throughout Palm Beach County establish wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives tailored to their specific needs. Contact our team in Boca Raton to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you protect what matters most.