How Much Does a Will Cost?
A will gives you control over what happens to your assets after you die, so it’s worth understanding what it costs to create one. Depending on how you make it, a will can be free to create, or it can cost up to $1,0001 or more. Online services and templates tend to be cheaper, while working with an attorney is typically more expensive. Here’s what goes into the price and how to avoid overspending.
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Key Takeaways
The cost of making a will may vary based on the method you choose among will templates, an online will-making service, or through an attorney.
Typically, making a will through a template is the least expensive, but there is usually more risk of paperwork errors
Online services may offer convenience and secure storage at a cost ranging between $10 and $2501
Attorney-made wills are more expensive, typically ranging from $300 to $1,0001 or more, but they are reliable and include solid legal guidance.
If you have a simple estate plan, using a DIY template or online will maker can help. But for complex family structure and detailed asset distribution, it may be better to rely on attorney-made wills.
Options To Make a Will
Dying without a will can leave your assets to state intestacy laws, so setting it up while you’re alive is important. You can set up your will in multiple ways, and the three most common include self-service templates, using an online will maker, or hiring an attorney. The options vary in cost and process, and the best option for you is generally based on the complexity of the estate and family structure. Here’s an overview:
Do it yourself (DIY): You write your will on your own using a kit or template. It’s typically the lowest cost option, but could be difficult if your situation is complex.
Online will maker: This includes guided questions with a generated document. Access to an attorney may be available for an additional cost. This option is typically pricier than DIY, but usually cheaper than hiring an attorney.
Work with a lawyer: This can be a good option if you have a large estate and a blended family. It includes tailor-made advice, but the costs are higher than other options.
Read: Benefits of a Living Trust
Typical Cost by Method
| Method | Typical Cost Range | Ideal For | Risks |
|---|---|---|---|
DIY (kits/templates) | $0-$1502 | Simple, straightforward situations | Chance of mistakes, unclear wording |
Online will makers | $10-$2501 | Moderate needs and conveniences | Limited customization, not suitable for complex families |
Lawyer-drafted will | $300-$1,0001 or more | Complex estate, blended family structure and customized advice | High costs; limited revisions |
How Much Does It Cost To Make a Will If You Do It Yourself
Creating your will through a DIY template can be the most affordable method, with some sites offering free templates. This option is suitable if your estate plan is simple and straightforward. But remember, sometimes completing legal paperwork on your own can lead to mistakes. Rectifying mistakes in the future may involve extra cost and effort.
Online Will Makers: What You Pay For (And What You Don’t)
Online will makers can be both free and paid, often ranging between $10 and $2501. These often include guided questionnaires or interviews to create your will. You may find a formatted, downloadable document that offers convenience and secure storage. However, using an online service often lacks legal advice (yet some sites offer attorney expertise for an additional fee). This option may be suitable for moderately simple situations.
Working With A Lawyer: When The Higher Price Is Worth It
This is often the most expensive option, ranging from $300 to as high as $1,0001 or even more, but it comes with reliable legal advice. Working with an attorney to get legal guidance specific to your situation can be a smart move if you have a complex estate. This option is best for someone with a blended family structure or if the estate plan involves unequal distribution, business ownership, or complex asset ownership.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Before choosing the right option, keep your situation and family structure in mind. Here are some general guidelines:
- Choose DIY if your estate plan is simple and you’re confident in your ability to not make mistakes when drafting your will.
- Choose an online will maker if you want general guidance, and your estate isn’t complicated.
- Choose a lawyer if your estate plan is complex, you own multiple properties and businesses, or if your family structure is blended due to multiple marriages. In those cases, working with an attorney may be the smartest option.
Read: What is Pour-Over Will
What’s Included In The Price?
What’s included in the cost of making a will differs based on the option you choose. It’s always good to question what’s included before making a choice. Here is a general overview:
| What’s included | DIY (templates/kits) | Online will makers | Lawyer-drafted will |
|---|---|---|---|
Core will document | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Guided questions | No, in most cases | Yes | Yes |
Customization | Very limited | Moderate | Yes |
Revisions | No | Rarely | Yes, but typically for an additional cost |
Legal Advice | No | Not often, unless purchased as an additional service | Yes |
Signing instructions | Basic | Often yes | Yes |
Beyond what’s included, remember there are add-ons that can increase your cost. Here are a few things that may increase your total amount paid:
- Updates or changes in your will post the initial period.
- Attorney review or legal consultation.
- Additional documents like a power of attorney or healthcare directive.
- Printing, shipping fees, notary fees, or secure storage options.
Read: What Is a Codicil To a Will?
What Affects The Cost of a Will?
Besides the method you choose to make your will, the other factor that impacts cost is how complex the document is. Remember, it's not always about wealth, and even moderate estate sizes may need legal advice if the plan is complex. Here are some common factors that may make your estate plan complicated and increase the cost:
- Family structure: blended families, such as children from multiple marriages, dependents with special needs, adoption, and divorce.
- Distribution complexity: unequal allocation, lots of customizations, special instructions, guardianship for minor children.
- Asset complexity: homeowner, multiple properties, business ownership, out-of-state assets, partnerships in properties or business.
- Updates due to life changes: marriage, recent divorce, having a child, selling and buying real estate, or other personal or financial changes.
Tips to Create a Will Without Overspending
Creating a practical will during your lifetime secures your family and personal belongings, and strategic planning can help limit overspending. Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Before you begin drafting, make a list of your assets and liabilities.
- Identify the executor, beneficiaries, and guardians, if needed.
- Consider creating a will sooner rather than later. Many people make this mistake when the family situation is straightforward, thinking it is automatically sorted. Yet not having a will can make things difficult for your surviving family members, even in simple estates.
- If you’re considering using an attorney, ask what’s included in the cost, especially if you expect to have future revisions or updates. This can be very helpful if your estate is growing or if you plan to purchase additional assets of worth.
- Have a clear idea of your estate plan and decide if you need legal advice or not. Always compare multiple quotes and know what serves your needs best at the most reasonable cost.
- Don't focus on cost only. Consider future revisions and your comfort with legal paperwork to help you decide what method to use.
FAQs on Cost of a Will
If your situation is simple, you may skip legal advice and go for a DIY or an online will maker. These options offer free templates or may include moderate costs. DIY templates may cost you up to $1502, whereas paid online will makers often charge up to $2501. Costs to make a will vary depending on your estate plan, family structure, and customizations, if any.
The cost of making a will online often ranges between $50 and $2501. This is a range, and your actual price will vary based on the provider and how complex your estate is. Some online platforms even offer free templates. In general, online will makers lack solid legal advice, unless you opt for legal guidance as part of the service.
The right way to make your will depends on your estate size and complexities in your personal and financial situations. Often DIY or online platforms work well when you don't need legal guidance, such as when your family is small or if you own limited assets. If your estate is more complex, you own multiple assets, or you have a blended family structure, you may choose to work with an attorney.
In general, what makes your will expensive is the complexity that often comes with all these factors. If you have multiple children, own several properties, or are a stakeholder in a business, your estate plan is likely more complicated. In that case, you may choose to work with an attorney which is generally the most expensive option. A complicated distribution, multiple heirs, or unique instructions may increase your cost.
The cost of updating your will usually depends on scope. If the changes are simple or straightforward, such as naming beneficiaries or changing executors, changes can be updated with a codicil to the will. This means no complete rewrite and lower costs. If changes are detailed and intricate around asset distribution or other customizations, the will may need to be rewritten which would be more expensive.
A will is often paired with a power of attorney, a healthcare directive, and a beneficiary designation review. These may not always be included in your cost to make a will, but they are important and should be considered. If you’re using an online service, they may be available as optional add-ons.
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Chief Underwriter
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Dec 12, 2025
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