Knowing how much a will costs helps you choose between DIY, online, and attorney options without overpaying or underprotecting your family.
What are the cost options for making a will?
There are three common paths. Free or DIY templates from libraries or websites cost nothing but offer no guidance, so errors are easy to make. Online will services, such as document platforms, typically run from about $100 to $250 and walk you through the process with some state-specific guidance. Hiring an attorney generally costs from a few hundred dollars for a simple will to $1,000 or more for complex estates or bundled estate plans including trusts and powers of attorney. Prices vary widely by state, attorney experience, and how complicated your assets and family situation are.
When is it worth paying more for a will?
A free or low-cost online will may be fine for a simple estate — modest assets, clear beneficiaries, no business or blended-family complications. But paying for an attorney is often worth it when you own a business, have property in multiple states, have a blended family, want to disinherit someone, have a child with special needs, or want your will coordinated with trusts and tax planning. Errors in a will — improper signing, vague language, or missing witnesses — can trigger disputes or invalidate the document entirely, costing far more than the upfront savings. Match the investment to your complexity.
Plan smart with free help
Before you spend on a will, make sure your whole plan fits together. The team at 1-800-MEDIGAP helps seniors understand how estate planning connects with Medicare and long-term care coverage, so you spend wisely. Call 1-800-MEDIGAP (1-800-633-4427) for free guidance.