How Much Does Estate Planning Cost in Florida in 2026?

Published by Season Spanski, Esq. | Estate Planning Attorney

One of the first questions people ask about estate planning is: "How much will this cost?" The answer depends on what documents you need and how complex your situation is. Let me break down typical costs so you know what to expect.

Simple Will: $400-$800

A basic will for someone with straightforward wishes — leave everything to spouse, or split among children, name guardians — typically costs $400-$800. This includes drafting the will, reviewing it with you, and supervising the signing.

Most attorneys include powers of attorney and healthcare directives in this price, giving you a complete basic estate plan for under $1,000. If you're married, expect to pay for two wills (one for each spouse).

Living Trust: $1,500-$3,500+

A revocable living trust is more involved. You're not just creating documents — you're also transferring assets into the trust, which requires new deeds, retitling accounts, and updating beneficiaries.

For a straightforward trust (one or two properties, standard beneficiaries, no special conditions), expect $1,500-$2,500. More complex situations cost more:

• Multiple properties or out-of-state property: $2,500-$3,500
• Blended family with children from prior marriages: $2,500-$3,500
• Business ownership: $3,000-$5,000+
• Special needs trust provisions: $3,000-$5,000+

A living trust package typically includes the trust document itself, a pour-over will, financial power of attorney, healthcare surrogate designation, and living will. You get comprehensive estate planning, not just a trust.

Lady Bird Deed: $500-$700

A Lady Bird Deed for your Florida home typically costs $500-$700, including attorney fees and recording fees. That's it. It's the most affordable way to transfer real estate without probate while keeping full control during your lifetime.

If you own property in a trust, you won't need a separate Lady Bird Deed for it. But if you're not doing a trust and want to avoid probate for your home, a Lady Bird Deed is cost-effective.

Powers of Attorney and Healthcare Documents: $200-$400

If you're purchasing these separately (not as part of a will or trust package), expect $200-$400 for financial power of attorney, healthcare surrogate designation, and living will.

Most attorneys bundle these with will or trust packages rather than charging separately.

Complete Estate Plan: What Should You Expect?

For most Florida families, a complete estate plan costs between $1,000 and $3,000 depending on complexity:

Basic Plan ($800-$1,200): Will, financial power of attorney, healthcare surrogate, living will. Good for younger families or people with straightforward situations.

Standard Plan ($1,500-$2,500): Everything in the basic plan plus a living trust or Lady Bird Deed. Good for homeowners who want to avoid probate.

Comprehensive Plan ($2,500-$5,000): Living trust, will, all powers of attorney, multiple properties, complex beneficiary structures. Good for significant assets or blended families.

What About Online DIY Estate Planning?

You can find will templates online for $100-$200. Some companies offer trust documents for $500-$1,000. Here's why that's usually a mistake:

Florida has specific legal requirements. Wills must be signed in front of two witnesses. Trusts need proper funding. Healthcare documents require specific language. Online forms don't know Florida law, and a single mistake can invalidate your documents.

You get no guidance. A form can't tell you whether you need a will or a trust, who should be your healthcare surrogate, or how to structure inheritance for minor children. You're guessing on critical decisions.

There's no one to call later. When your family has questions or needs to probate your estate, they can't call an online form. They're stuck figuring it out alone or hiring an attorney anyway — which costs more than doing it right the first time.

Saving $500 now can cost your family $10,000 later when documents don't work or probate gets complicated. Estate planning is one area where DIY rarely works.

What You're Really Paying For

When you hire an estate planning attorney, you're not just paying for documents. You're paying for:

• Legal expertise: Knowledge of Florida law and what works for your situation
• Customization: Documents tailored to your family, not generic forms
• Proper execution: Making sure documents are signed correctly so they're legally valid
• Ongoing support: Someone to call when life changes or questions come up
• Peace of mind: Confidence that your family is protected

The Cost of NOT Estate Planning

Estate planning seems expensive until you compare it to the cost of not planning:

Probate costs $3,000-$10,000+ and takes 6-12 months. Your family waits while bank accounts are frozen and bills pile up.

Guardianship proceedings cost $5,000-$15,000 if you become incapacitated without powers of attorney. Your family needs court permission for everything.

Family disputes over unclear wishes can cost tens of thousands in legal fees. Contested estates drag on for years.

18-year-olds inheriting large sums often make poor financial decisions. Money intended to last a lifetime disappears in months.

Spending $1,500-$3,000 now saves your family $10,000-$50,000 later. It's one of the best investments you can make.

Payment Options

Most estate planning attorneys work on a flat fee basis, not hourly. You'll know the total cost upfront before any work begins. No surprise bills.

Some offices offer payment plans for larger projects like living trusts. Ask during your consultation if you need to spread payments over a few months.

How to Get Started

Schedule a free consultation. We'll review your situation, explain what documents you need, and give you an exact price quote. No obligation. No pressure. Just clear information about what estate planning will cost for your specific family.

If the price works for you, we move forward. If you need time to think about it, that's fine too. The consultation helps you understand your options.

Learn more about our estate planning services, wills and trusts, and Lady Bird Deeds.