Month: February 2025

Estate planning might not be at the top of your to-do list, but if it’s something you’re starting to think about, you’re on the right track.

It’s a smart move to protect your assets and make sure things go the way you want. 

The big question, though, is: how much does it cost?

Well, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The price varies based on a lot of factors.

In this post, we’ll break down how much estate planning cost in Virginia, and give you a quick rundown of our estate planning prices.

Average Estate Planning Cost In Virginia

Estate planning costs in Virginia can vary quite a bit. It all depends on what kind of plan you need and how complex your situation is. 

You might be looking at anything from a couple of hundred bucks for a basic will to several thousand dollars for a comprehensive estate plan with tax planning.

Let’s take a look at the different types of plans so you can get an idea of what to expect:

Simple Wills

A simple will is the most basic estate planning document. It’s a written statement that tells everyone who gets what after you pass away. 

If your estate is small and you don’t have complicated wishes, a simple will is all you need.

The cost of simple wills in Virginia is around $200 to $500.

Also Read: How much does a will cost in Virginia?

A simple will covers the basics: who gets your assets, who will take care of any minor children (if you have them), and who’ll be in charge of your estate. 

It’s usually enough for someone who just needs to pass on personal belongings and doesn’t have a ton of assets. It’s an affordable option for people with straightforward estates.

Basic Estate Plans

A basic estate plan usually includes a simple will plus other documents that give your loved ones more direction. These often include:

• Last will and testament
• Financial power of attorney
• Medical Power of Attorney
• Living will

A basic plan can also cover things like guardianship for kids and arrangements for your pets.

The price for a basic estate plan in Virginia can range from $1000 to $3000.

This is a good option if you want a little more than just a will but don’t need anything too complicated.

Comprehensive Estate Plans

If your estate is a bit more involved (you might have real estate, investments, or multiple family members to think about), a comprehensive estate plan is the way to go. 

This can include things like trusts, tax planning, business succession plans, and detailed instructions on how to handle your assets after you’re gone.

Comprehensive estate plans in Virginia cost around $3000 to $10,000. 

These plans require more time and expertise from an attorney, so they can get more expensive. 

They’re worth it if you have a lot to manage and want everything to go smoothly for your family.

Also Read: Benefits Of Estate Planning

Trust-Based Plans

A trust-based plan is when you set up a trust to manage your assets both during your lifetime and after you pass. 

Trusts can be especially useful if you want to avoid probate, minimize estate taxes, or protect assets from creditors. Trust-based estate plans often involve things like revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and other specialized planning tools.

Trust-based estate plans cost around $1,500 – $3,000 in Virginia.

It’s a big investment but can offer peace of mind if you’re dealing with more substantial assets.

Our Virginia Estate Planning Prices

We offer two estate planning options based on your needs:

#1 Will-Based Estate Planning Package – $1,600    

This includes a Last Will and Testament, Medical Directive, Healthcare Power of Attorney, and General (Financial) Power of Attorney.

This covers essential legal protections to ensure your wishes are followed.

#2 Trust-Centered Estate Planning Package – $2,800 (for individuals or couples)

This includes everything in the Will-Based Package, plus:

• Revocable Living Trust – helps avoid probate and keeps your estate private.
• Pour-Over Will – ensures any assets not placed in the trust are still covered.

The Trust-Centered plan provides more flexibility and control over how your assets are handled while avoiding many of the legal issues of probate.

Our prices may increase soon, so now is a great time to start your estate planning.

Check Out Our: Estate Planning Services in Richmond

Factors That Affect Estate Planning Costs

When you start to look at estate planning costs, remember that what you pay isn’t just about the kind of plan you choose. A number of factors can influence how much you’ll end up spending. 

Here are the biggest ones:

#1 Complexity Of Your Estate

How complicated your estate is the biggest factor that affects the cost of estate planning. 

If you’re just passing on a few things to a few people, that’s one thing. But if you’ve got real estate, investments, business interests, or any other complicated assets, your plan might require more time and effort. 

For example, if your estate includes a business you want to keep in the family, or you have multiple properties in different states, your estate plan is going to be more complex and expensive.

#2 Type Of Assets

The types of assets you have can also affect the price. 

If you have retirement accounts, real estate, or a significant amount of savings, you might need extra documents or strategies to make sure everything is transferred smoothly. 

On the other hand, if you’re mostly passing on personal items or have just a few assets, the cost will likely be lower.

The more diverse your portfolio, the more work your attorney will need to do, which can increase costs.

#3 Type Of Services Needed

What kind of services do you need from your attorney? Are you just looking for a simple will, or do you want a comprehensive plan with tax planning, a trust, and more? 

The more services you need, the higher the cost. 

For example, if you need someone to draft a business succession plan or create multiple trusts, the price will go up. 

So it’s worth thinking about what you really need versus what’s just nice to have.

#4 Attorney’s Fees And Fee Structures

In Virginia, estate planning attorneys generally charge either an hourly rate or a flat fee. 

Hourly rates can vary based on the attorney’s experience and location. You might pay anywhere from $200 to $500 per hour. 

If the attorney offers a flat fee for a specific service (like drafting a will), that can be easier to budget for. So be sure to ask about fees upfront so you know what to expect.

#5 Family Dynamics

Family dynamics can affect the cost of estate planning in Virginia too. 

If you have a complex family situation (like blended families or estranged relatives), your estate plan might need more detailed instructions to avoid conflict later on. 

In some cases, this could mean a more expensive plan. 

Now if your family situation is straightforward, the plan could be simpler and cheaper.

#6 Your Location

Where you live in Virginia can impact costs. 

Larger cities like Richmond, Virginia Beach, or Northern Virginia generally have higher rates for estate planning services, while rural areas may offer lower fees. 

Location matters because attorney rates can vary based on the cost of living in that area.

Bottom Line

The estate planning cost in Virginia is around $300 – $10,000.

The exact price really depends on your situation. 

The best way to figure out how much you’ll pay is to meet with an attorney, discuss your situation, and get a clear understanding of their fees.

Estate planning can be a bit of an investment, but it’s worth it to make sure your wishes are carried out the way you want. 

Plus, it can save your family from a lot of stress down the road. So take the plunge—get it done!

Planning for the future can feel like a lot, but one of the most important things you can do is create a will. It makes sure your wishes are honored and that your loved ones are looked after.

If you’re wondering how much a will costs in Virginia, the price depends on how you go about it. 

From DIY options to hiring an attorney, there are a few different ways to get your will done, and the cost depends on what you need. 

In this guide, we’ll break down the costs associated with each option and help you figure out which one is right for you.

What’s The Average Cost Of Making A Will In Virginia?

The cost of making a will in Virginia really depends on how you create it.

On the low end, if you go the DIY route, you might pay next to nothing. But if you hire a lawyer to help you create a more complex will, it could cost several hundred dollars.

Here’s a quick look at some common options:

Also Read: Who Needs A Will In Virginia?

Do-It-Yourself (DIY) Wills

DIY wills are often the least expensive option. 

You can create your own will for as little as $0 if you’re using a free template!

There are templates and free tools online that can guide you through the process. These can be as simple as filling in your name, listing beneficiaries, and signing the document.

But while DIY wills are cheap, they come with risks. 

If you mess something up, it could make the will invalid or lead to legal complications. 

Also, DIY wills are best for relatively simple estates – if you have a complicated situation (like multiple properties or specific instructions for distribution), a DIY approach might not cut it.

Online Will Creation Services

If you want something a little more structured but still affordable, online will-making services are great. These services usually guide you through the process with easy-to-follow questions. 

Online will creation services cost around $99 – $200. 

Some will charge extra if you want added features like an executor or living will, so make sure to check the pricing details before you dive in. 

These services are great for people with relatively simple estates who don’t want to draft everything themselves. They typically come with helpful templates, and some even offer support if you need assistance.

Some of the more popular options include LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, and Trust & Will.

The big perk of using an online service is that it’s still affordable, but you get a little more confidence that everything’s being done right. 

Keep in mind, though, that while these services are fine for most basic situations, they won’t give you legal advice, and they won’t necessarily cover all of the nuances of your estate.

Attorney-Prepared Wills

Hiring a lawyer to prepare your will might be the most expensive option, but it also comes with the most peace of mind. 

The cost of hiring an attorney in Virginia typically ranges from $300 to $1,200 or more. 

A simple will may cost closer to $300, while more complex estates (with trusts, multiple beneficiaries, etc.) can run a lot higher.

It’s worth noting that some attorneys charge by the hour, so the total cost can vary depending on how long the process takes.

Although attorney-prepared wills are more expensive, you’re paying for expertise. Lawyers are trained to make sure everything is legally binding and covers all your bases. 

If you’re dealing with anything complex, this may be the best route for you.

Factors That Affect The Cost Of A Will

There are a few things that can affect how much you’ll pay for a will, no matter which route you take. Let’s take a look at some of these factors:

Type Of Will

The type of will you need is the biggest factor that determines the cost. 

For example, a simple, straightforward will that just distributes your assets to your family might be fairly inexpensive.

But if you need something more complicated, like a living trust, special guardianship provisions for your children, or setting up a charitable foundation, expect the cost to go up.

Complexity Of Your Estate

If you have a large or complicated estate, the cost of your will will likely increase. 

More assets mean more to consider when distributing your belongings. 

Things like multiple properties, investments, or business interests will require more time and care to ensure everything is handled correctly. 

If you have a lot of beneficiaries or specific wishes about how your things should be divided, it can also add to the complexity.

Also Read: how much does estate planning cost in Virginia

Professional Assistance Vs DIY

How much help you get also impacts the cost. 

If you’re comfortable doing everything yourself, a DIY or online service will be the least expensive. But if you need professional assistance from a lawyer, expect to pay more for that service. 

It’s all about balancing cost with how much peace of mind you need.

Your Location

Finally, where you live can impact the price as well. 

Legal fees vary by region, and Virginia is no exception. 

Urban areas like Northern Virginia, with higher living costs, may have higher attorney fees. If you’re in a more rural part of the state, prices might be lower. 

Always shop around to get a sense of what’s typical in your area.

Other Costs To Consider

Another cost to keep in mind is the price of updating your will over time.

As your life changes – whether you get married, have children, or acquire new assets – you’ll likely need to update your will to reflect those changes.

If you made your will using a DIY template, the updates may be free, except for potential notarization fees. Online will services often charge a small fee, typically between $20 and $50.

However, if you had an attorney prepare your will, you could face hourly rates, which range from $100 to $300, depending on the complexity of the changes.

Asurest’s Will Packages

We offer a straightforward, flat-fee Will package for $1,600. This includes all the essential documents needed to protect your wishes and your loved ones:

• Last Will and Testament – customized to reflect your choices.
• Medical Directive (Living Will) – outlines your healthcare preferences.
• Healthcare Power of Attorney – designates someone to make medical decisions for you.
• General (Financial) Power of Attorney – allows someone to handle financial matters on your behalf.

This package ensures your assets, healthcare, and finances are handled according to your wishes. Prices may increase soon, so now is a good time to secure this rate.

Also Check Out Our Wills Services in Richmond

How To Choose The Right Option For Your Situation

So, how do you decide which option is best for you? Here are some things to think about:

• Go with a DIY will if you have a simple estate and are comfortable doing things yourself.  
• Use an online service if you want a little more structure and help, but don’t need full legal advice.
• Hire an attorney if your estate is complex, or if you just want to be extra sure everything is handled right. 

Bottom Line

The cost of making a will in Virginia is around $0 – $1200.

A DIY will can be dirt cheap, while a professionally prepared will might cost more but can offer more peace of mind.

No matter which route you choose, having a will is an important step in making sure your wishes are respected and your loved ones are taken care of.