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titan22

In my practice, I worked closely with several attorneys and accountants. One attorney I worked with did "a la carte" estate planning charges. It was basic, simple planning charges for the budget minded person.

Below is a list of average charges one can expect to pay for this. Remember, this is simple and basic planning. To get more in depth, or if you have a large estate, it will obviously cost more. Use this for a guide, not a standard.

$100-Estate planning conference. Fee is usually added to the cost of other documents ordered during the conference.It is just a simple meeting to set up needs and wants with the attorney.

$150-Simple Will. Emphasis on Simple.

$200-Simple Wills for both husband and wife, if substantially similar documents.

$200-Simple Trust Will-usually drafted to provide for control of children's and grandchildren's assets to avoid expensive guardianships and provide control beyond a child's or grandchild's 18th birthday.

$250-Simple Trust Wills for both husband and wife, if substantially similar documents.

$25-Health Care Directive (living will)

$75-Community Property Agreement (this document is recommended only for some couples)

$75-Durable Power of Attorney.

$200-Special Needs Trust within a will.

The fee for complex estate planning involving credit shelter trusts, marital trusts, living trusts and life insurance trusts varies depending upon your individiual needs.

Remember, there will be other costs associated based on complexity of issues. This is a basic guide and is based on west coast averages. These are also basic documents and charges can be incurred to be more specific to an individual client.