How Much Does It Cost to Make a Will?

Anna Burton is a lead planning excellence consultant at Northwestern Mutual.

Creating a will is an essential part of planning for the future, yet many people find themselves uncertain about where to start. And it’s natural to be wary of the cost. The truth is this: There’s no fixed price for drafting a will. The cost can range from completely free to thousands of dollars. It depends on your method and your estate’s complexity.

While it might be tempting to postpone or overlook the creation of a will, doing so can lead to significant complications. Dying without a will—known as intestacy—can result in a host of unintended consequences. For example, state laws will determine who gets your money and property, which can be especially problematic if you had specific wishes or if your family dynamics are complex. Intestacy can also lead to lengthy legal proceedings such as probate, potential disputes among surviving family members and increased expenses. It's a scenario that can add stress and uncertainty for loved ones during an already difficult time.

By understanding the costs associated with creating a will and recognizing the potential downsides of not having one, you can make informed decisions. You make a step toward protecting your assets and providing peace of mind for yourself and your family. Here we’ll guide you through the options available so you can choose the path that matches your needs and priorities.

Will template forms: A middle ground

Cost: Free to $100

Will template forms offer a compromise between simplicity and professional guidance. These forms, available online or in do-it-yourself (DIY) will kits, provide predrafted templates. The cost can range from free to around $100. While they generally include the necessary "legalese," it's still essential to have your will witnessed and notarized to minimize the risk of invalidation.

Online will services

Cost: $50 to $500

Online will services offer a convenient and relatively affordable way to create a will from the comfort of your own home. They can be a good fit when your situation is straightforward. The cost can range from $50 to $500, depending on the complexity of your estate, the type of coverage (individual or joint) and any additional services included—such as establishing trusts or powers of attorney.

Some online will services also offer live consultation or support with a professional. The cost structure can be either a one-time fee or subscription based. The subscription is useful for making regular updates to your will.

Drafting a will with an attorney

Cost: $250 to $25,000 or more

For a more personalized and comprehensive approach, you can draft a will with an attorney. (They may recommend that you create a trust.) The will’s cost can vary significantly, ranging from $250 to many thousands of dollars, depending on the complexity of your estate and the attorney’s rate.

• For simple wills, an attorney may charge a flat fee, typically between $250 and $1,000.
• In more complex situations, hourly rates are more common, and they usually range from $100 to $500 per hour.
• For large or complicated estates, the cost will involve other estate planning documents and can exceed $5,000 to $15,000.
• On the highest end of estates, the will itself could be relatively simple because of all the other documents that come into play. But the whole estate planning package could exceed $25,000 and could include ongoing maintenance costs.

Do-it-yourself wills: Not recommended

Cost: Free but limited validity

Some people on a strict budget attempt DIY wills. This includes oral wills, which are also known as deathbed wills or nuncupative wills. We don’t recommend that you try to write your own will unless it’s a true emergency.

If you have to go this route, be sure to look into their validity in your state. Generally, the relevant state is the one where you have a permanent home, although some states have more restrictive rules to govern property. Handwritten wills are generally valid across the United States but only if witnessed and signed by two people and notarized. Without witnesses or notarization, handwritten wills are only valid in about half of the states.

If your budget doesn’t allow you to work with a lawyer, we recommend an online will preparation service. While these services involve some cost, they provide greater flexibility, features and legal protections—ensuring that your wishes are more likely to be followed.

Other factors affecting the cost of a will

Understanding additional elements that affect the cost of a will can help you anticipate and manage the cost of estate planning.

Complexity

The complexity of your estate significantly impacts the cost of your will. If you have multiple types of assets—such as real estate, investments and businesses—you’ll benefit from more detailed planning and documentation. Having a large number of beneficiaries or designating some money for charities can add layers of complexity, or maybe you have wishes like wanting to leave money to your kids but not their spouses.

An attorney may also recommend a trust. Involving trusts such as special-needs trusts or intergenerational “dynasty trusts” may increase the complexity and cost of your estate plan.

Frequency of updates

Wills often change as life goes on. You should review and update your will regularly to reflect births, deaths, marriages, divorces or significant changes to your money. While updates are essential to ensuring your will remains relevant and effective, frequent revisions can accumulate costs over time.

Location

The cost of living in your area can significantly influence the cost of creating a will. Attorney fees vary widely depending on the region. Urban areas, particularly those with a high cost of living, tend to have higher fees compared to rural areas.

Experience and expertise of professionals

Choosing to work with an experienced attorney or estate planning professional can impact the cost. While more-experienced professionals may charge higher fees, their expertise can provide valuable insights and ensure that your will is comprehensive and legally sound. Some DIY or online will-making services also offer the option to consult with a professional for an additional fee, providing an intermediate solution.

The will’s place in a broader estate plan

It's essential to remember that a will is just one component of a comprehensive estate plan. Other elements, such as trusts, powers of attorney and advance directives, may also be necessary. The overall cost of your estate plan will depend on the complexity and scope of these additional components. Understanding how all these pieces fit together is key to effective estate planning.

By considering these factors, you can better understand the variables that influence the cost of creating a will and make informed decisions about your estate planning needs.

Talk with your financial advisor

As you create a will, you’ll also want to talk to your Northwestern Mutual financial advisor. Many advisors are well connected to industry professionals (like estate attorneys) and can help you with a referral. They may even have recommendations on software that other clients have used successfully.

As your advisor gets to know you, they can ask deep questions to help you shape your legacy. They should understand your wishes and what you plan to leave behind. That way, they can be your partner in making sure your legacy is reflected in your comprehensive financial plan.