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How Much Does Estate Planning Cost?

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After you pass, estate planning is critical to caring for your family and ensuring they honor your wishes. However, many hesitate to start the process because they wonder, “How much does estate planning cost?” While these concerns are understandable, there are many reasons why the value of having an experienced legal team craft your estate plan far outweighs the expense.

Why You Need an Estate Plan

Before wading into the potential costs of hiring a lawyer to create and manage your estate plan, it’s crucial to understand why you need an estate plan. First and foremost, an estate plan is essential for everyone, regardless of age or wealth. It helps ensure that your family fulfills your wishes after you pass and receive the items and assets you wish them to have. Without an estate plan, state laws will decide how your assets are distributed, which might not align with your preferences.

An estate plan can also help your family avoid disputes once you’re gone. Outlining who gets what can prevent misunderstandings and conflicts among your heirs. It also makes closing your estate smoother and less stressful for your family during a difficult time.

Additionally, an estate plan can save your loved ones time and money by reducing the costs and delays associated with probate—the process of distributing your estate. It can also help minimize estate taxes, ensuring more assets go to your beneficiaries. By planning ahead, you take control of your legacy and provide peace of mind for yourself and your family.

DIY Estate Planning vs. Hiring an Attorney

A DIY approach to estate planning might seem like a good way to save money upfront. However, it can lead to costly mistakes and complications down the line. Without professional guidance, you might miss important details or fail to consider all your options.

Hiring an attorney is crucial to crafting a thorough and legally enforceable estate plan. An experienced lawyer can help you address complex legal issues, avoid errors, and tailor your plan to your situation. In the long run, this can save you and your loved ones time, money, and hassle and provide peace of mind.

What Lawyers Charge for Estate Planning Services

Regarding estate planning, each lawyer has their own way of charging for their services. Generally, estate planning attorneys use two fee structures: charging by the hour or a flat rate.

In the former arrangement, lawyers bill you for the time they spend working on your case. This can include meetings, drafting documents, and answering questions. The hourly rate can vary depending on the lawyer’s experience and location.

On the other hand, some lawyers charge a flat rate for specific and relatively straightforward estate planning services, such as drafting a will. This means you’ll pay a set fee for the entire service, regardless of how much time the lawyer spends. This can be beneficial for clients who prefer knowing the total cost upfront. Both fee structures have advantages, and the right choice depends on your personal preferences and the complexity of your estate planning needs.

Factors That Affect the Cost of Estate Planning Services

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How much you can expect to pay for estate planning services will depend on several factors, including the following:

  • The Complexity of Your Estate: The more assets you have and the more complicated your financial situation, the more time and effort your attorney will need to create a comprehensive estate plan. This can increase the cost of legal services.
  • The Type of Documents Needed: Basic documents like simple will typically cost less than more complex documents like trusts or advanced directives.
  • Your Attorney’s Experience: More experienced attorneys might charge higher fees due to their advanced knowledge and reputation within the field.
  • Your Geographic Location: The cost of legal services can vary depending on where you live. Estate planning services in larger cities or high-cost areas may be more expensive than those in smaller towns.
  • Any Specialized Needs: Addressing complicated arrangements, such as planning for a family member with special needs or anticipating complex tax situations, can increase the cost of legal services due to the specific knowledge and additional work involved.

Contact a Dallas Estate Planning Lawyer Today

At Staubus, Blankenship, Legere and Walker PLLC, our Dallas estate planning attorneys want to take the mystery out of the estate planning process. We provide a range of services to fit different needs and budgets. Whether you need basic documents like a will or more complex planning like a trust, we can deliver robust legal guidance at a competitive price. Contact Staubus, Blankenship, Legere and Walker PLLC today at (214) 833-0100 for a consultation, and let’s discuss your estate in detail.

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The Firm

The attorneys at Staubus, Blankenship, Legere and Walker PLLC have over 100 years of combined experience in estate planning, probate, and litigation. We have the knowledge and skills to tackle complex legal issues, such as guardianships, will contests, fiduciary litigation, and trust litigation. We can also handle routine matters, such as estate administration, probating wills, heirship determinations, and other probate court matters.

Staubus, Blankenship, Legere and Walker PLLC received a preeminent AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating possible from a peer-rated legal service. This rating recognizes our hard work, dedication, and the case results we’re able to achieve.

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What Our Clients Say

"I recently had the occasion to hire Mr. Staubus for a hotly contested Guardianship matter. Mr. Staubus brought a rare combination of effectiveness, reasonableness and understanding of the human element involved. Mr. Staubus handled all things in a calm, highly competent, effective and reasonable way. It could not have been as easy as he made it seem. He's a credit to the Bar."

Jody

"Without exception, the legal service, professional attitude, prompt communication of your firm and your legal knowledge is second to none. I only wish I had an attorney here in Boston that could hold a candle to your experience and expertise. Working with you has been a pleasure, but even more, has made me believe that there are knowledgeable attorneys that do care about doing a good job. Thank you Keith! You may not truly understand how much of an impact you are having on peoples lives, but for me, you have helped change my life. As I begin making my dreams come true I can't help but remember none of this would be possible without you."

Joann

"Keith Staubus and Julie Blankenship and their team represented me in a jury trial in the probate court where the ownership of the business which I had worked hard to build was at stake. They successfully fought to preserve my business and my professional reputation, working masterfully to gain the support of the jury. I would not hesitate to hire them again in any bet-the-company litigation.”

Karen

"After my husband's death, I was devastated by having to defend against a vicious dispute over my husband's estate. Julie Blankenship and Keith Staubus made me feel very comfortable in this distressing situation. They were very tough and did an excellent job for me in obtaining a summary judgment in my favor without a full jury trial. I was glad to have them and Diane Walker in my corner to help me achieve an excellent result - I won! If I ever had to go back to probate court, I would hire them again.” - (will and trust construction case)

Flo

"If you need intervention for someone you love but don't know where to turn or who to turn to, Julie Blankenship and Keith Staubus helped me through the most difficult and stressful time in my life with a much loved family member. I now believe that good will triumph over evil. They fought for what was right, and good prevailed." (contested guardianship and will contest)

Janet
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