How Much Does a Will Cost?
A will costs anywhere from free to over $1,000. A DIY or free online will costs $0 to about $160, an online will service runs roughly $20 to $160, and an attorney-drafted will typically costs $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on complexity and where you live.
What you pay for a will depends almost entirely on how you make it. The document itself is not expensive to produce; what you are really paying for is guidance and customization, from none at all with a DIY template to tailored legal advice from an attorney. Here is what each route costs in 2026.
| Method | Typical cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Free DIY / template | $0 | Simple, urgent situations |
| Free online services | $0 | Simple estates (FreeWill, Tomorrow) |
| Paid online will maker | $20–$160 | Most people and young families |
| Online + attorney support | $160–$300 | A little extra guidance |
| Estate planning attorney | $300–$1,000+ | Complex estates and trusts |
For a deeper breakdown of the no-cost and low-cost routes, see our guide to the cheapest way to make a will, and compare the paid tools in our roundup of the best online will makers.
What Drives the Price
Three things mostly determine where you land in that range. The first is complexity: a simple estate leaving everything to a spouse costs far less to handle than one with a business, a blended family, or a beneficiary with special needs. The second is how much help you want, from a self-guided template to full attorney advice. The third is your location, since attorney rates vary widely by region.
Adding a trust is the single biggest cost jump. A basic will is inexpensive, but a trust-based plan from an attorney can run several thousand dollars. If you are weighing the two, our guide on will vs living trust explains when the added cost is worth it.
Is a Cheap Will Worth It?
For a straightforward estate, yes. A free or low-cost will is just as legally valid as an expensive one, validity comes from proper signing, not price. For most people with simple wishes, a reputable online tool delivers everything they need for a fraction of an attorney’s fee.
The time to pay more is when your situation is complex: a blended family, a business, property in several states, possible estate tax exposure, or a beneficiary who needs special arrangements. In those cases an attorney’s fee is small next to the cost of a mistake. Our guide on DIY will vs attorney helps you find that line, and can I write my own will covers the do-it-yourself route.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a will cost?
A will costs anywhere from free to over $1,000. A DIY or free online will costs $0 to about $160, an online will service runs roughly $20 to $160, and an attorney-drafted will typically costs $300 to $1,000 or more, depending on complexity and where you live.
Can I make a will for free?
Yes. Free services like FreeWill and the Tomorrow app let you create a basic, legally valid will at no cost, and writing one yourself from a template is also free. Free options work best for simple estates and have fewer features than paid services.
How much does a lawyer charge to write a will?
A lawyer typically charges $300 to $1,000 for a simple will, and more for complex plans involving trusts, where total fees can run several thousand dollars. The exact cost depends on your estate’s complexity and your location.
Why are some wills more expensive than others?
Price mostly reflects how much guidance and customization you get. Free and DIY wills give you a template; online services add guidance; attorneys add tailored legal advice for complex estates, trusts, taxes, and blended families. More complexity means higher cost.
Are there ongoing costs after making a will?
Sometimes. Some online services charge a small annual fee to keep editing your documents, and any will may involve a small notary fee for a self-proving affidavit. Updating a will after major life changes can also cost a little more.