How Much Does a Will Cost in Texas? (And What Else Should You Consider?)

Howdy, folks. If you’re reading this, you’re likely pondering a question many Texans consider: “How much does a will cost in Texas?” It’s a smart question to ask. Planning for the future is one of the most responsible things you can do for yourself and your loved ones. As an experienced Texas estate planning attorney, I can tell you that the most straightforward answer to the cost of a will is… it depends. That might not be the easy answer you were hoping for, but it’s the honest one. Think of it like buying a pair of cowboy boots – a standard, off-the-shelf pair will have a different price tag than a custom-made, exotic leather set. Wills, and estate planning in general, are similar. Quick Answer: (Typical) Texas Will Cost Ranges at a Glance

• Simple will: $300-$1,500 (basic distributions, standard situations)
• Complex will: $1,000-$5,000+ (testamentary trusts, blended families, unique assets, other “wrinkles”)
• Complete estate plan: $1,000-$10,000+ (Will plus several additional documents such as powers of attorney, buy/sell agreements, trusts, letters of wishes, review of beneficiary assets, out-of-state assets, out-of-country assets, estate tax considerations, etc.)
• Factors affecting cost: Estate complexity, type of assets, value of estate, chosen planning solution, attorney experience, geographic location, beneficiaries
• DIY options: $50-$500 but comes with significant risks, such as accidental invalidation, incorrect execution, inappropriate drafting, family complications, and much more

This is a very rough, very approximate estimate. Costs will vary widely based on your geographic area, specific needs and directions, and chosen attorney. As always, IT DEPENDS! If you’ve dealt with attorneys before, you have certainly heard those words (“it depends”) more than once. Several factors influence the cost of making a will in Texas, including but not limited to:

Simplicity vs. Complexity of Your Directions:

• A simple will that, for example, leaves everything to your spouse, and then to your adult children if your spouse predeceases you, will generally be on the lower end of the cost spectrum. For a straightforward will drafted by an attorney, you might see prices ranging from $300 to $1,500, sometimes a bit more or a bit less, depending on the attorney and specific circumstances.
• A complex will involving more intricate distributions, such as setting up testamentary trusts for minor children or beneficiaries with special needs, outlining specific bequests of unique assets, dealing with blended family situations, or any other “sticky wickets” or “wrinkles” that require more consideration, specialized drafting, etc. will naturally require more time and expertise, and thus, a higher fee. These can range from the low thousands ($1,000-ish) and upwards ($5,000 or more), depending on the intricacies.

The Nature of Your Estate:

• If your estate is relatively modest and straightforward, the will preparation will likely (but not DEFINITELY) be less involved.
• However, if you own multiple properties, have business interests, significant investments, or assets in other states, the planning and drafting process becomes more complex and, therefore, more costly.

The Attorney’s Experience and Location:

• An attorney with years of experience in Texas estate planning may charge more than a newer attorney, but that experience can be invaluable, especially with complex estates.
• You might also see some variation in the cost of an estate planning lawyer in San Antonio, Austin, Dallas, or Houston compared to, say, a smaller town, reflecting different overhead and market rates. However, the complexity of your needs is often the more significant driver.

The Attorney’s Education and Training:

• You should always consider where an attorney got his or her training and education from. The best law schools in the nation are generally considered to be (in no particular order): Yale, Harvard, Stanford, Columbia, NYU, UChicago, and UPenn. Do you prefer an attorney who was educated by (and with) the best legal minds in the country? Many clients do.
• Also consider what training an attorney has undertaken since graduating from law school. Do they hold advanced degrees or certifications?

It’s crucial to understand that a will is often just one piece of a comprehensive estate plan. While a will directs how your assets are distributed after your passing, other documents address different, equally important, aspects of your life and legacy. These can include:

• Trusts (e.g., Revocable Living Trusts): Can help avoid probate, manage assets for beneficiaries, and offer more control.
• Limited Partnerships: Sometimes used for more complex asset protection or business succession planning.
• Medical Power of Attorney: Designates someone to make healthcare decisions for you if you’re incapacitated.
• Durable Power of Attorney: Appoints someone to manage your financial affairs if you can’t.
• Directive to Physicians (Living Will): Outlines your wishes for end-of-life medical treatment.
• HIPAA Authorization: Allows medical providers to share your information with designated individuals.
• Designation of Guardian: Names who you want to care for your minor children or an incapacitated adult.

A full estate plan incorporating several of these documents will have a different cost structure, often offered as a package by estate planning attorneys. These packages for individuals or couples can range from $1,000-$10,000 or more, again, highly dependent on complexity. You’ve probably seen ads for online services like LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer, promising quick and cheap wills. While the initial “cost of making a will” through these platforms might seem appealingly low, there are potential pitfalls. These services are essentially sophisticated form-fillers. If you misunderstand a question or click the wrong box based on their multiple-choice options, you could inadvertently create a document that doesn’t do what you intend, or worse, causes significant legal headaches and expenses for your family down the road. A will that’s improperly drafted or executed can be invalid, meaning Texas law, not your wishes, will dictate who gets your property. We delve deeper into the pros and cons of DIY options in another article on our blog, but the short version is: what you save now could cost your loved ones much more later. While it’s natural to focus on the cost, remember that a well-drafted will and a comprehensive estate plan are investments in your peace of mind and your family’s future security. Working with a qualified Texas estate planning attorney ensures your documents are tailored to your specific situation, comply with current Texas law, and accurately reflect your wishes. Instead of just asking “how much does a will cost in Texas?” consider asking, “What’s the right plan to protect my family and my assets?” An initial consultation with an estate planning attorney can help you answer that question and give you a clearer idea of the associated costs for your unique circumstances. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a qualified professional in the San Antonio area or wherever you reside in Texas.