How Much Does Estate Planning Cost in Florida? 2025

Estate planning can be beneficial at any stage in life. Individuals who plan for the future using wills, trusts, and other estate planning tools can reduce the liabilities during their lifetime and the burden on their loved ones after the estate holder’s death. If you are considering taking the first step by contacting an attorney, you may be wondering, “How much does estate planning cost in Florida?”

Cost Factors in Estate Planning in Florida

One of the main factors that determines how much estate planning will cost in Florida is the complexity of your estate. Larger estates that include multiple properties, businesses, or high-value assets often require considerable time and resources on the part of an estate planning attorney.

If you simply need guidance drafting a will, an estate planning attorney may charge a flat fee or an hourly rate for their services. Wills generally do not require considerable attorney fees. While comprehensive estate planning may be more costly at first, maintaining your estate plan after that initial step may only require visits with your estate planning attorney every few years or after major life events.

Estate planning can save you time and money, as working with an attorney ensures your legal documents comply with state law and hold up in court. After your death, your investment of time and money into estate planning can save your loved ones and beneficiaries money since they may be able to avoid having to hire attorneys of their own.

As major life events occur, such as marriage, divorce, or inheritance of significant financial resources, it is important to update your estate plan to ensure it reflects your current goals and the size and value of your estate.

Estate Planning Tools You May Need

An estate planning attorney can meet with you to discuss which estate planning tools you need to manage your estate while you are alive and settle your estate after your death. Common estate planning costs include fees for drafting and executing the following documents:

• Wills: This signed document is essential for ensuring your wishes are understood by your beneficiaries and the courts after your death. A will can name heirs and guardians for minors or dependents. It must be carefully worded to ensure there is no confusion about your wishes after your death.
• Trusts: A revocable living trust can allow designated parts of your estate to avoid probate. During your life, an irrevocable trust can offer important asset protection.
• Power of attorney (POA): This document allows a designated individual to manage your financial affairs if you become incapacitated. A POA is often included in estate planning packages.
• Living will: A living will specifies your medical care preferences and appoints a decision-maker to handle those decisions. This document often details the types of end-of-life care you want or do not want.

Many of these documents designate the decision-maker for important choices about settling an estate or making medical decisions on behalf of the owner of the estate. It is important to choose these individuals carefully so they are living in the state when needed and have the time and resources to fulfill their roles.

Cost-Saving Tips for Estate Planning in the Sunshine State

While it may be easy to focus on the costs of setting up an estate plan, there are many cost-saving benefits to estate planning, and there are ways to handle estate planning matters efficiently. A revocable living trust can help your estate avoid probate court. Since legal fees may be deducted from your estate after your death, any steps that avoid probate can ensure your estate remains largely intact before it is divided among heirs and beneficiaries.

As you prepare to hire an estate planning attorney, speak to multiple estate planning attorneys to see if they offer planning packages that allow for bundled services. This can reduce the cost of estate planning considerably. Regularly reviewing your estate plan can prevent costly legal disputes while ensuring your wishes are made clear.

Early planning can also save you time and money. Managing an estate over decades is easier and more cost-effective than trying to catch up when you are advanced in years or already facing serious health problems.

FAQs

Q: How Much Does an Estate Plan Cost in Florida?

A: The cost of an estate plan in Florida depends on the time and resources an estate planning attorney puts into your estate plan. These costs vary considerably from person to person. A complex estate may require considerable estate planning work, but managing the estate afterward only requires periodic updates to your estate plan.

Q: Is Estate Planning a Good Idea?

A: Estate planning is always a good idea. The earlier you begin planning, the more effective your estate planning tools can be in helping you achieve your goals. Ideally, estate planning should begin early into adulthood. Certain irrevocable trusts can protect your assets from creditors during your lifetime. A living will can ensure your medical wishes are honored if you become incapacitated.

Q: Which Is a Will or Trust Better in Florida?

A: Both a will and trust are vital components of an estate plan. They also serve different purposes. A will details your wishes regarding how your estate should be divided after your death and other important directives. A trust can protect your assets during your life and ensure designated portions of your estate are managed or distributed according to specific terms after your death.

Q: How Much Does a Living Trust Cost in Florida?

A: The cost of a living trust in Florida depends largely on the legal fees charged by your estate planning attorney for the time and resources they put into drafting and executing the trust. Once a trust is established, it generally only requires occasional reviews. By setting up a trust early in your life, you can avoid the cost of complicated estate planning efforts later in life.

Schedule Your Estate Planning Consultation Today

The Preston Law Firm is here to help guide you through the estate planning process. Our attorneys bring over 50 years of collective experience helping Floridians plan for the future. If you have questions about the cost of estate planning, we’re glad to explain the cost factors in detail. Contact our office today to schedule your estate planning consultation and take the first step toward safeguarding the things that matter the most to you.