Estate Planning Costs: Why Cheap Online Deeds Often Fail

If you are asking "What should be the price of an estate plan that includes two deeds?", the answer depends heavily on the level of service and where you live.

• Online/DIY Forms: $50 – $150 (High risk of errors)

• Attorney-Drafted Deeds: $350 – $950 per deed (Plus recording fees)

• Basic Trust Plan (Low End): $2,500 – $3,000

• Comprehensive Trust Plan (Couples/High Service): $5,000 – $7,000+

Note: Prices vary by state and county. The ranges above reflect typical costs for services ranging from basic document generation to comprehensive legal counsel.

Why Estate Plans Are "Apples to Oranges"

One of the most important things to understand early on is that all estate plans are not created equal. Comparing prices often feels like comparing apples to oranges. There is a massive disparity in quality—not just between online forms and attorneys, but even between different attorneys.

The price difference usually reflects:

1. Quality of Documents: Does the plan use generic language, or is it crafted for your specific state and county?

2. Level of Service: Is the attorney merely "pumping out" documents, or are they walking you through the plan to ensure you understand how to use it?

The Hidden Costs of Online Forms ($50 - $150)

Your least expensive option will always be an online service. You might find forms for free, or pay $50 to $150. While these services claim to create documents under the laws of your state (like Florida or California), they are typically very general.

The Risk: Attorneys consistently find mistakes in these documents. For example, in Florida, if a deed lacks specific language regarding Homestead laws, it can get you into trouble. Online forms rarely account for these nuances, meaning you might save money now but face legal headaches later.

Attorney-Drafted Deeds ($450 - $950)

When hiring an attorney specifically for deeds, you are paying for accuracy and recourse.

• The "Decent" Option ($450 - $500): You can find attorneys who draft deeds for this lower range (plus recording fees).

• The "Full Service" Option ($750 - $950): Higher-priced attorneys often include ongoing support. If a problem arises, a mistake needs fixing, or a change is required before recording, these services are often included in the higher fee.

Trust-Based Estate Plans ($2,500 - $7,000)

If your plan includes a Revocable Trust (designed to avoid probate), the price variance is significant.

• Low-End Plans ($2,500 - $3,000): You may find trust packages in this range. However, these plans often miss critical documents or lack the specific language required to cover a client's unique needs. They are frequently "templated" rather than customized.

• Comprehensive Plans ($5,000 - $7,000): For couples, a robust plan that is tailored to specific needs will fall in this higher range. This price typically includes the time the attorney spends sitting down with you, answering questions, and building a relationship to ensure the plan actually works for you.

Final Verdict: You Get What You Pay For

Whether it’s a $400 add-on fee for an extra deed or a full $7,000 trust package, legal services follow a simple rule: you get what you pay for.

If you are looking for the absolute cheapest route, you can find a plan for around $2,000. But if you want a plan suited to your needs—rather than a "revolving door" service—it is worth meeting with an attorney in the $5,000+ range. Hearing them out might reveal that the difference in service and protection is well worth the difference in price. If you would like a Free Consultation to determine what's the best plan for you contact us today!