How Much Does Estate Planning Cost in California?

Understanding the Cost of Estate Planning in California

When people start thinking about creating an estate plan, one of the first questions they ask is, “How much will it cost?”

The truth is that there isn’t one simple answer. The cost of estate planning in California depends on your situation, your family, your assets, and your goals for protecting them.

At Pevney Estate Planning, we believe in being transparent about costs and helping Orange County families understand what they are investing in: peace of mind, protection, and a plan that actually works when it is needed most.

What’s Included in an Estate Plan

Before you can estimate the cost, it helps to know what is usually included in a complete estate plan. Most Californians benefit from these key documents:

• Revocable Living Trust: Keeps your estate private and helps your family avoid probate.
  
  
• Last Will and Testament: Names guardians for minor children and handles anything not covered by your trust.
  
  
• Durable Power of Attorney: Lets a trusted person manage your finances if you become unable to.
  
  
• Advance Health Care Directive: Shares your medical wishes and appoints someone to make decisions if you cannot.
  
  
• Trust Funding Support: Makes sure your home, accounts, and investments are properly titled in your trust.
  
  

A well-designed plan brings all of these parts together so your wishes are clear and your family is protected.

Typical Estate Planning Costs in California

Costs vary depending on how you create your plan and who helps you.

Type of Plan	Average Cost	What You Get
Online Templates	$200 – $700	Inexpensive but very risky. These one-size-fits-all forms often don’t meet California’s legal standards. Most importantly, trusts are rarely funded, meaning they have no legal effect.
Comprehensive Estate Plan with Living Trust	$2,700 – $5,000	Includes wills, trusts, and funding assistance. Offers full protection and avoids probate for most families.
Complex Estate or Tax Plan	$5,000+	Tailored for high-value estates, multiple properties, blended families, or business owners with special needs.

Most Pevney Estate Planning clients fall in the $2,700 to $4,500 and up range depending on how many assets they have and how customized their plan needs to be.

Why Estate Planning Is Worth the Investment

Many people think of estate planning as a legal expense, but it is really an investment in your family’s future.

A complete plan can:

• Save tens of thousands in probate fees and court costs
  
  
• Keep your financial details private
  
  
• Prevent family conflicts or confusion
  
  
• Give your loved ones clarity and comfort when they need it most
  
  

For many families, the cost of proper planning is far less than the financial and emotional cost of doing nothing.

What Affects the Cost of Your Estate Plan

Here are a few of the most common factors that influence pricing in California:

1. Complexity of Assets: More properties, accounts, or beneficiaries require additional planning.
   
   
2. Marital Status: Joint trusts for married couples involve extra coordination.
   
   
3. Attorney Experience: Working with a focused estate planning attorney ensures legal accuracy and California compliance.
   
   
4. Trust Funding: Transferring assets and updating deeds adds time and value.
   
   
5. Customization Needs: Business owners, blended families, or special needs trusts require more detailed strategies.
   
   

Every plan should be customized to match your family’s situation. There are no templates or shortcuts when it comes to protecting what matters most.

Why Work with a Local Orange County Estate Planning Attorney

California law is unique, especially when it comes to real estate, community property, and probate. That is why it is so important to work with an attorney who understands how local laws impact your plan.

At Pevney Estate Planning, we have helped families in Laguna Hills, Irvine, Mission Viejo, and throughout Orange County design plans that protect what matters most to them.

When you work with a local firm, you get:

• Up-to-date knowledge of California law
  
  
• Guidance that fits local probate procedures
  
  
• A relationship built on trust and accessibility

Common Mistakes That Can Cost You More Later

Even well-meaning families can make costly mistakes when trying to save money upfront. Common examples include:

• Using online forms that do not meet California’s requirements
  
  
• Forgetting to move property or bank accounts into the trust
  
  
• Failing to update the plan after marriage, divorce, or a move
  
  
• Leaving out digital assets or business interests
  
  

Fixing these errors later often costs much more than doing it right the first time.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I update my estate plan later?
   Yes. Pevney Estate Planning offers ongoing reviews and updates whenever your life or goals change.
2. Are estate planning fees tax-deductible?
   Maybe. Especially if you own a small business and/or a rental property that we are including as part of your estate plan.
3. How do I find out exactly what my plan would cost?
   The best way is to schedule a consultation. After understanding your needs, we will provide a clear quote with no surprises or pressure.

Let’s Make Estate Planning Simple and Affordable

Estate planning does not have to be complicated or expensive. With the right guidance, you can protect your loved ones and feel confident that everything is handled properly.

At Pevney Estate Planning, we are here to help California families plan wisely, communicate clearly, and protect their legacies with care.

Schedule your free 30-minute consultation today and discover how affordable true peace of mind can be.