Estate Planning Pricing in California
Prepared by a Certified Estate Planning Specialist (Paralegal). Clear, flat-fee estate plan cost with complete, well-organized documents meeting California requirements.
Prices current as of August 22, 2025. Subject to change.
Clear, Upfront Pricing
Single Trust
$2,100
Flat fee for one individual.
- Revocable Living Trust
- Pour-Over Will
- Durable Power of Attorney (finances)
- Advanced Health Care Directive
- HIPAA Authorization
- Certification of Trust (Probate Code §18100.5)
- Funding guidance
- Included: Deed preparation to fund your primary residence into the trust (recording fee billed separately)
Couple Trust
$2,350
Flat fee for married or registered domestic partners.
- Joint Revocable Living Trust
- Pour-Over Will(s)
- Durable Power(s) of Attorney
- Advanced Health Care Directive(s)
- HIPAA Authorization(s)
- Certification of Trust
- Funding guidance
- Included: Deed preparation to fund your primary residence into the trust (recording fee billed separately)
Update an Existing Plan
$475
Review/Revise existing estate planning documents.
- Update trustees or guardians
- Adjust distribution terms
- Confirm beneficiary designations
- Advise if restatement is more appropriate
À la Carte Documents
Standalone documents when you do not need a full plan.
- Advanced Health Care Directive — $275
- General Durable Power of Attorney — $275
These documents are included at no extra charge when you select a trust package.
Third-party costs: County recorder fees, government surcharges, mobile notary, expedited shipping/courier, and similar charges are separate and vary by county and page count. We will quote these items in writing before you incur them. Deed preparation to fund your primary residence is included; however, the county recording fee is billed separately.
How Our Fees Compare to Attorney Fees
Many Californians assume that only attorneys can prepare estate planning documents. In practice, a Certified Estate Planning Specialist who focuses exclusively on this field can deliver the same quality of work product—with formal, court-ready organization—at a lower fee due to reduced overhead and a narrower, deeply specialized scope.
- Lower Flat Fees: Single Trust $2,100; Couple Trust $2,350. Comparable attorney-prepared trusts in California frequently range from $3,500 to $6,000+ depending on firm size and billing structure.
- Single-Practice Model: All of our specialists practice in only one area. For this page, that area is estate planning. Specialists in our other service lines likewise practice only in their single area of law, following the same focused model.
- Lean Operations: Our single-practice approach keeps costs and expenses down while maintaining professional, institution-ready formatting and compliance with the California Probate Code.
- Attorney-Level Organization: Documents are prepared and organized in the format expected by financial institutions, county recorders, and courts, including Certifications of Trust under Probate Code §18100.5.
Bottom line: You receive the same quality of estate planning documents—often faster and with greater procedural clarity—without paying for broad-practice overhead. Every service is delivered by a specialist who practices only in that single area.
What You Receive with a Well-Prepared Estate Plan
Our estate cost plans are built for California families and follow the structure courts and financial institutions expect. Core components include:
- Revocable Living Trust (RLT): The central instrument that helps avoid probate when properly funded.
- Certification of Trust: A short form you can show to banks and title companies instead of the full trust (Probate Code §18100.5).
- Pour-Over Will(s): A safety net that “pours” any stray assets into your trust.
- Durable Power of Attorney (Finances): Allows a trusted agent to act if you are incapacitated (Probate Code §4000 et seq.).
- Advanced Health Care Directive: Combines medical agent appointment and treatment preferences (Probate Code §4600 et seq.).
- HIPAA Authorization: Permits your agents to receive protected medical information.
- Funding Guidance: Written instructions for titling and beneficiary updates so the plan operates as intended.
- Included Deed Prep: Deed preparation to fund your primary residence into the trust (county recording fee billed separately).
Note: Additional properties beyond the primary residence may require separate deeds and recording fees; we will quote these in writing before proceeding.
Estate Planning Pricing – Q & A
How much does a complete estate plan cost?
Our flat fees are $2,100 for a Single Trust and $2,350 for a Couple Trust. If you already have documents and need updates, our $475 Review/Revise Estate Plan service is designed for common changes. Standalone Advanced Health Care Directive or General Durable Power of Attorney is $275 each.
What exactly is included at those prices?
Each trust package includes your revocable living trust, Certification of Trust, pour-over will(s), durable financial power(s) of attorney, Advanced Health Care Directive(s), HIPAA authorization(s), clear funding guidance, and deed preparation to fund your primary residence into the trust. The county recording fee is billed separately.
How do your fees compare to hiring an attorney?
Our flat fees—$2,100 for a Single Trust and $2,350 for a Couple Trust—are typically lower than California attorney fees, which often range from $3,500 to $6,000+. Because all of our specialists practice exclusively in one area, and in this case that area is estate planning, you are not paying for the overhead of other practice areas. Specialists in our other legal service lines similarly practice only in their single area.
Are filing, notary, and recording fees included?
These are third-party costs and vary by county and page count. We itemize them in advance. Deed preparation for your primary residence is included; however, the county recording fee is separate. Additional properties may require separate deeds and recording fees.
Why is a trust worth the cost in California?
In California, probate can be time-consuming and expensive. A properly funded trust can avoid probate, keep matters private, and help your successor trustee act without court delay. Many clients recoup the cost of planning by avoiding later court processes.
What if I already have a trust from years ago?
Start with our $475 Review/Revise service. We determine whether an amendment suffices or a restatement is more appropriate. We also check funding and beneficiary designations so the plan functions as intended.
Do I still need a will if I have a trust?
Yes. We include a pour-over will to capture any assets not titled to your trust and to nominate guardians for minor children.
Do I need both a financial power of attorney and a health directive?
Yes. Financial and medical decisions are governed by different statutes. In California, the durable power of attorney is under Probate Code §4000 et seq., and the Advanced Health Care Directive is under Probate Code §4600 et seq.
How long does the process take?
Most plans are completed in 1–3 weeks, depending on responsiveness and complexity. We schedule a signing once drafts are approved.
Legal note (California): Documents are prepared to comply with California law, including the Probate Code provisions cited above. We provide legal document assistance and formal, court-ready organization. We are not a law firm and do not give legal advice; if you need attorney advice, we can coordinate with counsel.
Related California Resources
- Estate Planning in California – overview and process
- California Asset Protection – safeguarding key assets
Next Steps
Ready to start or want a written pricing confirmation tailored to your estate? Call 833-500-2009 or visit our Estate Planning page. We will confirm your flat fee in writing, outline any third-party costs, and schedule your drafting meeting.