What Does It Cost to Set Up a Living Will?

What is a Living Will?

A living will is a legal document that specifies your preferences for medical treatment if you become incapacitated and unable to communicate your wishes. By outlining your healthcare decisions, this document ensures they are respected, providing peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Understanding the cost to set up a living will is an important step in this process.

Importance of Having a Living Will

Having a living will is crucial because it:

• Provides clear instructions for your medical care.
• Reduces the burden on family members to make tough decisions.
• Ensures your wishes are followed, even when you can’t communicate them.

Factors Affecting the Cost to Set Up a Living Will

Legal Fees

One of the primary living will expenses is the legal fees. These fees vary depending on the complexity of your situation and the attorney’s experience. It’s essential to consult with a reputable estate planning attorney to ensure your living will is legally sound and tailored to your needs.

Additional Costs

In addition to legal fees, there are other living will expenses to consider, such as:

• Notarization: Some states require notarization of your living will, this cost can range.
• Document Storage: Secure storage of your living will, either physically or digitally, can add to the overall expense. As part of your Forever Estate Plan we securely store your estate planning documents, for life.

Cost Variations by State

The cost to set up a living will can also vary significantly by state due to differences in legal requirements and the cost of living. For example, setting up a living will in states like California or New York may be more expensive compared to states with a lower cost of living. It’s important to research the specific requirements and average costs in your state to budget accordingly.

Living Will Cost Breakdown

Legal Fees

Legal fees are a major component of the living will cost breakdown. These fees can vary widely based on the attorney’s experience and the complexity of your estate planning needs. It’s advisable to get quotes from multiple attorneys to find the best fit for your budget.

Cost-Saving Tips and Options for Setting Up a Living Will

Consulting with an Estate Planning Attorney

While hiring an attorney might seem like an additional expense, it can actually save you money in the long run by ensuring your living will is correctly drafted and legally binding. An estate planning attorney can also offer valuable advice on how to structure your living will to minimize potential conflicts and legal challenges.

Using Online Resources

For those on a tight budget, several online platforms offer affordable templates and resources for setting up a living will. These services typically range from $20 to $100 and provide step-by-step instructions. However, it’s crucial to ensure that any online service complies with your state’s legal requirements.

Combining Documents

Some estate planning attorneys offer packages that include multiple documents, such as a living will, durable power of attorney, and healthcare proxy, at a discounted rate. Bundling these services can be a cost-effective way to cover all your bases while saving money.

How Forever Estate Plan is Different

Our plans are designed to help cut through the confusion that folks face when deciding what Estate Planning document they need. We offer four different packages designed to meet your needs. You won’t have to worry about additional costs, hidden fees, or future changes to your documents. Our Will-Based Plan for a Married couple has a lifetime cost of $1,800 and it comes with two two Healthcare Directives. Take our quiz and learn more about which plan works best for you and your family.