About this tool
The estate planning cost calculator estimates attorney fees for drafting wills, powers of attorney, and trusts. It also shows how much you would save with online services or DIY templates while flagging when complexity warrants professional advice.
How it works
Savings = Attorney - DIY
Base prices reflect typical flat fee packages from solo and small firm attorneys. State tier multiplies by regional cost of living. Complexity captures multi-property estates, blended families, and business interests that drive longer drafting time.
How to use the Estate Planning Cost Calculator
The Estate Planning Cost Calculator is a browser-based tool that runs entirely on your device. Inputs you enter never reach a server - all calculations happen client-side in JavaScript. This means:
- Privacy: nothing is logged, sent, or stored by 3Tej. Inputs disappear when you close the tab.
- Speed: results update as you type. No network round trip.
- Offline use: once the page is cached, it works without internet.
- No signup: no account, no email, no rate limits.
Step by step
- Enter your inputs in the form above. Each field is labeled with its unit (currency, percent, kg, etc.) and the expected range.
- Read the result as it updates. The number reflects the formula commonly accepted in Estate Planning Cost-related calculations.
- Adjust to see sensitivity: change one input at a time and watch how the output moves. This is the fastest way to understand which variable matters most.
- Copy or screenshot the result for later reference. The page state persists for the session if your browser allows it.
When you would use this
- Quick estimates: when you need a number now and don't want to open a spreadsheet.
- Sensitivity analysis: testing how a result changes as inputs vary, before committing to a real-world decision.
- Comparison: running the same calculation with different inputs to compare options side by side.
- Learning: building intuition for how the underlying math behaves.
- Documentation: capturing a snapshot of inputs and outputs at a point in time.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a will cost?
A simple will from an attorney costs 300 to 800 dollars. Online services like LegalZoom or Trust and Will run 100 to 250 dollars. DIY templates are free but offer no legal review.
Do I need a trust?
Trusts make sense for estates over 250,000 dollars, blended families, or owners of multiple properties. They avoid probate and provide privacy but cost more upfront.
What is a power of attorney?
A power of attorney lets someone you choose make financial or medical decisions if you become incapacitated. Most estate planning packages include both financial and healthcare POAs.
How often should I update my plan?
Review every 3 to 5 years and after major life events such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or moving to a new state. Updates typically cost 100 to 400 dollars.
Is the Estate Planning Cost Calculator accurate?
The Estate Planning Cost Calculator applies the standard formula for estate planning cost. Accuracy is limited only by your input precision. For decisions with material consequences, use the result as a starting point and verify with a qualified professional or the relevant official source.
Is the Estate Planning Cost Calculator free?
Yes. 100% free, no signup, no payment, no API key. The site is funded by display ads that appear around the tool but not inside the calculation flow.
Are my inputs saved?
No. Inputs stay in your browser tab. Closing the tab discards them. The site uses Google Analytics for traffic measurement (anonymized) but does not see what you type into the form.
Can I use the Estate Planning Cost Calculator on my phone?
Yes. The tool is responsive and tested on iOS Safari, Android Chrome, and major desktop browsers. Touch targets meet Apple's 44pt and Google's 48dp minimum guidance.
How do I report a bug or suggest improvement to the Estate Planning Cost Calculator?
Email hi@3tej.com with the URL of this page and a description of what you saw vs expected. We typically respond within 72 hours and update calculators when rules or formulas change.
How accurate is the Estate Planning Cost Calculator?
It applies the standard formula. Accuracy is limited only by your input precision. For decisions with material consequences (taxes, medical, legal, structural), use the result as a starting point and verify with a qualified professional in the relevant field.
Is the Estate Planning Cost Calculator free to use?
Yes. 100% free, no signup, no payment, no API key. The site is funded by display ads around the tool but not inside the calculation flow.
Are my inputs saved anywhere?
No. All inputs stay in your browser tab. Closing the tab discards them. The site uses Google Analytics for traffic measurement (anonymized) but the analytics never see what you type into the form.
Does the Estate Planning Cost Calculator work offline?
Yes. Once the page has loaded, it works without internet. The calculation runs in JavaScript on your device.
Can I share results from the Estate Planning Cost Calculator?
Take a screenshot or copy the output. The page doesn't generate shareable URLs for specific calculations - inputs stay in your browser only.
Why are the results different from another estate planning cost tool?
Most likely: different formula assumptions, different default values, different rounding rules, or different applicable rates. Check the methodology if both tools document it. Both can be valid for different scenarios.