How Much Does It Cost to Get Estate Planning?

How Much Does It Cost to Get Estate Planning in St. Louis?

It's one of the most common questions we hear at our St. Louis law firm: how much does estate planning cost? The answer depends on the complexity of your estate, the documents you need, and the attorney you work with. But the more important question — one most people don't ask — is what does it cost to not plan at all?

The Cost of a Basic Estate Plan

For most St. Louis individuals and couples with straightforward situations, a basic estate plan includes a will, a durable general power of attorney, and a durable health care power of attorney with a health care directive. Attorney fees for these documents in St. Louis typically range from $1,000 to $5,000. Many Missouri law firms, like The Taormina Firm, offer flat-fee packages for straightforward estate plans, which makes budgeting easier and removes uncertainty.

The Cost of a Trust-Based Estate Plan

Many St. Louis families benefit from building their plan around a revocable living trust rather than a will alone. A trust-based plan typically includes the trust document, a pour over will, powers of attorney, a healthcare directive, a certification of trust, a bill of sale for personal property, and deed transfers for Missouri real estate.

A comprehensive trust-based plan in St. Louis generally ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 or more. Estates with business interests, significant investments, blended family dynamics, or complex tax planning needs often fall at the higher end. This is not a place to shop on price alone — quality and precision in drafting is what protects your family.

The Cost of Trust Funding

Creating a trust is only half the job — it must also be funded. Missouri real property must be re-deeded into the trust's name. Bank and investment accounts need to be retitled. Business interests may require an assignment. An unfunded trust is an ineffective trust. To make things as cost-efficient as possible, The Taormina Firm does not offer trust funding services.

Ongoing Updates and Maintenance

Estate planning is not a one-time event. Life changes — marriage, divorce, new children or grandchildren, significant asset acquisitions, the death of a named beneficiary or fiduciary, and changes in Missouri or federal tax law — all require updates. Some attorneys offer annual review programs. Others charge a flat fee per update, such as a trust amendment or a codicil. Budget for periodic reviews as part of your long-term planning commitment. We don't believe that annual review programs are necessary for clients; therefore, we charge a base fee for amendments and changes.

DIY vs. Attorney-Drafted: A False Economy

Online templates are widely marketed as a low-cost alternative. But they don't account for Missouri's specific execution requirements, your family dynamics, or how your assets are titled. A document that fails Missouri's formalities may be declared invalid — sending your estate into intestacy and letting the state decide who gets what. Errors in a DIY will or trust only surface after death, when it's too late to fix them. The resulting legal battles, probate complications, and family conflict routinely cost far more than attorney fees ever would have.

With The Taormina Firm's virtual estate planning, however, you can get all the benefits of DIY planning with the peace of mind of attorney review and coordination. Ask us about our virtual planning options today!

The Real Cost of Not Planning

Dying without an estate plan in Missouri means your estate passes under Missouri's laws of descent and distribution. Your assets go through probate — a public, court-supervised process that can take months or years and consume a meaningful percentage of your estate. Without incapacity documents, your family may need to petition a Missouri court to appoint a conservator just to manage your finances. The cost of a well-crafted plan is modest compared to what your family may face without one.

Transparent, Affordable Estate Planning in St. Louis

At The Taormina Firm, we believe every St. Louis family deserves a clear, thorough estate plan at a fair price. We're transparent about our fees, thoughtful in our approach, and committed to making sure your plan works when your family needs it most. Contact our St. Louis estate planning attorneys today to schedule your consultation and learn exactly what your plan will include.