Understanding Estate Planning Costs in Arizona

Estate planning in Arizona can vary widely depending on the complexity of your situation, the documents you need, your location, and whether the fee is flat or hourly. While every situation is unique, the ranges below reflect current Arizona pricing as of mid‑2025.

1. Basic Estate Planning: Wills and Powers of Attorney

A foundational plan typically includes:

• A last will and testament
• A durable financial power of attorney
• A health care power of attorney and/or living will

In Arizona, many attorneys charge a flat fee of $2,000 to $4,000 per person for such a basic package, often closer to the lower end if it’s just a simple will and directives. A simpler “generic” will might be as low as $1000 depending on the lawyer’s practice setting.

Hourly billing for these basic plans generally falls in the $350 to $600 per hour range, with some lawyers charging up to $700 per hour for higher‑end or metropolitan areas like Phoenix, Scottsdale, or Chandler.

2. Revocable Living Trusts and Comprehensive Plans

Adding a revocable living trust, beneficiary deeds, and transfer-on-death (TOD) designations makes the plan more comprehensive—and more expensive, but worth the cost savings at death or incapacity:

• A trust‑based plan typically ranges from $2,500 to $5,000 in Arizona
• In Phoenix and surrounding East Valley areas, flat fees for a trust combined with financial and medical POAs range between $2,500 and $4,500, a basic deed transfer may be included

 

Solo practitioners commonly quote $3,000 or more for a trust‑based package, including ancillary documents and possibly, one deed. Deed issues, companies or multiple properties will increase the cost. Combined plans for married couples might cost $4,000 to $7,000 depending on the necessity of trust.

3. Complex and High‑Net‑Worth Estate Planning

For high‑net‑worth individuals or families with specialized planning needs (e.g., irrevocable trusts, SLATs, asset protection trusts, dynasty trusts, tax planning):

• Costs often start around $5,000 and can exceed $20,000 depending on complexity, asset types, and strategic goals
• Some clients have reported being quoted $50,000 or more for multi‑trust arrangements (e.g., SLATs, detailed wealth transfer planning, gift trusts) involving larger estates or complex family dynamics (e.g., $10–15 million)

These advanced documents require sophisticated drafting, coordination, and often ongoing counsel, so flat fees or blended billing may apply.

4. Probate Services vs Planning Fees

How much does state planning cost? When done right, it will minimize probate and the costs of administration.  But situations arise where probate services are needed:

• In Arizona, probate services cost $5,000 to $12,000+ depending on estate size and complexity. Hourly rates in that context usually range from $350 to $700 per hour
• Probate may consume 3%–7% of the estate’s total value, and typical probate processes will take at least a year and can take up to 20 months, if not administered promptly or there are challenges assets, or the individuals involved

Well-constructed trusts, beneficiary designations, and transfer-on-death or payable-on-death registrations can significantly reduce or entirely avoid the probate process.

Additional costs to consider:

• Hourly billing: $300–$600/hour or more for consultations or document drafting
• Ancillary fees: notary ($10 document), property recording fees ($75–400+), court filing fees ($300–500)
• Updates or revisions: updating existing plan can cost $1,000–$2,500+depending on extent of revisions
• Executor or trustee fees: typically, 1–2% of assets managed, drawn from the estate or trust
• Other professionals: appraisals (~$600+), accountants, inventory, estate sale or business succession planning professionals will be additional costs

 

Regional Price Variation within Arizona

Cost is influenced by where in Arizona you live:

• Phoenix, Scottsdale, Chandler, Tucson: fees skew toward the higher end due to demand, overhead, and competition among experienced attorneys
• Rural areas or smaller towns: may offer lower rates, though travel, limited specialist availability, or less experienced lawyers may counterbalance savings

Reviewing multiple attorneys in your region can help benchmark pricing and service quality.

How to Approach and Manage Costs

1. Define your needs up front: Are you looking only for a will and directives, or are trust strategies needed, but be open to guidance from the attorney
2. Ask about fee structures early: Flat fee vs. hourly; changes or follow‑up communications included or extra
3. Compare multiple firms or solos: Small local attorneys sometimes offer lower rates; big firms often charge more but bring depth of resources
4. Prepare fully before meetings: Having a clear asset list and goals ready can save attorney time and reduce costs
5. Use beneficiary/TOD designations and joint ownership strategically: These may help avoid probate without legal drafting fees but need to be aligned with your plan
6. Review and update periodically: Life events (marriage, divorce, birth, inheritance) often require updates—budget for that over time

 

Why Investing in Estate Planning Pays Off

• Avoid expensive probate delays: Probate in Arizona can last up to 20 months, and cost 3%–7% of the estate value, potentially thousands of dollars for heirs
• Reduce conflict among beneficiaries: Clear documents minimize misinterpretation or disputes
• Protect vulnerable & minor family members: Special needs trusts, durable powers of attorney, and guardian planning bring peace of mind
• Tax-efficient wealth transfer: Advanced trust planning can preserve family wealth and minimize tax exposure
• Peace of mind: Knowing your wishes are formalized and legally valid is invaluable

 

How Much Does Estate Planning Cost?

Estate planning within Arizona generally ranges from $2,000 for a basic plan up to $6,000 or more for trust‑based or comprehensive packages. High‑net‑worth individuals or those needing complex planning should expect costs between $7,000–$10,000+, while probate services, if needed, will add several thousand more.

Key cost drivers include:

• Plan complexity and number of documents
• Family dynamics and assets
• Whether trust structures are involved
• Attorney experience and location
• Hourly vs flat‑fee billing structure

Life is unpredictable and waiting until a crisis or unforeseen tragedy hits your parents can make everything feel overwhelming and may be too late. Though a proper estate plan represents a financial outlay upfront, it is a strategic investment in protecting your loved ones, promoting family harmony, simplifying future transitions, and preserving your legacy.

We can help you avoid legal and emotional turmoil by creating a plan that puts everyone at ease. Planning ahead brings peace of mind for your entire family. We are here to help—call (480) 525-6244, email us, or visit our website for more information.