Estate planning costs depend on document complexity and attorney experience. A basic will runs $300–$1,000, a living trust $1,500–$3,000, and a full estate plan $2,000–$5,000. Many attorneys charge hourly rates of $200–$500.
| Item | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Basic Will | $300 – $1,000 |
| Living Trust | $1,500 – $3,000 |
| Full Estate Plan | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Attorney Hourly Rate | $200 – $500 per hour |
Cost of a Will vs Trust
A simple will costs $300–$600, while a revocable living trust averages $2,500. Trusts avoid probate and can save heirs thousands in court fees, which typically run 3–6% of the estate value.
Hourly Rates for Estate Planning Attorneys
Attorneys in urban areas charge $300–$600 per hour. A basic estate plan takes 4–8 hours, so total legal fees range from $1,200 to $4,800. Flat fee packages are common for simpler plans.
Flat Fee vs Retainer
Many firms offer a flat fee for wills ($400–$800) or trusts ($2,000–$3,500). Retainers are less typical for estate planning but may apply for complex blended families or business interests.
What moves the price in Hawaii
Complexity of assets and whether a trust is included drive the fee. Local quotes reflect the items below, so two providers can quote different totals for the same described job without either being wrong.
- Local labour rates and licensing requirements for the trade or professional involved
- Permits, inspections and disposal fees set by the local authority
- Travel and call-out charges for the distance from the nearest provider
- Season and demand peaks, which move both the price and the wait
- Materials, parts or inputs, and how their grade or availability changes the total
- Whether the work is a repair, a partial job or a full replacement
How to compare estate planning quotes in Hawaii
Write the scope down first, then send the same description to at least three local providers. Compare the quotes line by line against that scope rather than by the headline total.
- Agree the scope: exactly what is being repaired, replaced or supplied, and how far the work extends.
- List the inclusions: labour, materials, permits, inspection fees, disposal and clean-up, each stated separately.
- Ask what is excluded, and what would trigger an extra charge once the work starts.
- Check timing: how soon work can start, how long it takes, and whether out-of-hours rates apply.
- Confirm terms: deposit, payment schedule, warranty on parts and labour, and how changes are priced.
A lower total that leaves out permits, disposal or a necessary second stage is not cheaper once those items are added back. Ask each provider in writing what would change the price.
This page does not quote work and is not a contractor. The range above is an estimate, not an offer.
Common questions
What moves the price of estate planning in Hawaii?
Is the range on this page a quote?
How should I compare estate planning quotes in Hawaii?
Can estate planning costs be financed?
Affiliate disclosure: some links on this page are affiliate links. If you follow one we may be paid. That never changes the estimate or the guidance we show.
Estate Planning Financing
Compare personal loan options for estate planning from lenders before you commit. We do not set rates or make credit decisions.
Compare personal loan optionsThe lowest rates are only available to the most qualified applicants
We are not a lender. We do not make loans, set rates, or make credit decisions. This is an affiliate link and we may be paid if you follow it.