How Much Does Estate Planning Cost in Massachusetts?

By Matthew P. Albanese

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Estate Planning

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Last Modified on Sep 07, 2026

Estate planning has many benefits, from protecting your assets as you age or become incapacitated to creating a property division plan for after you pass away. However, one of the most common reasons people avoid creating an estate plan is the perceived cost. If you are wondering, “How much does estate planning cost in Massachusetts?” It may be worth looking into the actual cost of this service.

Estate planning is often associated with wealthy families, complicated trusts, and substantial legal bills. This may leave you worried about the cost associated with estate planning. However, estate planning may be more accessible than you think.

An Overview of the Cost of an Estate Planning Case

There is no single price for an estate plan. The cost varies depending on your planning needs, how complex your case is, and the attorney you choose to work with. It is estimated that estate planning can cost from as low as $15 to about $5,000. Because this range is so large, it is a good idea to speak with a Massachusetts estate planning lawyer about your specific case.

Many attorneys, including Albanese Law, LLC, offer consultations where you can discuss your needs and be provided with a price estimate. There are different billing plans, such as hourly rates, a flat fee model, or ongoing services that a lawyer may be able to provide.

Factors That Impact How Much Your Estate Plan Costs

There are so many reasons why there is no standard fee associated with creating an estate plan. Some of the factors that impact the cost include:

• The number and type of documents. A will alone often is less complex and requires less legal work compared to an estate plan involving a will, multiple trusts, powers of attorney, and a health care proxy. A greater number of documents typically results in a higher cost, as well as more complex documents.
• The size of your estate. Smaller estates involve less planning and often a lower cost. Larger estates, such as those involving real estate, investment accounts, business interests, retirement accounts, and other assets, often involve more complex planning strategies and take more time.
• Family circumstances. Someone who just wishes to pass on assets to one individual or a couple of close beneficiaries may pay less compared to someone with a complex family structure with many beneficiaries or beneficiaries with special needs.
• Tax considerations. Many individuals use their estate plan to avoid certain tax consequences. Tax planning often raises the cost of the estate plan.

How Estate Planning Can Save You Money Long-Term

It can be intimidating to see the upfront cost of creating an estate plan. More than 10% of Americans without a will say that the reason they do not have a will is that it is too expensive to set up. However, the cost of setting up this plan may be outweighed by the cost and time-saving benefits it can provide in the future.

For example, many estate plans are able to keep assets out of probate. This reduces the court and attorney fees necessary during the probate process. When your loved ones are filing for probate, they must first pay a $375 Informal probate petition filing fee and a $15 surcharge just to file the required forms with the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court.

Another example involves using estate planning tools to preserve your Medicaid eligibility, which also has financial value.

Hire an Estate Planning Lawyer From Albanese Law, LLC

Attorney Matthew P. Albanese is a skilled Massachusetts estate planning attorney with a deep knowledge of the state’s estate planning laws and legal strategies. His goal is to provide clients with peace of mind by offering a comprehensive estate plan that aligns with your wishes.

He is a member of several professional associations, including as the past president of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and as a faculty member for the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education for Elder Law.

FAQs

How Much Does a Will and Trust Cost in Massachusetts?

The cost of setting up a will and trust in Massachusetts varies significantly depending on the complexity of your estate and the type of trust involved. An estate planning case with a will and trust typically costs from a couple hundred dollars to over $1,000 or more. Consulting with a Massachusetts estate planning lawyer who can review the details of your estate can help you get a better idea of the cost.

What Is the Five by Five Rule in Estate Planning?

The five by five rule in estate planning is a guideline used to determine how much a beneficiary can withdraw from a trust. This rule recommends withdrawing either $5,000 or 5% of the trust’s value each year, whichever is higher. This rule is a general guideline and does not apply to every trust, but can help avoid triggering tax consequences.

Do Beneficiaries Have to Pay Taxes on Inheritance in Massachusetts?

In Massachusetts, beneficiaries do not have to pay an inheritance tax for receiving an inheritance. However, there may be estate taxes depending on the value of the estate. As of 2023, the estate tax filing threshold in Massachusetts is $2 million. Also, just because they may not pay an inheritance tax does not mean that beneficiaries are exempt from income tax associated with inherited assets or other taxes that may apply depending on the case.

Is it Better to Put Your House in a Will or a Trust?

Whether to put your house in a will or a trust depends on your circumstances, but a trust is generally recommended. A properly funded trust can allow your home to pass to beneficiaries without going through probate, while a will does go through probate. However, trusts are more complex to set up initially, which often results in a higher upfront cost. If you hire an estate planning lawyer, they can provide a case-specific recommendation.

Reach Out to Albanese Law, LLC

If you are ready to learn more about what an estate plan would cost for you and your family, contact Albanese Law, LLC today to set up a consultation.