How much does it cost to have an attorney draft a will versus using online software?

A simple attorney-drafted will typically runs a few hundred dollars, while a full package with a trust, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives often costs $1,500 to $3,000 or more depending on your state and complexity. Online will platforms charge far less, sometimes under $200, and can be adequate for young people with simple estates and no minor children or blended-family issues. The trade-off is that an attorney catches state-specific formalities, tax pitfalls, and edge cases software may miss. If you own a business, have significant assets, have children from a prior marriage, or expect family conflict, the attorney's fee is usually worth it. The cost of fixing a defective will in probate court far exceeds the upfront savings.