Ultimate Guide 11 min read Updated 2026-02-06

Estate Planning Basics 2026: Wills, Trusts & More

Protect your family and assets with proper estate planning. Costs, documents needed, and when to start.

Essential Documents

  • Will - Who gets what
  • Living trust - Avoid probate
  • Power of attorney - Financial decisions
  • Healthcare directive - Medical decisions
  • Beneficiary designations - Accounts and insurance

Estate Planning Costs

ServiceDIYAttorney
Basic will$50-150$300-1,000
Trust$100-300$1,000-3,000
Full estate plan$200-500$2,000-5,000
When to use attorney: Complex assets, blended family, business ownership

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