Last Updated on October 13, 2025
When families in Georgia think about estate planning, one of the first questions is cost. Everyone wants a plan that protects loved ones, but no one wants to be surprised by legal bills. That is why understanding how estate planning lawyer fees work is just as important as knowing what documents you need.
At Chandler Law, we explain fees clearly from the start. Estate planning lawyers in Georgia generally charge in three ways: flat fees, hourly billing, or retainers. Each has advantages and tradeoffs.
This article walks you through estate planning lawyer fees, so you know what to expect and how to choose the one that fits your situation.
Estate planning lawyer flat fee Georgia
Flat fees are the most predictable option. With a flat fee, you agree on the price at the beginning, and that fee covers the agreed-upon scope of work.
For estate planning, flat fees are common because most families need a defined set of services: wills, trusts, powers of attorney, or a full package plan. Instead of paying by the hour, you pay one fee tied to the outcome.
Typical flat fees in Georgia:
- Basic will packages can start around $2,500–$4,500, depending on what is included.
- More comprehensive will packages, especially for couples or those adding trusts for children, may run $4,500–$6,500.
- Trust-based plans with funding of the trust often range from $6,500–$8,500+, depending on funding, titling, and trust complexity.
The State Bar of Georgia reminds families that attorney fees vary widely by complexity and market, but flat fees are increasingly used for predictable estate planning work. Flat fees let you ask questions freely without worrying about the clock.
They also build trust because you know the cost up front. If your needs change or you request something outside the original plan, your lawyer will explain how that affects the fee before moving forward.
Hourly fees in Georgia estate planning
Some estate planning lawyers still use hourly billing. With this model, you pay for the actual time your lawyer spends on your matter.
In Georgia, estate planning lawyers commonly charge $200–$500 per hour, with a broader statewide range of roughly $100–$550 depending on experience, complexity, and market.
According to the Clio Legal Trends Report for Georgia, the statewide average is about $340 per hour, but higher in metro areas and for senior attorneys. Some lawyers also charge a consultation fee, often $100–$500, which may be credited toward your plan if you move forward.
The downside of hourly billing is unpredictability. Drafting a will may be quick, but unexpected complications like multiple properties, blended families, or tax questions can increase the hours. This makes it hard to budget. It may also make clients hesitant to call with questions because every six-minute increment adds to the bill.
Hourly billing can make sense for unusual or highly complex matters, but for most proactive estate planning, clients prefer the clarity of a flat fee.
Retainer billing estate planning Georgia
A retainer is an upfront deposit that your lawyer holds in a trust account. As the lawyer works on your case and bills hourly, the fees are drawn from that retainer. If the retainer runs low, you may be asked to replenish it. At the end, any unused funds are refunded.
In Georgia estate planning, retainers are less common for straightforward wills or trusts but may apply when the scope is unclear. For example, if an estate plan involves ongoing disputes, multiple business interests, or coordination with litigation, a lawyer may require a retainer because the work is open-ended.
Retainers protect both the lawyer and the client. You know your funds are held securely and applied to your bill, and your lawyer knows they have resources to continue work. But it is not the same as a flat fee, the final costs can still climb depending on how long the work takes.
What drives estate planning lawyer fees in Georgia
Even with a clear billing model, several factors influence the price of estate planning in Georgia:
- Complexity of your family situation: blended families or guardianship planning for minor children often require more complex planning and drafting.
- Property and business interests: multiple homes, LLCs, or rental properties increase the work needed to title assets properly.
- Level of protection desired: basic wills cost less than a trust plan with funding and ongoing updates.
- Location and market: fees in Atlanta and metro counties may be higher than in smaller counties.
- Attorney experience: more seasoned attorneys often charge more, but may complete the work more efficiently.
How Chandler Law quotes your fee
When it comes to money, you should not have to guess. At Chandler Law, we explain your fee model before we begin so you always know what to expect.
Most estate planning matters are handled with a flat fee, agreed to in advance and tied to the outcome you want. For unusual or highly complex cases, we may use hourly billing, but only when the work cannot be defined up front. And if the project is open-ended, a retainer held in escrow plus a credit card to pay monthly invoices makes sure the funds are set aside and applied at the end of the matter while the monthly credit card is used to pay monthly invoices as we go.
You will receive a written scope of services in an engagement agreement, a breakdown of what is included, and clear updates if your needs change. That way, your focus stays on protecting your family, not worrying about surprise bills.
Estate Planning Lawyer Fees Georgia FAQ
How do estate planning lawyer flat fee Georgia services usually work?
Most lawyers calculate flat fees based on the outcome, not the number of hours or documents. For example, if your goal is to avoid probate, the lawyer may quote one price that includes the will or trust package needed to reach that outcome. This is why two families with different needs may pay different flat fees, even if the number of documents is the same.
When is retainer billing estate planning Georgia used instead of a flat fee?
Retainers are typically used when the attorney cannot predict the scope of work in advance. For example, if your estate involves an unresolved property dispute or coordination with ongoing litigation, your lawyer may request a retainer. The money is deposited into a trust account and billed hourly. Any unused funds are refunded at the end. The lawyer may also request a credit card be kept on file to pay monthly invoices as work is performed.
Are there hidden costs in estate planning lawyer fees?
Good firms should explain all costs upfront. Possible extras can include recording fees for deeds, court filing fees, or fees for transferring out-of-state property. These are not part of your lawyer’s bill but can add to the overall cost of completing your plan. Always ask for a full breakdown before you start understanding that new facts and circumstances may be learned along the way which could change the work required and the cost
Estate Planning Lawyer Fees You Can Understand and Trust
Choosing the right fee model is just as important as choosing the right estate planning lawyer. When you understand estate planning lawyer fees in Georgia, whether through flat fees, hourly billing, or retainers, you can plan with confidence and peace of mind.
At Chandler Law, we explain every option upfront. You’ll know exactly what’s included, what it costs, and how it supports your family’s goals. No hidden fees, no surprises, just straightforward guidance that keeps your focus where it belongs. In fact, we tell clients that they should plan only when the cost to plan is less than the cost of not planning.
Ready to protect the people you love without worrying about unclear costs? Schedule a consultation today and let’s design an estate plan that fits both your needs and your budget.
