I think a lot of folks put off doing their estate planning because, let’s face it, no one really wants to dwell on their own mortality. That being said, the other biggest reason for such procrastination is probably the fear that it is going to be a complicated and expensive matter to pursue.
The reality is that, for the vast majority of us, our estate planning needs are usually pretty straightforward and can generally be addressed at a very affordable cost. I know many people associate hiring a lawyer or a law firm with spending big bucks and incurring steep hourly billing rates, but the reality is that most basic estate planning documents are often provided on a flat fee basis.
At the law firm of American Wills & Estates we’ve been assisting clients in Pittsburgh and throughout Western Pennsylvania with a full spectrum of estate planning legal services for over 25 years. We probably provide ninety-five (95%) percent of our services on a flat fee basis and we haven’t changed our structured prices for many of these services in years.
Often times, we’ll find that an individual’s estate plan can be addressed simply by putting in place a Last Will and Testament, a Durable Power of Attorney and a Living Will (sometimes called an Advanced Directive). We typically prepare these documents for a client in a single office visit and at a total cost of under $200.00. Likewise, for a married or cohabitating couple this same type of plan can often be done in a single meeting and at a total cost of less than $400.00.
Obviously, if we get into more sophisticated types estate planning involving revocable or irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, marital trusts, etc., the overall cost of the plan can increase. Even then though, we still typically provide even those more advanced types of estate planning services on a flat or set fee basis.
The bottom line is this, putting an effective estate plan in place does not have to be a scary or expensive thing to do, but not having any kind of estate plan in place should scare the hell out of you. We all work way too hard to simply roll the dice, so to speak, when it comes to passing on our legacies to our loved ones.
If you’ve been procrastinating when it comes to estate planning, stop. Give us a call today at (412) 381-7370 to schedule your free legal consultation or visit our law firm online at www.americanwillsandestates.com. We’ve been addressing our clients estate planning and probate estate administration needs with competency, compassion and care for over 25 years. Call us today.