cost for writing will, power of attorney and health care proxy?

[Anonymous]

i did these documents about 7 years ago with a local attorney and was stunned that i was charged about $2000. i need to replace the name of a dear friend i named several times in the documents who suddenly passed away this year. she was named as executor of the will, power of attorney + second in line for health care. i emailed the lawyer who did the documents initially to see what the charge would be and she estimated three hours of billable time at a rate of $500/hour.

how much does it generally cost to do these documents. i suspect that i can use a standard form for a health care proxy actually so really more concerned about my will (i have a child so i do want the guardianship piece to be done correctly) and power of attorney. wondering if it would be less expensive (or equally as expensive) to just redo the documents or go to another lawyer....

[acarducci]

Speaking as an estate planning attorney, each attorney sets their own prices. Some attorneys do not want to write just a will and the like and will not work with you unless you get one of their packages. Other attorneys set the price high enough such that they think it adequately values their time, expoerience and consultation that is involved. I have seen lawyers that charge $2000 for a will and all of the consultation involved. Other attorneys refuse to rely on what a prior attorney did and will want to redo the entire thing.

As to guardianship (which protects your child if you pass away), what happens if you and your spouse are incapacitated but have not passed away? It sounds like a temporary guardianship could help.

The changes that you are talking about are relatively minor and should not cost all that much. However, there have been some significant changes over the last few years that would require additional changes to your plan that you have not thought about. I am happy to talk with you about this in more detail if you like. My number is 410-693-7323 and my email address is [e-mail].

Sincerely,
Anthony Carducci, Esq.

[Anonymous]

Ask around on your neighborhood listserve. There is a huge range. We just got some done for approx $1000 but some attorneys we called quoted more like $2000. Your attorney charging you $1500 for very minor changes is ridiculous, unless there are more major changes needed.