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Best Estate Planning Attorneys in the US

Last Updated: 14/12/2025

Estate planning attorneys in the US help protect your family and assets. Without a solid plan, your estate could land in probate court while loved ones deal with legal delays and unexpected costs. Laws vary by state, so local expertise matters. Below are trusted estate planning lawyers across the country.

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    Top Estate Planning Lawyers in America

    Screenshot of the Your Legacy Legal Care - Houston Estate Planning Attorneys Website

    Your Legacy Legal Care is a Houston estate planning law firm with offices in Clear Lake, Katy, the Galleria, and Bay City. The firm focuses exclusively on wills, trusts, probate, elder law, and Medicaid planning. Three attorneys—Kim Hegwood, Kim Creel, and Zach Ross—work with families throughout the Houston metro area.

    Services include revocable living trusts, asset protection, special needs planning, guardianship, and business succession. The team has helped hundreds of Texas families protect their wealth and prepare for the future. They use flat-fee pricing so clients know costs upfront.

    The firm also offers a "Life Happens" podcast and free strategy sessions. They serve communities from Sugar Land to The Woodlands.

    Screenshot of the The Singh Law Firm Website
    43480 Mission Blvd #270, Fremont, CA 94539, USA

    The Singh Law Firm has saved California families over $3 billion in estate taxes since its founding. Based in Fremont with offices in Los Angeles, Ventura, Newport Beach, and La Jolla, the firm brings 40 years of combined experience to estate planning across the state.

    Founders Kern and Sharmila Singh lead a team that handles revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, dynasty trusts, GRATs, and special needs planning. The firm serves clients from Silicon Valley to San Diego, creating personalized plans for wealth protection and legacy preservation.

    They accept legal insurance from providers like MetLife and ARAG. Initial consultations are complimentary for most services.

    Screenshot of the Paton Law Firm LLC Website
    33-11 Broadway Suite 2, Fair Lawn, NJ 07410, USA

    Kimberly Paton has practiced estate planning and business law in northern New Jersey since 1987. Her Fair Lawn firm handles wills, trusts, probate, elder law, and real estate matters throughout Bergen County and surrounding areas.

    The firm offers home and office visits for clients who need them. Services include living trusts, special needs trusts, Medicaid planning, SLATs (spousal lifetime asset trusts), and asset preservation strategies. Paton Law maintains a 5.0 rating on Google from clients who praise its responsiveness and care.

    First consultations are complimentary. The firm serves Paramus, Hackensack, Ridgewood, and communities throughout northern New Jersey.

    Screenshot of the Shutt Law Firm PLLC Website
    522 Bishop Ave, Richardson, TX 75081, USA

    Shutt Law Firm has helped thousands of Texas families with wills, trusts, and probate from its Richardson headquarters. Attorneys Isaac Shutt, Catherine Hensley, and Audra Apke bring over 25 years of combined experience to estate planning across the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

    The firm created popular flat-rate bundles that include wills, powers of attorney, living wills, and HIPAA releases in one package. They handle trust administration, probate, guardianship, elder law, and small business formation for clients in Dallas, Collin, Denton, Tarrant, and Rockwall counties.

    Named a 2024 Neighborhood Favorite, the firm offers complimentary consultations by phone, video, or in person.

    Screenshot of the Berk Law Group, PC Website
    14220 N Northsight Blvd #135, Scottsdale, AZ 85260, USA

    Berk Law Group specializes exclusively in probate litigation throughout Arizona. Founded in 1996, the Scottsdale firm handles will contests, trust disputes, guardianship matters, and financial exploitation cases—not estate planning document preparation.

    Managing attorney Kent Berk leads a team that includes Daphne Reaume, Dan Otsuki, Josianne Griffin, and Steven Santoro. The firm represents heirs, beneficiaries, executors, and trustees in contested estate matters. They also handle conservatorships and abuse or neglect claims involving vulnerable adults.

    Berk Law Group holds AV Preeminent and Super Lawyers ratings. Initial consultations cost $400 and typically last one hour.

    Screenshot of the Atlas Law, PLC Website
    598 N Mill St, Plymouth, MI 48170, USA

    Atlas Law serves Southeastern Michigan families with estate planning, probate, trusts, and elder law from its Plymouth office. The firm handles wills, living trusts, ladybird deeds, special needs trusts, Medicaid planning, and Veterans Aid and Attendance benefits.

    Clients praise the firm for its personal approach and clear communication. Atlas Law maintains five-star ratings on Google, Avvo, and Yelp. The team works with families in Northville, Novi, Canton, Livonia, Westland, and surrounding Wayne County communities.

    Virtual and in-person consultations are available at no cost. The firm provides downloadable estate planning guides and checklists on its website.

    Screenshot of the Pederson Law Offices Website
    920 Hampshire Rd a1, Westlake Village, CA 91361, USA

    Pederson Law Offices has served California's Conejo Valley for over 40 years. The Westlake Village firm has crafted more than 4,000 estate plans and completed over 1,350 probate and trust administrations during that time.

    The attorneys hold California Board of Legal Specialization certification and Accredited Estate Planner designations. They handle revocable living trusts, probate administration, trust administration, and wealth preservation strategies for families in Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills, and the surrounding Ventura County areas.

    Pederson Law offers webinars and educational resources on its website. Prospective clients can schedule consultations through an online portal.

    Screenshot of the Regina Kiperman, Esq., RK Law PC Website
    40 Wall St Suite 2508, New York, NY 10005, USA

    RK Law PC is a boutique trusts and estates firm in Manhattan's Financial District. Regina Kiperman leads a five-attorney team with over 30 years of combined experience in probate, estate planning, guardianship, and elder law throughout New York City.

    The firm handles Article 81 guardianship proceedings, will contests, trust litigation, fiduciary removal, and Medicaid planning. Attorneys Ada Chan, Anne Littwin, Elvira Sarkisyan, and Christopher Travis serve clients in all five NYC boroughs plus Nassau, Suffolk, and Westchester counties.

    RK Law provides practical, cost-effective solutions for individuals, families, and business owners. Complimentary case evaluations are available.

    Screenshot of the Mishiyeva Law PLLC Website
    85 Broad St 18th floor, New York, NY 10004, USA

    Kamilla Mishiyeva founded Mishiyeva Law to represent beneficiaries, executors, administrators, and trustees across New York City. The downtown Manhattan firm concentrates on probate, will contests, estate litigation, and international estate matters involving foreign decedents or beneficiaries.

    The firm handles estates with assets in New York belonging to non-US citizens, navigating the complex tax and citizenship requirements these cases involve. Services also include estate planning, elder law, Medicaid applications, and trust administration.

    Mishiyeva Law serves clients in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, the Bronx, Staten Island, and Long Island. Consultations can be scheduled by phone or at the office.

    Screenshot of the Ross Law Firm Ltd. Website
    1622 W Colonial Pkwy #201, Palatine, IL 60067, USA

    Ross Law Firm is a family practice in the Chicago suburbs with 70 years of combined legal experience. Attorneys Robert J. Ross, Patrick F. Ross, and Daniel R. Ross handle estate planning and estate administration for Illinois families from their Palatine office.

    The firm prepares wills, trusts, and premarital agreements with attention to each client's specific circumstances. They represent trustees and executors during estate administration, working to minimize probate court involvement and prevent family conflicts.

    Ross Law Firm maintains 100% recommendation ratings on Lawyers.com and five stars on Google Maps. Initial conferences come with no obligation.

    Screenshot of the Law Office of Gregory T Pearce Website
    2067 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA 02140, USA

    Gregory T. Pearce opened his Cambridge practice in 2010 after years of training in elder law and estate planning. The boutique firm serves the metro Boston region with estate plans, Medicaid eligibility planning, special needs trusts, and probate administration.

    Pearce handles long-term care planning for families facing nursing home, assisted living, or home care decisions. He works with mature families who want to protect assets while qualifying for government benefits. The firm also assists with guardianship proceedings and business succession planning.

    The BBB gives the firm an A+ rating. Consultations are complimentary at the North Cambridge office near Porter Square.

    Screenshot of the Dana Law Group Website
    7254 E Southern Ave #121, Mesa, AZ 85209, USA

    Dana Law Group operates seven locations across Arizona, from Chandler to Prescott. The firm creates personalized estate plans designed to avoid probate court and protect family assets through revocable living trusts, wills, and powers of attorney.

    Attorneys guide clients through estate administration and probate when a loved one passes. The team prepares durable financial powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney, and living wills as part of comprehensive planning packages.

    The firm offers complimentary initial consultations at any of its Arizona offices. Dana Law Group emphasizes modern, forward-thinking approaches to wealth preservation.

    Screenshot of the Kitroser Lewis and Mighdoll, Estate Planning and Litigation, Probate, Guardianship and Elder Lawyers Website

    Kitroser Lewis and Mighdoll bring over 100 years of combined legal experience to estate planning, probate litigation, and elder law in Palm Beach and Martin counties. The North Palm Beach firm, established in 2000, also maintains an office in Stuart to serve Florida's Treasure Coast.

    Senior managing attorney Mitchell I. Kitroser holds AV Preeminent ratings and has written extensively on Medicaid planning and estate issues. The firm handles will contests, trust disputes, guardianship, financial exploitation cases, and special needs planning.

    The team represents clients in estate administration, wrongful death cases, and protective proceedings for vulnerable adults.

    Screenshot of the Moses Estate Planning Website
    401 Wilshire Blvd 12th Fl, Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA

    Moses Estate Planning is led by an attorney licensed in California, Idaho, and Florida. The Santa Monica firm focuses on trusts, wills, and probate avoidance strategies for clients who want to protect assets and minimize estate complications.

    The founder received the Avvo Clients' Choice Award for estate planning. The firm creates revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and comprehensive estate plans tailored to each family's goals.

    Moses Estate Planning offers complimentary consultations at its Wilshire Boulevard office. The firm serves clients throughout Los Angeles and can coordinate planning across multiple states.

    Screenshot of the Simon Law Website
    3021 Citrus Cir #250, Walnut Creek, CA 94598, USA

    Simon Law combines family law and estate planning services in Walnut Creek. The firm's principal, a Penn Law honors graduate, helps Bay Area families with divorce, custody, trusts, probate, and estate administration matters.

    The practice recognizes that major life events often require both family law and estate planning attention. Clients going through a divorce may need updated wills and beneficiary designations. New parents may need trusts and guardianship provisions.

    Simon Law provides initial consultations at no charge. The office serves Contra Costa County and the greater East Bay region.

    Screenshot of the Barr &amp; Douds Attorneys Website
    318 Diablo Rd Ste C, Danville, CA 94526

    Barr and Douds has earned Super Lawyers or Rising Stars recognition for all six of its attorneys. The Danville firm brings over 60 years of combined experience to trust litigation, estate planning, and probate matters in the East Bay.

    The practice handles trust and estate disputes, will contests, fiduciary litigation, and contested accountings. Attorneys also prepare estate plans, including revocable trusts, wills, and powers of attorney for Contra Costa County families.

    Barr and Douds offer complimentary initial consultations. The firm serves Danville, San Ramon, Walnut Creek, Lafayette, and surrounding communities.

    Screenshot of the Fisher and Wilsey, P.A. Website
    1000 16th Street North, St. Petersburg, FL, USA

    Fisher and Wilsey is a family-owned law firm that has served Tampa Bay for decades. The St. Petersburg practice handles estate planning, probate, wills, trusts, and real estate law for Pinellas County families.

    The attorneys work with clients to create comprehensive estate plans that address their specific needs. Services include living trusts, last wills, powers of attorney, and probate administration.

    Fisher and Wilsey maintain long-term relationships with clients and their families. The firm serves St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and surrounding Tampa Bay communities.

    Screenshot of the Daniel T. Fleischer - Plantation, Boca Raton and Aventura Estate Planning and Probate Lawyer Website

    Daniel T. Fleischer holds both law and Certified Financial Planner credentials, bringing a dual perspective to estate planning in South Florida. His Plantation practice serves families in Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties.

    Fleischer creates wills, trusts, and comprehensive estate plans while considering the financial planning implications of each decision. He handles probate administration and helps families navigate the estate settlement process.

    The practice serves clients in Plantation, Boca Raton, Aventura, and throughout the tri-county area. The firm focuses on protecting family wealth across generations.

    Screenshot of the Drude Tomori Law, PA Website
    200 Central Avenue Suite 435, St. Petersburg, FL, USA

    Drude Tomori Law concentrates on estate planning, trusts, probate, and elder law in St. Petersburg. The firm's principal holds an LL.M. in Estate Planning and has been named to Super Lawyers' top 5% since 2017.

    The practice creates revocable and irrevocable trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Attorney Tomori handles trust administration and probate matters for families throughout Pinellas County.

    The firm takes a detail-oriented approach to protecting client assets and ensuring estate plans work as intended. Drude Tomori Law serves St. Petersburg, Clearwater, and the Tampa Bay area.

    Screenshot of the Dempsey, Dempsey and Sheehan Website
    387 Springfield Avenue, Summit, NJ, USA

    Dempsey, Dempsey and Sheehan has practiced law in Summit since 1929. The firm handles estate planning, wills, trusts, probate, and elder law for families throughout Union, Essex, and Morris counties.

    Nearly a century of experience informs the firm's approach to protecting family legacies. Attorneys prepare comprehensive estate plans and guide families through probate and trust administration when needed.

    The Summit office offers complimentary initial consultations. Dempsey, Dempsey and Sheehan serves clients in Summit, Chatham, Short Hills, Millburn, and surrounding northern New Jersey communities.

    Screenshot of the Law Office of Ana M Pace Website
    1750 North Collins Boulevard., Ste 212 Richardson, TX, USA

    The Law Office of Ana M Pace has both an attorney and a CPA on staff, providing tax-informed estate planning in Richardson. The firm uses fixed-rate pricing for wills, trusts, and probate services throughout Dallas and Collin counties.

    Having accounting expertise in-house helps the firm address the tax implications of estate planning decisions. Services include revocable trusts, will preparation, powers of attorney, and probate administration in Dallas County and Collin County courts.

    The Richardson office offers transparent pricing so clients understand costs upfront. The firm serves families throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex.

    Screenshot of the Miaoulis Law - Palm Harbor Estate Planning and Probate Lawyers Website

    Miaoulis Law has served Tampa Bay families since 1968. The Palm Harbor firm handles estate planning, elder law, probate, wills, and trusts for clients in Pinellas and Pasco counties.

    Over five decades of practice have given the firm deep knowledge of Florida probate law and estate planning strategies. Attorneys create comprehensive plans that protect assets and provide for loved ones.

    Miaoulis Law maintains long-standing relationships with families in Palm Harbor, Clearwater, Tarpon Springs, and surrounding communities. The firm guides clients through every stage of estate planning and administration.

    Screenshot of the Valero Law Website
    6100 Griffin Rd suite 337, Davie, FL 33314, USA

    Valero Law focuses on probate litigation, estate disputes, and trust contests in Broward and Miami-Dade counties. The Davie firm represents beneficiaries, heirs, and fiduciaries in contested estate matters throughout South Florida.

    Attorney Valero handles will contests, trust disputes, breach of fiduciary duty claims, and real estate litigation related to estates. The firm advocates for clients who believe they have been wrongfully denied an inheritance or treated unfairly during estate administration.

    Valero Law provides complimentary consultations for potential clients with estate disputes. The firm serves Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Hollywood, and the greater Miami area.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What Does an Estate Planning Attorney Do?

    An estate planning attorney helps you create legal documents that protect your assets and family after you die or become incapacitated. They draft wills, establish trusts, create powers of attorney, and prepare healthcare directives.

    These lawyers also help minimize estate taxes and avoid probate when possible. They ensure your wishes are legally enforceable under your state's laws. Most importantly, they customize plans based on your specific family situation and financial goals.

    How Much Does an Estate Planning Attorney Cost?

    Estate planning attorney fees typically range from $1,000 to $3,000 for a basic plan including a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive. Complex estates with multiple trusts can cost $5,000 to $10,000 or more.

    Most attorneys charge either:

    • Flat fees for standard document packages
    • Hourly rates ($200-$500/hour) for complex situations
    • Percentage of estate value (rare, usually for very large estates)

    Request a detailed fee agreement before signing anything. Ask what's included and what costs extra, like trust funding assistance or future document updates.

    When Should I Hire an Estate Planning Attorney?

    You should consult an estate planning attorney when you have assets to protect, dependents to provide for, or healthcare wishes to document. Major life events trigger the need most often.

    Consider hiring one if you:

    • Own real estate or have assets over $100,000
    • Have minor children who need guardians named
    • Got married, divorced, or had a child
    • Started a business or received an inheritance
    • Want to avoid probate or reduce estate taxes
    • Have a blended family with stepchildren

    State laws vary significantly. What works in California may not work in Texas. An attorney licensed in your state ensures your documents comply with local requirements.

    What's the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

    A will takes effect only after you die and must go through probate court. A trust takes effect immediately when funded and typically avoids probate entirely.

    Wills:

    • Become public record during probate
    • Require court supervision for distribution
    • Only cover assets titled in your name alone
    • Generally costs less to create

    Trusts:

    • Remain private documents
    • Allow faster asset distribution
    • Can manage assets if you become incapacitated
    • Require transferring asset titles into the trust

    Most estate planning attorneys recommend a revocable living trust for anyone with significant assets. However, a will may suffice for simpler estates. Your attorney should explain which option fits your situation.

    How Do I Choose the Right Estate Planning Attorney?

    Look for an attorney who specializes in estate planning rather than a general practitioner. Check their credentials, experience level, and client reviews before scheduling consultations.

    Key factors to compare:

    FactorWhat to Look For
    Experience5+ years focused on estate planning
    CredentialsState bar membership, LL.M. in taxation (optional but valuable)
    CommunicationExplains complex concepts clearly
    AvailabilityResponds promptly to questions
    Fee structureTransparent pricing with written agreements

    Interview at least two or three attorneys. Ask how many estate plans they've created and what percentage of their practice focuses on this area. Request references from clients with similar estate sizes.

    What Documents Should My Estate Plan Include?

    A comprehensive estate plan typically includes four to six core documents. Each serves a specific purpose in protecting you during life and your family after death.

    Essential documents:

    • Last Will and Testament – Names guardians for minor children and distributes assets not held in trust
    • Revocable Living Trust – Holds assets to avoid probate and provides management instructions
    • Durable Power of Attorney – Authorizes someone to handle financial matters if you're incapacitated
    • Healthcare Power of Attorney – Designates who makes medical decisions for you
    • Living Will/Advance Directive – States your wishes for life-sustaining treatment
    • HIPAA Authorization – Allows designated people to access your medical records

    Your attorney may recommend additional documents like a pour-over will or special needs trust, depending on your circumstances.

    Do I Need an Attorney or Can I Use Online Forms?

    Online estate planning services cost less but carry significant risks. DIY documents often contain errors that invalidate the entire plan or create unintended consequences.

    Common problems with online forms:

    • Failure to meet state-specific execution requirements
    • Improper trust funding leaving assets unprotected
    • Missing provisions that trigger unnecessary taxes
    • Ambiguous language causing family disputes

    An attorney ensures your documents comply with state laws like the Uniform Probate Code (adopted in varying forms by most states) and relevant tax regulations under the Internal Revenue Code. They also catch issues you wouldn't know to address, like how divorce affects beneficiary designations.

    The money saved on online forms often pales compared to probate costs and family conflicts from poorly drafted documents.

    How Often Should I Update My Estate Plan?

    Review your estate plan every three to five years or immediately after major life changes. Outdated plans can distribute assets to ex-spouses or leave out new family members entirely.

    Update your plan when you:

    • Get married or divorced
    • Have or adopt a child
    • Experience a death in the family
    • Move to a different state
    • Buy or sell significant assets
    • Change your mind about beneficiaries
    • See major tax law changes

    State laws change regularly. For example, the federal estate tax exemption adjusts annually for inflation and undergoes major revisions with new tax legislation. Your attorney should notify you of changes affecting your plan.

    What Happens If I Die Without an Estate Plan?

    Dying without a will or trust means state intestacy laws control who inherits your assets. Courts follow rigid formulas that may not match your wishes at all.

    Under most state intestacy statutes:

    • Your spouse may have to share assets with your children
    • Unmarried partners receive nothing regardless of relationship length
    • Courts choose guardians for your minor children
    • Estranged relatives could inherit over close friends
    • Assets go through lengthy, expensive probate

    Intestacy also means higher costs. Probate fees, court costs, and administrator bonds eat into your estate. Your family loses time and money that proper planning would have saved.

    Can an Estate Planning Attorney Help Reduce Estate Taxes?

    Yes, tax minimization is a core function of estate planning. Attorneys use legal strategies to reduce both federal estate taxes and state inheritance taxes where applicable.

    Common tax-saving techniques include:

    • Annual gift exclusions – Currently $18,000 per recipient (2024) tax-free
    • Irrevocable life insurance trusts – Removes policy proceeds from taxable estate
    • Charitable remainder trusts – Provides income tax deductions and estate reduction
    • Family limited partnerships – Allows valuation discounts for transferred assets
    • Spousal lifetime access trusts – Removes assets while maintaining some access

    The federal estate tax exemption sits at $13.61 million per person for 2024 under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. However, this amount sunsets in 2026 unless Congress acts. An attorney monitors these changes and adjusts your plan accordingly.

    How Long Does the Estate Planning Process Take?

    Simple estate plans take two to four weeks from initial consultation to signed documents. Complex estates with multiple trusts or business interests may require two to three months.

    Typical timeline:

    1. Initial consultation (1-2 hours) – Discuss goals and family situation
    2. Document drafting (1-2 weeks) – Attorney prepares first drafts
    3. Review and revision (1 week) – You provide feedback, your attorney makes changes
    4. Signing ceremony (1 hour) – Execute documents with proper witnesses and notarization
    5. Trust funding (ongoing) – Transfer assets into trust if applicable

    Don't rush the process. Taking time to think through decisions about guardians, trustees, and asset distribution prevents regret later. However, don't delay starting either—accidents and illness don't wait for convenient timing.