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Best Estate Planning Attorneys in the US

Last Updated: 18/11/2025

Estate planning attorneys in the US help protect what you've worked to build. Without a solid plan, your assets could land in probate court while your family deals with legal delays. Laws vary from state to state, so local expertise matters. Our directory features top-rated estate planning lawyers ready to help.

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Top Estate Planning and Probate Attorneys in America

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

Your Legacy Legal Care is an estate planning law firm in Houston that focuses exclusively on wills, trusts, and probate matters. The team has helped hundreds of families protect their assets and plan for the future. They serve Clear Lake, Sugar Land, Katy, Pearland, The Woodlands, and surrounding Houston communities. Services include revocable living trusts, asset protection planning, special needs trusts, business succession planning, and Medicaid preparation. The firm works on flat-fee pricing so clients know costs upfront. They also offer elder law guidance and long-term care planning for aging family members.

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

The Singh Law Firm has saved clients over $3 billion in estate taxes since opening its doors. This California estate planning firm brings 38 years of combined legal experience to families across the state. Attorneys handle revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, estate tax planning, and QSBS tax planning. The team works with both high-net-worth individuals and those with simpler estates. They create customized plans that protect assets from probate and reduce tax burdens. Initial consultations are provided at no cost. Clients receive ongoing support as their financial situations change over time.

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

Attorney at Paton Law Firm LLC has provided estate planning counsel to Bergen County families since 1987. The Fair Lawn practice handles wills, trusts, asset preservation, and probate administration throughout northern New Jersey. Beyond estate matters, the firm assists with business law, real estate transactions, and elder law issues. The attorney makes home or office visits when clients need extra convenience. New clients receive complimentary initial consultations to discuss their options. The practice focuses on building long-term relationships and finding cost-effective solutions rather than creating unnecessary conflicts.

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

Shutt Law Firm in Richardson focuses on estate planning, wills, trusts, and probate law. Attorney Isaac Shutt and his team have served thousands of clients with estate planning matters throughout Dallas County, Collin County, and North Texas. The firm offers complimentary initial consultations for estate planning needs.

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

Berk Law Group is a Scottsdale probate litigation firm that has helped hundreds of families resolve trust and estate disputes. The attorneys handle will contests, guardianship matters, conservatorship cases, and financial exploitation claims. They represent trustees, personal representatives, heirs, and beneficiaries throughout Arizona. The team also assists with elder abuse cases and protects vulnerable adults from financial predators.

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

Atlas Law is a Plymouth estate planning firm serving families throughout Southeastern Michigan. The attorney handles wills, trusts, probate, Lady Bird deeds, and powers of attorney. Services extend to Northville, Novi, Canton, Farmington, Livonia, and Westland. Virtual consultations are available alongside in-person meetings. Initial consultations come at no charge. The firm creates custom plans to protect assets from probate costs and delays.

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

Pederson Law Offices has served the Conejo Valley for over 40 years. This Westlake Village firm provides estate planning, probate administration, and trust administration services. Their attorneys have deep roots in the community and have guided generations of California families. The team crafts personalized wealth protection strategies that minimize taxes and preserve legacies.

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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 on Wall Street with over 30 years of combined experience. The NYC probate and estate planning attorneys handle wills, trusts, guardianship proceedings, estate litigation, and elder law matters. They assist with will contests, fiduciary removal, and compelled accountings. The team provides practical solutions at reasonable costs for individuals, families, and business owners throughout New York.

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

Mishiyeva Law PLLC serves all five NYC boroughs from its downtown Manhattan office. The firm handles probate, estate planning, will contests, trust litigation, and international estate matters. Attorney Kamilla Mishiyeva and her team represent beneficiaries, executors, trustees, and administrators. They have particular expertise in foreign decedent estates and unknown heirship cases. Services extend to Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island, and Long Island.

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

Ross Law Firm brings 70 years of combined legal experience to Illinois estate planning clients. The Palatine attorneys prepare personalized wills, trusts, and estate documents designed to avoid future conflicts. They also handle estate administration, premarital agreements, and trust modifications. Initial conferences come with no obligation. The team focuses on minimizing long-term costs while protecting family interests.

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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 training in elder law and estate planning. This boutique Massachusetts firm handles simple and complex estate plans, Medicaid eligibility planning, special needs trusts, and probate administration. Attorney Pearce is known for his expertise in long-term care asset protection strategies. He offers complimentary consultations to metro Boston families and provides personal service throughout the process.

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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. Their estate planning attorneys create revocable living trusts, last wills, durable powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. The firm handles probate and trust administration with a focus on avoiding lengthy court proceedings. They offer complimentary initial consultations to help families understand their options.

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

Kitroser Lewis and Mighdoll serve Palm Beach and Martin County families with estate planning, probate litigation, and elder law services. Their attorneys handle trust disputes, will contests, guardianship matters, and financial exploitation cases. They take swift legal action to recover assets stolen from vulnerable seniors. Contact them at 561-721-0600.

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

Moses Estate Planning has offices in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, and Los Angeles, California. Attorney Travor J. Moses is licensed in Idaho, California, and Florida. He received Avvo Clients' Choice Awards in 2018 and 2019. The firm creates wills, trusts, and asset protection strategies. They help families avoid probate and plan for Medicaid eligibility. Consultations are available at no charge.

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Screenshot of the Klenk Law Website
1701 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103, USA

Klenk Law is a veteran-owned boutique estate planning firm in Philadelphia. Founder Peter Klenk served in the Navy JAG Corps during Desert Storm and earned his LL.M. in Taxation from NYU. The seven-attorney team serves clients in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Florida. They offer a 20% discount to veterans, first responders, and teachers. The firm handles wills, trusts, probate, and estate litigation.

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

Simon Law has offices in Walnut Creek and San Francisco. Founding attorney David Simon graduated with honors from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. The firm handles divorce, child custody, estate planning, probate, and trust administration. They serve Solano and Contra Costa counties. Complimentary initial consultations are available.

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

Barr & Douds Attorneys handles trust litigation and estate planning in Danville, California. The firm’s six lawyers have 60+ years of combined experience with probate, will contests, conservatorships, and elder financial abuse cases. Loren Barr is a California Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law and has been named a Northern California Super Lawyer since 2008. Graham Douds has earned Rising Star recognition every year since 2017. The firm serves clients in Danville, Walnut Creek, San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, and the surrounding Contra Costa County communities.

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Screenshot of the Reda Ciprian Magnone, LLC Website
8501 West Higgins Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60631, USA

Reda Ciprian Magnone has provided legal services throughout Chicagoland since 2003. Senior attorney Ed Reda has practiced Illinois law since 1976. The six-attorney firm handles probate, guardianship, estate planning, real estate closings, and business formations. They have particular experience with international estates and unknown heirship cases. Their motto: "What's best for you, not what's best for the attorney."

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

Fisher and Wilsey have served St. Petersburg families for decades. This family-operated firm handles estate planning, probate administration, and trust administration. They also assist with real estate law, business law, and civil litigation throughout Tampa Bay. The attorneys create wills, trusts, and powers of attorney tailored to each client's needs.

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

Daniel T. Fleischer is both an estate planning attorney and a Certified Financial Planner. He serves Broward, Palm Beach, and Miami-Dade counties from offices in Plantation, Boca Raton, and Aventura. His dual credentials help clients align legal and financial goals. He creates wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. He also handles probate for personal representatives and beneficiaries.

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

Rachel Drude-Tomori founded this St. Petersburg estate planning firm. She holds both a J.D. cum laude and an LL.M. in Estate Planning from the University of Miami. Since 2017, Super Lawyers has recognized her among the top 5% of Florida estate planning attorneys. She handles trusts, probate, elder law, and deferred sales trusts. Complimentary 30-minute consultations are available.

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

Dempsey, Dempsey, and Sheehan have served Summit, New Jersey, since 1929. The firm handles estate planning, probate administration, elder law, real estate, and land use matters. They serve Union, Essex, and Morris counties. Clients work directly with the same attorney throughout their case. Initial consultations are complimentary.

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Screenshot of the Michael Blacksburg Law Website
315 Noe Street, San Francisco, CA, USA

Michael Blacksburg has practiced law since 2001. He started as a tenant rights attorney before finding his passion for estate planning through the AIDS Legal Referral Panel. His San Francisco firm creates living trust-based estate plans. He serves Marin, Alameda, San Francisco, San Mateo, and Contra Costa counties. Over 180 clients have left five-star reviews. Initial conversations are free.

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

Ana M. Pace and Danyal focus exclusively on estate planning and probate in Richardson, Texas. Danyal holds both an attorney and a CPA license. The firm serves Dallas and Collin County probate courts. They charge fixed rates instead of hourly billing. Free consultations are available online.

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

Miaoulis Law continues the legacy of Bilirakis Law Group, which has served the Tampa Bay area since 1968. Maria Miaoulis has managed the firm for over 30 years. She formerly prosecuted elder abuse cases as an Assistant State Attorney. The Palm Harbor firm handles estate planning, probate, elder law, and real estate for Pinellas and Pasco counties.

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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.