When people consider creating an estate plan, one of the first questions they ask is: how much will this cost? It’s a completely reasonable question, and one we hear often from clients throughout Mesa, Gilbert, and Queen Creek.
The honest answer is that estate planning costs vary depending on the documents you need and the complexity of your situation. But the more important question is one of value: what does it cost your family if you don’t have a plan in place?
Most Americans Still Don’t Have an Estate Plan
Despite widespread awareness of the need to plan, most Americans have not followed through. According to the 2025 Trust & Will Estate Planning Report, the largest study of its kind, only 31% of Americans have a will and just 11% have a trust. In total, 55% of Americans have no estate planning documents whatsoever.
Source: Trust & Will 2025 Estate Planning Report, trustandwill.com
When asked why, the most common answer is procrastination. Upwards of 43% of people without a will say they simply haven’t gotten around to it. Cost concerns rank among the other top reasons, which is why transparency about what estate planning actually costs matters.
Source: Caring.com 2025 Wills and Estate Planning Study, caring.com
What It Costs When There Is No Plan
If you die without a will or trust in Arizona, your estate passes according to the state’s intestate succession laws, a fixed formula that may not reflect your wishes. Your estate will also go through probate, the court-supervised process of validating your estate and distributing assets. Probate can take months to years to complete, involves legal and court costs, and becomes part of the public record.
For families with minor children, the absence of an estate plan creates an additional layer of risk: without a will, a court decides who raises your children, not you. An estate plan eliminates that uncertainty and ensures the decisions that matter most are yours to make.
How Much Does Estate Planning Cost at Fleming & Monroe?
At Fleming & Monroe, PLC, estate planning fees typically range from $500 to $2,500 depending on your specific needs and the documents involved. We do not charge by the hour for estate plan work. We agree on a flat fee upfront, so you always know what to expect before we begin.
We offer a variety of packages for individuals and couples, designed around the documents that make the most sense for each client’s situation. Whether you need a straightforward will and power of attorney or a more comprehensive plan that includes a revocable living trust, we will walk you through your options during a free initial consultation, at no charge and no obligation.
How We Make the Process Straightforward
We know that for many clients, meeting with an estate planning attorney for the first time can feel unfamiliar. Our goal is to make it as clear and comfortable as possible. Here is what working with Fleming & Monroe looks like:
- Free consultation: We start with a no-cost meeting to understand your situation, answer your questions, and help you decide what documents you need. There is no pressure and no clock running.
- Flat-fee pricing: We agree on a set price before any work begins. You will never receive a surprise bill based on how many hours we spent.
- Clear explanations: Our attorneys take the time to explain your options in plain language. No legal jargon, and no talking over your head.
- Flexible payment: We accept checks, credit cards, and offer payment plan options for clients who prefer to spread out the cost.
Estate Planning Is an Investment, Not Just an Expense
It’s easy to view estate planning as something to do “later.” But the cost of procrastinating—in probate fees, family conflict, court involvement, and loss of control over decisions that matter—can far exceed the cost of creating a plan today.
Fleming & Monroe, PLC helps individuals and families throughout Mesa, Gilbert, Queen Creek, and the East Valley build estate plans that are personalized, properly executed, and built to hold up when they’re needed most. The goal is always to give you and your loved ones clarity and peace of mind.
Ready to find out what an estate plan would cost for your situation? Contact Fleming & Monroe, PLC to schedule your free consultation with an estate planning attorney in Mesa, AZ. Call us at (480) 534-7355 or contact us online to get started.