--- title: Estate Plans & Pricing --- [Skip to the main content.](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-plan-pricing#main-content) [![Transparent Logo - 300dpi](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Transparent%20Logo%20-%20300dpi.png?width=961&height=183&name=Transparent%20Logo%20-%20300dpi.png "Transparent Logo - 300dpi")](https://www.familylegacyguard.com?hsLang=en) [![Transparent Logo - 300dpi](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Transparent%20Logo%20-%20300dpi.png?width=961&height=183&name=Transparent%20Logo%20-%20300dpi.png "Transparent Logo - 300dpi")](https://www.familylegacyguard.com?hsLang=en) - Services & Pricing - [New Estate Plans](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-plan-pricing) - [Estate Planning Strategies](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-planning-strategy) - [Estate Plan Checkups](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-plan-checkup) - [Free Resources](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/learning-center) - [Contact](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/contact) [Get Your Risk Score](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-planning-risk-assessment?hsLang=en) Toggle Menu Toggle Menu [Get Your Risk Score](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-planning-risk-assessment?hsLang=en) - Services & Pricing - [New Estate Plans](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-plan-pricing) - [Estate Planning Strategies](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-planning-strategy) - [Estate Plan Checkups](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-plan-checkup) - [Free Resources](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/learning-center) - [Contact](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/contact) [Facebook](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-plan-pricing#0) [Instagram](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-plan-pricing#0) [Linkedin](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-plan-pricing#0) [X](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-plan-pricing#0) [YouTube](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-plan-pricing#0) [Medium](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-plan-pricing#0) # Estate Plans & Pricing ## A Straightforward Explanation If you’ve ever tried to find estate plan pricing, you’ve probably heard things like: > “It depends.” > “We need to learn more about your situation.” > “Schedule a consultation” That approach may be common—but I know it can be frustrating when you're just trying to explore your options. This page explains how estate planning pricing works, why costs can vary so much, what's included in our plans, and how to determine the right next step for your situation. ## Typical Estate Planning Price Ranges While every situation is different, most of our estate plans fall into the following ranges:  ##### Our Will-Based Plans $1,500-$3,000+   ##### Our Trust-Based Plans $3,500-$5,000+ ## Why Estate Plan Prices Vary Two estate plans can look very similar on paper and produce very different results when something actually happens. Estate planning isn't just about creating documents. It's about helping ensure the right people can act when needed, reducing unnecessary court involvement, protecting loved ones, coordinating assets, and creating a plan that will continue working as life changes. Below are some of the biggest factors that affect estate plan pricing. **1. Document-Focused vs Outcome-Focused** - Estate plans that focus only on documents are cheaper—but more likely to fail when it matters. Many estate plans are sold as a collection of documents: a will, a power of attorney, maybe a trust. That approach is usually less expensive because it skips the most important part—designing the plan around what you actually want to happen when something goes wrong. An outcome-focused plan starts with questions like: Who needs protection? What could go wrong? How should decisions be made if you’re incapacitated or gone? Only after those outcomes are clear do documents come into play. Two plans may look similar on paper, but the one designed around outcomes is far more likely to work when your family needs it. That level of planning takes more time and expertise, which is why it typically costs more. **2. Hidden & Long-Term Costs** - Lower upfront prices often hide the most expensive costs later. Many low-cost estate plans don’t include everything required to make them legally effective. Costs like mobile notaries, deed preparation, asset coordination, or fixing mistakes later are often left out of the advertised price. The real risk isn’t just extra fees—it’s unintended consequences. Poorly handled deeds can trigger taxes or lender issues. Incorrect beneficiary designations can send assets to the wrong people. Fixing these problems later is far more expensive than doing it right the first time. Higher-quality planning focuses on total cost over time, not just the initial price tag. **3. Ongoing Legal Guidance** - Access to an attorney before and after your plan is signed is a major cost difference—and a major risk reducer. Estate planning raises questions—often after documents are drafted or life changes occur. Some services offer limited or one-time attorney access, while others leave you on your own entirely. Plans that include ongoing access to an attorney provide clarity when questions come up and help prevent small issues from turning into big problems. That ongoing support requires time and availability, which affects pricing. The difference isn’t just convenience—it’s peace of mind. **4. State-Specific Planning (Texas)** - Plans designed specifically for Texas law protect families better than “50-state” documents—and cost more to do right. Estate planning laws vary by state, and the details matter. Texas has specific rules around probate, homestead protections, powers of attorney, and trusts that generic documents may not fully address. A plan tailored to Texas law can streamline probate, preserve property tax benefits, and avoid common legal pitfalls. Generic, multi-state documents may technically “work,” but they often miss opportunities or create unnecessary complications. State-specific expertise adds value—and cost—but also reduces risk. **5. Probate Avoidance** - Avoiding probate requires coordination—not just documents—and that coordination affects price. Avoiding probate isn’t automatic. It depends on how assets are titled, how beneficiaries are designated, and whether trusts are properly funded. Simply having a trust doesn’t guarantee probate avoidance. Assets must be coordinated correctly, and mistakes can undermine the entire plan. Plans that actively address probate avoidance include this coordination work upfront, which adds complexity—but also saves families significant time, cost, and stress later. **6. Customization Needs** - The more unique your family, assets, or goals, the more customization your plan requires. One-size-fits-all plans work best for one-size-fits-all lives—which most families don’t have. Blended families, special-needs beneficiaries, asset protection concerns, business ownership, or tax planning goals all require customization. DIY tools and low-cost plans often limit how much you can tailor your documents. More comprehensive planning allows for flexibility and thoughtful design, ensuring the plan actually reflects your wishes. Customization takes time and legal judgment, which is why it affects pricing. **7. Risk if the Plan Fails** - The real cost of estate planning isn’t the plan—it’s what happens if it fails. When estate plans fail, families pay the price—financially and emotionally. Assets can be lost to taxes, lawsuits, creditors, or poor administration. Family conflict and court involvement become far more likely. Higher-quality planning focuses on reducing these risks, not just producing documents. The cost reflects the responsibility of helping families avoid worst-case outcomes. **8. Keeping the Plan Updated** - Estate plans that stay effective over time require ongoing review and support. Life changes. Laws change. Assets change. An estate plan that isn’t reviewed periodically can become outdated or even harmful. Some plans include a process for regular review and updates, while others leave that responsibility entirely on you. Ongoing support adds value—and cost—but helps ensure your plan continues to work as intended. ## Estate Plan & Pricing Comparison Chart The table below compares common DIY and online options with the planning services we provide so you can make a more informed decision. This table is too large to properly display in this browser. Please use a full-screen browser on a desktop computer to view it. Individual Married Couple - DIY / Online Documents - Family Legacy Guard's ESSENTIALS PLAN - Family Legacy Guard's ESSENTIALS✛ PLAN - Family Legacy Guard's PREPARER'S PLAN - Family Legacy Guard's PROTECTOR'S PLAN | | DIY / Online Documents | Family Legacy Guard's ESSENTIALS PLAN | Family Legacy Guard's ESSENTIALS✛ PLAN | Family Legacy Guard's PREPARER'S PLAN | Family Legacy Guard's PROTECTOR'S PLAN | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Flat fees | Approximately $ 100-500 $ 200-600 for a will or trust & basic documents | Starts at $ 1,500 $ 2,000 *Will-Based Plan* Simple will-based plan for families comfortable with probate | Starts at $ 2,500 $ 3,000 *Will-Based Plan* Simple will-based plan for families who want to avoid probate | Starts at $ 3,500 $ 4,000 *Living Trust Plan* Provides continuous asset management during life and after death while avoiding probate | Starts at $ 4,500 $ 5,000 *Living Trust Plan* Provides continuous asset management, probate avoidance, and beneficiary asset protection | | 1. Legal Documents | | | | | | | Living trust A living trust is a legal arrangement created during your lifetime to own and manage assets. You normally remain in control while you are able. If you become incapacitated or die, your successor trustee can continue managing assets held in the trust without first having to establish their authority by going to probate court. | ⚠️Warning We never recommend DIY trusts. | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Pour-over will A pour-over will is a will used alongside a living trust that directs any assets not already in the trust at death to “pour over” into the trust, so they are ultimately managed and distributed according to the trust’s terms. | ✅ Included If you purchase a living trust | Not applicable | Not applicable | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Last will & testament | ✅ Included If you purchase a will | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | Not applicable | Not applicable | | Financial power of attorney | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Medical power of attorney | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | HIPAA authorization | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Directive to physicans (aka living will) | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Guardianship declaration (self / children) | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Designation of health care agent for children | ⚠️Warning Depends on service provider | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Pooled Testamentary Trust for Minor Children or Grandchildren A pooled testamentary trust is a single trust created at death that temporarily holds and manages multiple minors’ inheritances together to simplify administration and reduce cost, typically until the youngest beneficiary reaches a specified age or life stage, at which point the trust is distributed according to its terms. Its primary purpose is to avoid the necessity of a court-appointed guardian to manage the minor's assets. | ⚠️Warning Some services include a similar option, but whether it’s properly activated may depend on how the software is used. | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Probate avoidance deed If you have a traditional deed, a house that is in your name alone or you and your spouse's name will likely need to go through probate so your personal representative will have the authority to transfer your house to the new owner. | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included Additional deeds are $250 each. | ✅ Included Additional deeds are $250 each. | ✅ Included Additional deeds are $250 each. | | Beneficiary asset protection trust A beneficiary asset protection trust is a trust created for a beneficiary to protect assets they have inherited. Depending on the beneficiary’s needs, it can be designed to shield assets from creditors, lawsuits, and former spouses, or to support a beneficiary with special needs without jeopardizing eligibility for public benefits. These trusts are embedded into your will or living trust and are only created after your death. | ❌ Not included | ➕ Optional Add asset protection trusts for $1000 each. | ➕ Optional Add asset protection trusts for $1000 each. | ➕ Optional Add asset protection trusts for $1000 each. | ✅ Included Additional trusts are $1000 each. | | 2. Customization & Legal Effectiveness | | | | | | | Attorney drafted | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Texas-specific documents | ⚠️Warning Multi-state forms; no guarantee of legal accuracy or validity in Texas | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Completely customizable documents | ⚠️Warning Limited by software options | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Coordination across all documents | ⚠️Warning Automated consistency, but no strategic coordination. Gaps and conflicts can still exist. | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | 3. Signing, Execution & Recording | | | | | | | Proper execution under Texas law Different estate planning documents have different execution requirements under Texas law. Some must be notarized, some witnessed, and some should ideally be both witnessed and notarized—depending on the document and its contents. There are also specific rules about who may serve as a witness. Proper execution is critical to legal effectiveness and can help reduce challenges based on undue influence or lack of mental capacity. | ⚠️Warning They do not guarantee signing instructions are legally effective. | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Document witnessing & notarizing Many places will notarize one or two documents for a small fee, but they aren’t set up to administer witnesses’ oaths and handle a full estate plan signing. Trying to shortcut this process is risky when it comes to the legal validity of your estate plan. | ❌ Not included Typically **$200–$300** for mobile notary and two witnesses for an estate plan signing (separate cost) | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Attorney-supervised signing | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Record probate avoidance deed A deed may not be legally effective if it's not recorded. | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | 4. Organization, Clarity & Family Usability | | | | | | | Asset Inventory & Tracker | ⚠️Warning Depends on service provider; Typically online only | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Personalized 5-Minute Annual Estate Plan Review Checklist | ⚠️Warning Generic checklists are offered | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Plain-English summary of your decisions This is a printed document added to your binder so you can quickly review your estate planning decisions in the future without wading through legalese. | ⚠️Warning Depends on service provider | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Tabbed Estate Plan Binder Organizing your estate plan making it easy to find and review is actually more important than you might think. When a will can't be found, the legal presumption is that it was revoked. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Full-Color 11″×17″ Plan Diagram As estate plans become more complex, it's helpful to have a visual that shows what happens at each stage of your plan over time. That’s exactly what this color diagram does. | ❌ Not Included | ❌ Not Included | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | 5. Strategic Planning, Asset Management & Succession | | | | | | | "What If" Scenario Planning We help clients think through real-world “what if” scenarios based on their goals, family dynamics, and risk factors. Examples include: • What if your spouse dies first? • What if a beneficiary is involved in a lawsuit or divorce? • What if someone contests your will? • What if a beneficiary predeceases you? | ⚠️Warning Very Limited | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Fiduciary Selection Advice We help clients choose the right people to serve as executor, trustee, and agents—and plan for backups if those choices can’t serve. This includes discussing trustworthiness, family dynamics, potential conflicts, and the practical realities of the role. We also help clients evaluate whether fiduciaries should serve individually or together as co-fiduciaries, including the tradeoffs around efficiency, accountability, checks and balances, and the risk of delay or conflict—so authority ends up in the right hands when it matters most. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Incapacity Planning Advice We advise clients on when and how authority should activate for financial and medical decisions, what powers should be given, and what their practical effect will be, as well as the risk of abuse of those powers. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Beneficiary Designation Advice Beneficiary designations on your accounts need to be coordinated with your estate plan. They can override your will, trigger tax issues, and naming minor children is usually a mistake. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Personalized Probate Avoidance Planning Whether probate can be avoided with a will-based plan depends on the specific assets involved, how they are titled, and who they are intended to go to. In some cases, avoiding probate is possible and may reduce court involvement and related costs. | ❌ Not Included | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Asset Titling Advice How your assets are titled affects who can manage them during your lifetime, who can take over if you become incapacitated, and how they transfer after death. We help coordinate asset ownership with your overall estate plan. | ❌ Not Included | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Trust Funding Advice A living trust can only provide continuous management for assets that are properly transferred into it. We help identify which assets should be transferred to the trust and how other assets should be coordinated with the trust and overall estate plan. | Depends on provider | Not Applicable | Not Applicable | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Asset Management During Incapacity If you can no longer manage your own assets, someone else may need authority to step in. With a will-based plan, your agent generally relies on a financial power of attorney. With a living trust, your successor trustee can take over management of assets held in the trust, while your power of attorney remains available for assets outside the trust. | Varies | Agent under Power of Attorney | Agent under Power of Attorney | Successor Trustee | Successor Trustee | | Asset Management After Death With a will-based plan, there may be a period after death before an executor receives authority through probate to manage probate assets. Assets arranged to transfer directly to beneficiaries generally bypass the executor. With a living trust, the successor trustee can continue managing assets already held in the trust without first being appointed executor for those assets. | Varies | Executor through probate | Direct transfer where arranged; else executor through probate | Successor Trustee | Successor Trustee | | 6. Ongoing Guidance & Plan Longevity | | | | | | | Your Own Personal Attorney | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Future Plan-Clarification Questions You can reach out anytime with questions to help you understand how your estate plan works. We’re happy to clarify provisions, explain how things function, and help you feel confident about your plan. This is intended for occasional questions and does not include ongoing advisory, repeated scenario analysis, document review, or plan changes. Most clients only need this a 1-2 times per year. If your needs become more frequent or in-depth, we’ll recommend a higher level of support. Responses are typically provided within 1–3 business days. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | 5-Year Estate Plan Checkup This is a scheduled estate plan review at the 5-year mark to ensure everything still works as intended. If a major life change occurs before then (such as a death, divorce, birth of a child, or a significant change in assets), your plan will be reviewed earlier instead. | ❌ Not Included | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | *Pricing shown reflects typical starting fees for common planning situations. Final pricing depends on the complexity of your planning needs and the recommendations made during your Personalized Estate Planning Strategy or Estate Plan Checkup. * ##### Select an option below: - Will-Based Plans - Living Trust-Based Plans ## Why Different Families Need Different Plans Estate planning is not one-size-fits-all. The right approach depends on your goals, your family situation, your assets, and the types of risks or concerns you want to address. For some families, a will-based plan may be appropriate. Others may benefit from probate avoidance planning, asset protection planning, or more flexible trust-based planning. Factors that often influence the appropriate planning approach include: - Your family situation - Your assets and how they are titled - The ages and circumstances of your beneficiaries - The level of protection and flexibility you want - Whether you already have existing documents That’s why many people begin by first getting clarity about their goals and options before deciding which type of plan makes the most sense for them. Single Person Married Couple - DIY / Online Document Services - Family Legacy Guard's Essentials Plan - Family Legacy Guard's Preparer's Plan - Family Legacy Guard's Protector's Plan | | DIY / Online Document Services | Family Legacy Guard's Essentials Plan | Family Legacy Guard's Preparer's Plan | Family Legacy Guard's Protector's Plan | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | Approximately $ 100-300 $ 200-400 for a will & basic documents | Starting at $ 1,500 $ 2,000 for a will-based plan | Starting at $ 2,500 $ 3,000 for a will-based plan | Starting at $ 3,500 $ 4,000 for a will-based plan | | 1. Legal Documents | | | | | | Last will & testament | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Financial power of attorney | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Medical power of attorney | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | HIPAA authorization | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Directive to physicans (aka living will) | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Guardianship declaration (self / children) | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Designation of health care agent for children | ⚠️ Depends on service provider | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Pooled Testamentary Trust for Minor Children or Grandchildren A pooled testamentary trust is a single trust created at death that temporarily holds and manages multiple minors’ inheritances together to simplify administration and reduce cost, typically until the youngest beneficiary reaches a specified age or life stage, at which point the trust is distributed according to its terms. Its primary purpose is to avoid the necessity of a court-appointed guardian to manage the minor's assets. | ⚠️ Some services include a similar option, but whether it’s properly activated may depend on how the software is used. | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Probate avoidance deed If you have a traditional deed, a house that is in your name alone or you and your spouse's name will likely need to go through probate so your personal representative will have the authority to transfer your house to the new owner. | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Beneficiary asset protection trust A beneficiary asset protection trust is a trust created for a beneficiary to protect inherited assets. Depending on the beneficiary’s needs, it can be designed to shield assets from creditors, lawsuits, and former spouses, or to support a beneficiary with special needs without jeopardizing eligibility for public benefits. | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included | | 2. Customization & Legal Effectiveness | | | | | | Completely customizable documents | ⚠️ Limited by software options | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Texas-specific drafting | ⚠️ Multi-state forms; no guarantee of legal accuracy or validity | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Coordination across all documents | ⚠️ Automated consistency, but no strategic coordination. Gaps and conflicts can still exist. | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | 3. Signing, Execution & Recording | | | | | | Proper execution under Texas law Different estate planning documents have different execution requirements under Texas law. Some must be notarized, some witnessed, and some should ideally be both witnessed and notarized—depending on the document and its contents. There are also specific rules about who may serve as a witness. Proper execution is critical to legal effectiveness and can help reduce challenges based on undue influence or lack of mental capacity. | ⚠️ They do not guarantee signing instructions are legally effective. | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Document witnessing & notarizing Many places will notarize one or two documents for a small fee, but they aren’t set up to administer witnesses’ oaths and handle a full estate plan signing. Trying to shortcut this process is risky when it comes to the legal validity of your estate plan. | ❌ Typically **$200–$300** for mobile notary and two witnesses for an estate plan signing (separate cost) | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Attorney-supervised signing | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Record probate avoidance deed A deed may not be legally effective if it's not recorded. | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | 4. Organization, Clarity & Family Usability | | | | | | Asset Inventory & Tracker | ⚠️ Depends on service provider; Typically online only | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Personalized 5-Minute Annual Estate Plan Review Checklist | ⚠️ Generic checklists are offered | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Plain-English summary of your decisions This is a printed document added to your binder so you can quickly review your estate planning decisions in the future without wading through legalese. | ⚠️ Depends on service provider | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Tabbed Estate Plan Binder Organizing your estate plan making it easy to find and review is actually more important than you might think. When a will can't be found, the legal presumption is that it was revoked. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Full-Color 11″×17″ Plan Diagram As estate plans become more complex, it's helpful to have a visual that shows what happens at each stage of your plan over time. That’s exactly what this color diagram does. | ❌ Not Included | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | 5. Legal Advice & Strategic Coordination | | | | | | "What If" Scenario Planning We help clients think through real-world “what if” scenarios based on their goals, family dynamics, and risk factors. Examples include: • What if your spouse dies first? • What if a beneficiary is involved in a lawsuit or divorce? • What if someone contests your will? • What if a beneficiary predeceases you? | ⚠️ Very Limited | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Fiduciary Selection Advice We help clients choose the right people to serve as executor, trustee, and agents—and plan for backups if those choices can’t serve. This includes discussing trustworthiness, family dynamics, potential conflicts, and the practical realities of the role. We also help clients evaluate whether fiduciaries should serve individually or together as co-fiduciaries, including the tradeoffs around efficiency, accountability, checks and balances, and the risk of delay or conflict—so authority ends up in the right hands when it matters most. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Incapacity Planning Advice We advise clients on when and how authority should activate for financial and medical decisions, what powers should be given, and what their practical effect will be, as well as the risk of abuse of those powers. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Beneficiary Designation Advice Beneficiary designations on your accounts need to be coordinated with your estate plan. They can override your will, trigger tax issues, and naming minor children is usually a mistake. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Personalized Probate Avoidance Plan Whether probate can be avoided with a will-based plan depends on the specific assets involved, how they are titled, and who they are intended to go to. In some cases, avoiding probate is possible and may reduce court involvement and related costs. | ❌ Not Included | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Asset Titling Advice How your assets are titled directly affects whether they must go through probate—and who ultimately receives them. We help clients understand and coordinate asset titling so it aligns with their overall estate plan. | ❌ Not Included | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | 6. Ongoing Guidance & Plan Longevity | | | | | | Your Personal Estate Planning Attorney Who do you turn to if a document is questioned or something doesn’t go as expected? Who will your loved ones call if issues arise? An attorney who drafted your plan and understands your intentions is best positioned to help explain and guide next steps. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Unlimited Plan-clarification Questions Unlimited questions to help you understand how your existing estate plan works—answered without charge when no additional document review is required. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | 5-Year Estate Plan Review This is a scheduled estate plan review at the 5-year mark to ensure everything still works as intended. If a major life change occurs before then (such as a death, divorce, birth of a child, or a significant change in assets), your plan will be reviewed earlier instead. | ❌ Not Included | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | Single Person Married Couple (Single Joint Living Trust) - DIY / Online Document Services - Family Legacy Guard's Preparer's Plan - Family Legacy Guard's Protector's Plan | | DIY / Online Document Services | Family Legacy Guard's Preparer's Plan | Family Legacy Guard's Protector's Plan | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | | Approximately $ 400-500 $ 500-600 for a living trust & basic documents | Starting at $ 3,500 $ 4,000 for a living trust-based plan | Starting at $ 4,500 $ 5,000 for a living trust-based plan | | 1. Legal Documents | | | | | Living trust A living trust is a legal arrangement created during your lifetime that holds and manages your assets, allows them to be used for your benefit while you’re alive, and directs how they are distributed after death—often without court involvement. | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Pour-over will A pour-over will is a will used alongside a living trust that directs any assets not already in the trust at death to “pour over” into the trust, so they are ultimately managed and distributed according to the trust’s terms. | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Financial power of attorney | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Medical power of attorney | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | HIPAA authorization | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Directive to physicans (aka living will) | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Guardianship declaration (self / children) | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Designation of health care agent for children | ⚠️ Depends on service provider | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Pooled Trust for Minor Children or Grandchildren A pooled trust is a single trust created at death that temporarily holds and manages multiple minors’ inheritances together to simplify administration and reduce cost, typically until the youngest beneficiary reaches a specified age or life stage, at which point the trust is distributed according to its terms. Its primary purpose is to avoid the necessity of a court-appointed guardian to manage the minor's assets. | ⚠️ Some services include a similar option, but whether it’s properly activated may depend on how the software is used. | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Probate avoidance deed If you have a traditional deed, a house that is in your name alone or you and your spouse's name will likely need to go through probate so your personal representative will have the authority to transfer your house to the new owner. | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Beneficiary asset protection trust A beneficiary asset protection trust is a trust created for a beneficiary to protect inherited assets. Depending on the beneficiary’s needs, it can be designed to shield assets from creditors, lawsuits, and former spouses, or to support a beneficiary with special needs without jeopardizing eligibility for public benefits. | ❌ Not included | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included | | 2. Customization & Legal Effectiveness | | | | | Completely customizable documents | ⚠️ Limited by software options | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Texas-specific drafting | ⚠️ Multi-state forms; no guarantee of legal accuracy or validity | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Coordination across all documents | ⚠️ Automated consistency, but no strategic coordination. Gaps and conflicts can still exist. | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | 3. Signing, Execution & Recording | | | | | Proper execution under Texas law Different estate planning documents have different execution requirements under Texas law. Some must be notarized, some witnessed, and some should ideally be both witnessed and notarized—depending on the document and its contents. There are also specific rules about who may serve as a witness. Proper execution is critical to legal effectiveness and can help reduce challenges based on undue influence or lack of mental capacity. | ⚠️ They do not guarantee signing instructions are legally effective. | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Document witnessing & notarizing Many places will notarize one or two documents for a small fee, but they aren’t set up to administer witnesses’ oaths and handle a full estate plan signing. Trying to shortcut this process is risky when it comes to the legal validity of your estate plan. | ❌ Typically **$200–$300** for mobile notary and two witnesses for an estate plan signing (separate cost) | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Attorney-supervised signing | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Record probate avoidance deed A deed may not be legally effective if it's not recorded. | ❌ Not included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | 4. Organization, Clarity & Family Usability | | | | | Asset Inventory & Tracker | ⚠️ Depends on service provider; Typically online only | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Personalized 5-Minute Annual Estate Plan Review Checklist | ⚠️ Generic checklists are offered | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Plain-English summary of your decisions This is a printed document added to your binder so you can quickly review your estate planning decisions in the future without wading through legalese. | ⚠️ Depends on service provider | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Tabbed Estate Plan Binder Organizing your estate plan making it easy to find and review is actually more important than you might think. When a will can't be found, the legal presumption is that it was revoked. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Full-Color 11″×17″ Plan Diagram As estate plans become more complex, it's helpful to have a visual that shows what happens at each stage of your plan over time. That’s exactly what this color diagram does. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | 5. Legal Advice & Strategic Coordination | | | | | "What If" Scenario Planning We help clients think through real-world “what if” scenarios based on their goals, family dynamics, and risk factors. Examples include: • What if your spouse dies first? • What if a beneficiary is involved in a lawsuit or divorce? • What if someone contests your will? • What if a beneficiary predeceases you? | ⚠️ Very Limited | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Fiduciary Selection Advice We help clients choose the right people to serve as executor, trustee, and agents—and plan for backups if those choices can’t serve. This includes discussing trustworthiness, family dynamics, potential conflicts, and the practical realities of the role. We also help clients evaluate whether fiduciaries should serve individually or together as co-fiduciaries, including the tradeoffs around efficiency, accountability, checks and balances, and the risk of delay or conflict—so authority ends up in the right hands when it matters most. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Incapacity Planning Advice We advise clients on when and how authority should activate for financial and medical decisions, what powers should be given, and what their practical effect will be, as well as the risk of abuse of those powers. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Beneficiary Designation Advice Beneficiary designations on your accounts need to be coordinated with your estate plan. They can override your will, trigger tax issues, and naming minor children is usually a mistake. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Personalized Probate Avoidance Plan To avoid probate each of your assets needs to be analyzed to determine if and how best they can avoid the probate process. Simply having a will or a trust does not necessarily avoid probate. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Asset Titling Advice How your assets are titled directly affects whether they must go through probate—and who ultimately receives them. We help clients understand and coordinate asset titling so it aligns with their overall estate plan. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | 6. Ongoing Guidance & Plan Longevity | | | | | Your Personal Estate Planning Attorney Who do you turn to if a document is questioned or something doesn’t go as expected? Who will your loved ones call if issues arise? An attorney who drafted your plan and understands your intentions is best positioned to help explain and guide next steps. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | Unlimited Plan-clarification Questions Unlimited questions to help you understand how your existing estate plan works—answered without charge when no additional document review is required. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | | 5-Year Estate Plan Review This is a scheduled estate plan review at the 5-year mark to ensure everything still works as intended. If a major life change occurs before then (such as a death, divorce, birth of a child, or a significant change in assets), your plan will be reviewed earlier instead. | ❌ Not Included | ✅ Included | ✅ Included | ## Not Sure Which Option Is Right for You? #### Just getting started? If you're exploring your options and want a better understanding of potential risks, gaps, and considerations, take the Free Estate Planning Risk Assessment. [Take the Free Assessment](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-planning-risk-assessment?hsLang=en) #### Ready to create a new estate plan? Whether you already know what type of plan you want or you're still deciding between options, every new client begins with a Personalized Estate Planning Strategy. We'll discuss your goals, review your situation, and determine the most appropriate planning approach for you. [Get a Personalized Strategy](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-planning-strategy?hsLang=en) #### Already have an estate plan? If you have existing documents and want guidance about updates, changes, or whether your current plan is still appropriate, request an Estate Plan Checkup. [Get a Checkup](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-plan-checkup?hsLang=en) ## Frequently Asked Questions - How much should someone expect to pay for an estate plan? There isn’t a single “right” price for an estate plan because the cost depends on your goals, family situation, assets, and the type of planning and guidance you want. Estate planning is about more than preparing documents. A good plan requires understanding how your assets are titled, how beneficiary designations coordinate with your plan, who will make decisions if something happens to you, and how to help your family avoid unnecessary stress, confusion, or conflict later. When working with an estate planning attorney, you’re paying for legal judgment, customized recommendations, planning experience, and guidance tailored to your specific situation. - Why is a trust-based plan more expensive than a will-based plan? A trust-based plan involves more planning, coordination, and implementation than a will-based plan. In addition to helping skip probate, a trust can provide instructions for how assets should be managed during incapacity, how beneficiaries receive inheritances, and how assets are coordinated both during life and after death. For a trust to work properly, it must be carefully designed and properly funded while you still have capacity. That additional planning, coordination, and funding work requires more attorney time and guidance on the front end, which is why trust-based plans typically cost more than will-based plans. - Can I start with a will and upgrade to a trust later? Yes. Some clients start with a will-based plan and move to a trust later as their assets, family situation, or goals change. That said, starting with the right plan upfront can save you time and money. - What’s included in the flat fee—and what’s not? Your flat fee includes the services and documents listed for your selected plan, along with the meetings, guidance, and communications needed to complete your planning. Unless otherwise agreed in advance, we do not bill hourly, so you won’t receive surprise invoices for routine questions or normal communications related to your plan. If something outside the scope of your selected plan becomes necessary, we’ll discuss it with you first and provide a separate flat-fee quote before any additional work is performed. - Why are online or DIY estate plans so much cheaper? Online and DIY estate plans are often much less expensive because they primarily focus on producing documents, not providing personalized legal guidance or planning advice. They typically do not include attorney guidance, coordination of assets and beneficiary designations, or help ensuring everything works together under Texas law. They also generally do not provide ongoing guidance or help your family implement the plan when it’s actually needed. For some people, that tradeoff may be acceptable. For others, the lack of customization, coordination, and guidance can create significant risks and unintended consequences. - What happens if my situation changes after my plan is created? That’s normal—and expected. Life changes, and your estate plan should evolve as your family, assets, or the law changes. A well-designed plan isn’t something you sign once and forget—it includes a clear process for staying current. We make it easy for clients to review their plans over time, and any updates are handled with transparent, flat-fee pricing based on how extensive the changes are. - Do you offer payment plans or financing?  At this time, we do not offer payment plans or financing. However, we do accept all major credit cards. - Do I need to meet with you to get an exact price? Yes. Since pricing depends on your goals, family situation, and the type of planning you need, we typically cannot provide an exact fee until we’ve either created a Personalized Estate Planning Strategy or completed an Estate Plan Checkup. That process helps ensure you receive recommendations and pricing tailored to your specific situation rather than a one-size-fits-all solution. - When do you require payment? Payment is due upfront before work begins. This allows us to reserve attorney time, begin planning promptly, and provide our services on a flat-fee basis rather than hourly billing. We accept all major credit cards. - What’s the difference between “cheap” and “expensive” estate plans? The difference usually isn’t the paper—it’s the planning, guidance, and coordination behind it. More comprehensive estate plans often include greater customization, more careful coordination of assets and beneficiary designations, incapacity planning, trust funding guidance, and ongoing attorney support. Lower-cost options may place more responsibility on you or your family to make sure everything is completed correctly and works as intended when needed. The right approach depends on your goals, your family situation, and the level of guidance and support you want. - How do I know which plan is right for me? We recommend starting with the Free Estate Planning Risk Assessment to help identify potential gaps, risks, and planning issues based on your current situation. From there, you can schedule a Personalized Estate Planning Strategy or Estate Plan Checkup. After learning more about your goals, family situation, assets, and existing documents, we’ll recommend the planning approach that best fits your needs. ### Have Additional Questions? If you're not sure where to start or would like help determining the best next step, [contact us](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/contact?hsLang=en). LAW FIRM LAW FIRM - [About](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/about) - [Contact](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/contact) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/privacy-policy) SERVICES SERVICES - [New Estate Plans](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-plan-pricing) - [Estate Planning Strategies](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-planning-strategy) - [Estate Plan Checkups](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-plan-checkup) FREE RESOURCES FREE RESOURCES - [Estate Planning Risk Assessment](https://www.familylegacyguard.com/estate-planning-risk-assessment) CONTACT CONTACT Family Legacy Guard 1241 W Green Oaks Blvd. Arlington, TX 76013 [817-450-9150](tel:817-450-9150) [info@familylegacyguard.com](mailto:info@familylegacyguard.com)  © 2026 Kyle Rhodes PLLC DBA Family Legacy Guard. All rights reserved. Information on this website is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. An attorney-client relationship is formed only through a written engagement agreement.