What needs to be done:

Probate during life - guardianships and conservatorships for the elderly, disabled or minors; powers of attorney; filing claims in probate.

Probate after death - assist survivor to handle probate process; serve as attorney to estate, litigate probate claims, prepare tax returns and assist in disposition of assets.

Estate Planning and Will Preparation - consultation regarding disposition of property, both during life and after death; preparation of trusts, wills and other transfer documents to carry out intended action; prepare living wills; health care powers of attorney.

Tax Planning - provide tax advice on forms of disposition of property.

What it usually costs:

Simple Will- $100 to $300; trust for children - $150 to $350; non-tax detailed disposition - $150 to $300;

Will requiring tax planning - $500 to $1,000;

Revocable Living Trust with minimum tax planning l- $750 to $2,000; complicated estate plan - $1,000 to ?

Guardianships and conservatorships - uncontested - $500 to $900; standby - $200 to $400; contested - $750 to $2,000; power of attorney - $50 to $100.

Probate administration - non-probate consultation with surviving spouse - $300 to $600; estate under $675,000 - usually statutory fee of approximately 2% of gross estate; over $1,000,000 - agreed upon fee of 1% to 2% of gross estate.