How much does an attorney charge to do a will?
On average, attorneys charge $940-$1,500 to create a will. However, different factors (complexity, assets, hourly rates, etc.) can impact the cost. Get a more accurate estimate by contacting attorneys near you.
How much is a financial planner?
On average, financial planners charge $100-$150 per hour for their services. However, hourly rates can range from $45-$200 per hour.
It’s important to note that financial planners and advisors may set their prices differently. For example, they may charge:
- Hourly rates
- Flat fees
- Retainer fees
- Commissions
- A percentage of assets under management
Before you hire a financial planner or advisor, get cost estimates from several professionals near you. And ask them to explain how their pricing works and how they get paid.
How do you find a good attorney for wills?
To find the best attorney to create your will, start your search on Thumbtack. With Thumbtack, you can quickly locate lawyers near you. As you’re browsing through potential attorneys you might hire, read their profiles to find out which ones specialize in will creation and estate planning. Then, contact a few of them to request cost estimates.
What is a financial planner?
A financial planner is a professional who can help create a plan to achieve your financial goals. Some examples of financial planners include investment advisors, accountants or insurance agents, according to the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
What questions should you ask an attorney about wills?
When you’re creating a will and looking for a potential lawyer, ask plenty of questions. For example, ask:
- How long will it take to draw up a will?
- How much do you charge for will creation?
- How do you set your prices? Do you charge hourly rates?
- How long have you been practicing law, specifically estate planning and will creation?
What is a Certified Financial Planner?
A financial planner who has been designated as a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) by the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., has met various requirements laid out by the CFP Board. These requirements and prerequisites include completing financial planning coursework, passing an exam, getting professional experience and more.
What is a fee-only financial planner?
A fee-only financial planner is paid directly by their clients. This is different from financial planners who charge a commission through the products they sell. Typically, fee-only financial planners charge flat rates, hourly rates or a percentage of the assets that they manage for the client.
In the personal finance industry, the fee-only model is considered to be the most transparent because it puts the client’s interest first. Fee-only financial planners are also considered fiduciaries because they’re required to consider what’s in the best interest of their client, according to the National Association of Personal Financial Advisors.
What does a financial planner do?
Financial planners have various specialties and backgrounds. Ultimately, they can help you analyze your finances and help you make a plan to reach your financial goals.
If you need help with your retirement savings, taxes, debt, investments and other aspects of your finances, consider hiring a financial planner near you.
What should you look for in a financial planner?
Ultimately, you should hire a financial planner who has the expertise, experience and credentials to help you navigate your finances. You should also make sure you trust your financial planner and can afford their fees.
As you’re evaluating local financial planners, ask yourself the following questions:
- Does this financial planner charge fair fees and prices?
- How do they get paid?
- Will this person act in my best interest?
- Can I trust this person to handle my finances?
- Do they have the necessary certifications, education and credentials?
- Does this financial planner have mostly positive customer reviews?
- Do they specialize in a topic (investing, retirement planning, etc.) that I need help with?
When should you get a financial planner?
The decision of when to get a financial planner is entirely up to you. For example, it might make sense for you to hire a planner if you need help saving money for a specific goal (college tuition, buying a house, etc.), or if you’re about to experience a major life event (retirement, starting a family, etc.).
Maybe you'll want to hire a financial advisor or planner if you want to learn more about a particular topic, like investing or estate planning. Or, perhaps you already have financial knowledge, but you want an expert’s opinion on your financial plan.
When in doubt, reach out to financial planners near you. Ask about their services and prices to determine if hiring one is the right move for you.