What are the legal costs for creating a will?
January 28, 2023 | 60,00 EUR | answered by Ralf Hausdorf
Dear lawyer,
my name is Konrad Bergner and I am faced with the question of how high the legal fees for creating a will are. Currently, I am in a financially stable situation, but I want to ensure that I properly and legally structure my estate planning.
My current situation is that I have not yet drafted a will and now I want to delve into the topic intensively. I have heard that the costs for creating a will can vary depending on the lawyer and individual case. Since I am not familiar with this area, I am unsure if the legal fees are affordable for me and if the financial investment is worthwhile.
My concerns are that I want my estate to be handled according to my wishes after my passing and that my family does not have any issues with the inheritance. At the same time, I do not want to unnecessarily incur high costs for creating a will.
Therefore, my question to you is: How much are the legal fees approximately for creating a will and what services are included in this price? Are there ways to save costs or offer a more cost-effective alternative for will creation?
Thank you in advance for your help and advice on this matter.
Sincerely,
Konrad Bergner
Dear Mr. Bergner,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding the legal costs for creating a will. It is understandable that you are concerned about how high the costs for this important legal matter can be and whether the financial investment is worth it.
The costs for creating a will can indeed vary depending on the lawyer and individual case. Generally speaking, the amount of legal fees depends on various factors, such as the size of the estate, the complexity of the testamentary provisions, and the time spent on consultation and drafting the will.
Lawyers typically charge their services according to the Lawyers' Remuneration Act (RVG). For the creation of a simple will, fees of around €200-500 may apply. For a more extensive will with complex provisions, the costs can be higher accordingly.
The services included in this price usually involve consultation and clarification of legal options, drafting the will according to your wishes, and verifying the effectiveness of the will.
There are ways to save costs or offer a more cost-effective alternative for creating a will. One possibility, for example, is to create a so-called "Berliner Testament," in which spouses appoint each other as sole heirs. This can lead to cost savings in certain cases.
However, it is important to note that a will is a legally binding document and should therefore be professionally and carefully drafted. A wrong formulation or provision in the will can lead to disputes among the heirs and potentially jeopardize the effectiveness of the will.
I recommend seeking advice from an experienced lawyer specializing in fee law to ensure that your will is legally correct and drafted according to your wishes. Together, we can also discuss possible cost savings and alternatives to optimize your estate planning.
I hope this information was helpful to you and I am available for further questions.
Best regards,
Ralf Hausdorf
Lawyer specializing in fee law
