will.com / Attorney review
When to have an attorney review your will
will.com generates a legally valid will for most people. But some situations benefit from a professional review — here’s how to tell if you’re one of them.
Consider a review if any of these apply
- →You have a blended family or stepchildren
- →You own a business or professional practice
- →Your estate is large enough to owe state estate tax
- →You have a child with special needs
- →You've been divorced or expect to be
- →You own real estate in more than one state
- →You want a trust instead of (or alongside) a will
If none of the above apply — you’re married once, have straightforward assets, and your children are all biological or adopted together — your will.com document is likely sufficient without a review.
What it costs
A document review is typically a one-hour consultation: $200–400 in most markets, more in major cities. Many attorneys offer a free 15–30 minute initial consultation.
If your situation is complex, the attorney may recommend drafting a new will or a trust from scratch. That typically runs $500–2,000 depending on complexity.
How to find an estate planning attorney
Your state bar's referral service
Every state bar association runs a lawyer referral service. Many offer a free or low-cost initial consultation. This is the most reliable way to find a vetted, licensed attorney in your state.
Find your state bar →Avvo attorney directory
Search by practice area (estate planning) and location. Profiles include ratings, client reviews, and disciplinary history.
Search Avvo →Martindale-Hubbell
Peer-reviewed ratings by other attorneys. Particularly useful for finding attorneys with AV Preeminent ratings — the highest peer review designation.
Search Martindale →What to bring to the consultation
- ✓Your downloaded will.com document
- ✓A list of your major assets (real estate, accounts, retirement funds)
- ✓Names and contact info for your executor, guardian, and beneficiaries
- ✓Any existing estate documents (old will, trust, power of attorney)
- ✓Questions about anything you weren't sure about during the will process
Haven’t made your will yet?
Start with will.com — free, private, takes about 10 minutes. You can always have an attorney review it after.
Make my will — it’s free →