What would you say is the going rate to get POA papers and an advanced directive done by a lawyer?

My husband and I have what I term to be simple. We own our home, have 401’s , checking savings , that’s it. I found forms online , filled them out online. The online company I used , had an option to mail me the documents. I then had them signed and witnessed by a notary republic at our bank. Worked for us. Some will say you need an attorney, and you may very well need one. Just wanted to tell ou what we did. I am comfortable with our decision.

This is like asking how much does a car cost.
A lot depends on how detailed/complicated , what "extras" you want it also depends on how experienced the attorney is and how large the law firm is. Not to mention where the offices are. Large city, higher rents, small town, lower rent

Depends on the state. Some states have forms you can download. Use google.

anitaf5935, good for you thinking ahead about getting legal documents. Wish more people would think that way.

Price depends what type of Attorney you would use, and how complex is your Estate. If you use a specialist, such as an Elder Law Attorney, that Attorney will charge you more. I went with such an Attorney and she keeps us up-to-date on any changes in State or Federal Laws which would affect our current legal documents, which would require updating.

Price also depends on location. I live in a large metro area, so costs would be higher. Plus I used an Attorney who is part of a large law firm. I did that so that if my Attorney should retire or move, the firm can assign me another Elder Law Attorney. And the firm has other specialized Attorneys in case we should need their expertise.

I am not a big fan of one using on-line legal documents. For example, my Power of Attorney is 18 pages long. Doubt if a on-line document would be that complex, covering all bases. There are also other legal documents that you should have that are very important. Don't know if an on-line website would discuss this with you.

My parents had used their real estate Attorney to do their POA and Wills. I finally read their Wills which were older than dirt, and had a lot of landmines. I quickly got them to my Elder Law Attorney. Their Estate was complex to a point where a Will wouldn't be enough, they needed a Revocable Trust. Whew, that was a close call.

There's the old saying "you get what you pay for". Check with your friends to see what Attorneys they had used.

When we were restating our Trust, doing updated POA's, all end if life docs it was more expensive then what your mom paid.

However, we were quoted 12k by a couple of attorneys and we interviewed +/-12 "Elder Law" attorneys. We ended up using a Certified Elder Law Attorney and he was 10% of the highest quotes and a thousand times more knowledgeable. He is part of a firm that will be there long after we are gone, that is important to us.

I recommend interviewing attorneys just like you would any other employee, because they are suppose to be working for you, in your best interests. Finding the best qualified just makes sense.

I think the price really depends on too many factors to know if it is fair or average in your state.

When we needed POA papers etc for my mother-in-law, we filled them out and had a notary witness the signature. We didn't even have to get a lawyer. She was in a nursing home so the notary was an office worker so no charge. You may have a fee for them but nothing much compared to a lawyer.

I see a lot of people have posted about using legal forms or on line services but a word of caution, you get what you pay for. Every case is individual so having an actual lawyer represent your wishes, is to me, the wiser choice.

That does seem high for just POA paperwork. I live in NC and just had my will, advanced directives and both medical and durable POA's done a few months ago by a reputable lawyer here in town and it only cost me $760.

If you're dealing with a complex estate with investments accounts, trust(s), numerous properties, and bequests, the $1,100. cost is likely worth it.

However, an Advance Directives can be done in a Drs office, at home with downloaded forms, completed by any SW in a hospital or care care setting - and it's free. All issues and decisions should be discussed with the assigned MPOA(s) and signed by everyone with copies provided to all offices and agencies involved in medical care.

For a DPOA, if the estate is small and relatively simple, it can also be done by the above named people and means, excluding physicians. The best is to have a 'Self-Proving Affidavit' attached to the POA, meaning that it's signed by 2 uninterested parties and properly notarized. The attached will make the DPOA valid in all states if needed for later out of state property sales, portfolio access, bank accounts, and the like. My Mom's was executed at the NH she was in and it has stood up for the above-mentioned purposes.

Many online legal self-help sites allow you to do these things for free or for very minimal cost; you can do an online search for template forms (images) to download and print. Having it all done by a lawyer is easier and while costly, assures that all is done properly and everyone served with copies.

Yes, as others here have indicated, the amount depends on a lot of factors. My mother-in-law had her will and POA's prepared by an elder law attorney with our encouragement due to family dynamics. We wanted her to make sure she was interviewed by an attorney to make sure her wishes were accurately reflected in the documents and that she had a good understanding of the elements of those documents. In that way, claims by any disgruntled family member that she didn't know what was being signed or being unduly influenced by a family member or didn't understand the online form would have no basis.

Be aware that many banks and investment firms require separate POA forms specific to their institution for any financial actions to be conducted by a POA.