How much would a lawyer charge to set up a trust and will for a wealthy family? -

My wife and I are trying to set up a trust and will to make sure our kids are all set. We have about $25 million in net worth (house, cash, assets etc) and are trying to customize the will such that its protected from outsiders taking it other than our kids. We have hired a lawyer to help us but he is charging $75,000 to do the whole thing exactly how we want it. Is that high? how much should it cost?

With estate attorneys the old adage: you get what you pay for, applies. Great estate attorneys are not just there to fill in the blanks on a form and then produce the trust (I assume a series of exotic type trusts and not just a will). Is the attorney providing trustee services? Will the attorney make sure the trusts are funded properly? If you were referred to this attorney by another professional, that person should know a number of attorneys with which you can work. I think you should compare services between at least two attorneys. Just get a clear picture what $75,000 is buying you now and in future services. You should have a good feeling in your gut also about the attorney you choose. Truthfully, I don t know if there are many estate attorneys or people with your level of net worth trolling this board. You have to do your due diligence. If you re asking this question to a world of strangers, something tells me you don t exactly trust the attorney --- so get go get some comparisons.