Firm Information
How Much Does a Lawyer Cost?
Last updated February 2026
6 min read
It depends on what you need, how complicated the matter is, and how much of the work you can do yourself. That answer frustrates people, but it's the truth — and any attorney who quotes a flat number without knowing the details of your situation is guessing. What we can do is give you realistic ranges based on the types of matters we handle every day in Bucks County.
A basic estate plan — a will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive — typically costs $800–$1,500 for a single person or $1,200–$2,500 for a married couple. The range depends on complexity: a straightforward plan for a couple with adult children and modest assets is on the lower end; a plan involving blended families, business interests, or special needs beneficiaries will be higher.
If your situation calls for a revocable living trust, expect $2,500–$5,000+. Trusts involve more drafting, more funding paperwork, and more client education. They're not always necessary — we'll tell you if a trust actually makes sense for your situation or if a well-drafted will accomplishes the same goal.
Settling an estate involves court filing fees, publication costs, and attorney fees. The court costs alone in Bucks County: probate fee ($150–$750 depending on estate size) + surcharges ($71.25) + publication ($325.85) + short certificates ($15 each, typically 5–6 needed) = roughly $650–$1,250 before attorney fees. Attorney fees for estate administration are typically based on a percentage of the estate's value or an hourly rate:
Simple estates (single beneficiary class, no disputes, straightforward assets): $2,500–$5,000 in attorney fees. Moderate estates (multiple beneficiary classes, real estate to sell, tax returns needed): $5,000–$10,000. Complex estates (business interests, disputes, litigation, multi-state property): $10,000+, often billed hourly at $250–$400/hour.
Pennsylvania inheritance tax is separate and unavoidable: 0% for surviving spouses, 4.5% for lineal descendants (children, grandchildren), 12% for siblings, and 15% for everyone else. That's a tax bill, not an attorney fee — but it's the number that usually shocks people.
Attorney fees for a residential closing in Bucks County typically run $750–$1,500, depending on complexity. This covers document review, title examination, preparation of the deed and transfer tax forms, and attendance at closing. Recording fees are separate: $82.75 for the deed + $82.75 for the mortgage = $165.50 minimum. If the transaction involves unusual issues — boundary disputes, easement questions, title defects — the attorney fee increases accordingly.
Deed preparation alone (such as transferring property between family members) is generally $500–$1,000 in attorney fees, plus the $82.75 recording fee. But the realty transfer tax on the transfer can dwarf both — Bucks County's total transfer tax rate is 2% of the property's computed value (assessed value × 17.06 CLR factor, or sale price — whichever is higher). Many family transfers are exempt from transfer tax, but not all.
Family law matters are almost always billed hourly, and the total depends heavily on whether the other side cooperates. The Prothonotary filing fee for a divorce complaint is $398.00; a custody complaint is $281.25 (or $100.25 if filed with the divorce). Uncontested divorce (mutual consent, agreed property division): $2,500–$5,000 in total attorney fees. Contested divorce with custody and equitable distribution disputes: $10,000–$30,000+. Most attorneys require an upfront retainer of $3,000–$5,000 and bill against it at $250–$400/hour.
Custody modifications (filing fee: $130.00) and support hearings typically cost $2,000–$5,000 each in attorney fees. PFA (Protection From Abuse) matters have no filing fee and are often handled on shorter timelines — attorney fees may run $1,500–$3,500.
Litigation is the most unpredictable category. The Prothonotary filing fee for a civil complaint in Bucks County is $292.75. Attorney fees depend on the stakes and complexity. Small claims matters at the Magisterial District Court level (claims up to $12,000): $1,000–$3,000. Contract disputes and business litigation: $5,000–$50,000+, almost always hourly. Discovery alone can cost $5,000–$15,000 if depositions and expert witnesses are involved.
Ask for a fee agreement in writing. Pennsylvania Rule of Professional Conduct 1.5 requires that the basis of the fee be communicated to the client. You should know before hiring an attorney whether you're paying a flat fee, hourly rate, or contingency percentage.
Provide organized information. The biggest driver of attorney fees is time. If you bring documents organized, questions written down, and relevant facts summarized, you'll spend less time (and money) getting your attorney up to speed.
Know what you're paying for. Court filing fees, publication costs, recording fees, and taxes are pass-through costs — they go to the court or government, not the attorney. Ask for an itemized estimate that separates attorney fees from costs.
Don't wait. Legal problems almost always get more expensive the longer you wait. A $1,500 estate plan is cheaper than a $10,000 probate dispute that could have been avoided. A $500 lease review is cheaper than a $15,000 commercial lease dispute.
We offer free initial consultations for most practice areas. That means we'll listen to your situation, tell you what your options are, give you a realistic sense of cost and timeline, and let you decide how to proceed. You're never obligated to hire us after a consultation.
Free consultations available for most practice areas.
Schedule a Free Consultation Or call 215-826-3133