How much does a LegalZoom last will cost in California in 2025? LegalZoom will pricing starts at $89 for Basic (no attorney review) and goes up to $199 for Premium (with attorney review). But those prices don't include Power of Attorney or Healthcare Directive — documents most California families need. Here's the full cost breakdown.
LegalZoom Will Pricing 2025
LegalZoom offers two will packages. Like their trust products, the critical difference is whether an attorney reviews your documents.
| Plan | Price | Attorney Review | Includes POA/Healthcare? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basic Will | $89 | ✗ Not included | ✗ Sold separately |
| Premium Will | $199 | ✓ Included | ✗ Sold separately |
The Real Cost: Add-Ons You'll Need
Most California families need more than just a will. Here's what the total actually looks like with LegalZoom:
| Document | LegalZoom Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Last Will & Testament | $89-$199 | Basic or Premium |
| Financial Power of Attorney | $35-$149 | Separate purchase required |
| Healthcare Directive | $35-$149 | Separate purchase required |
| Annual Legal Plan | $199+/year | Pushed at checkout for "unlimited" changes |
| Total Cost (Basic + add-ons) | $159-$497+ | Before annual subscription |
LegalZoom Will vs Our $150 Attorney-Prepared Will
| Feature | LegalZoom Basic ($89) | LegalZoom Premium ($199) | Living Trust CA ($150) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Last Will | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Attorney Review | ✗ | ✓ | ✓ Prepared by attorney |
| Power of Attorney | ✗ Extra $35-$149 | ✗ Extra $35-$149 | ✓ Included |
| Healthcare Directive | ✗ Extra $35-$149 | ✗ Extra $35-$149 | ✓ Included |
| California-Specific | Generic 50-state | Generic 50-state | ✓ CA-specific |
| Annual Fees | Optional ($199+/yr) | Optional ($199+/yr) | None |
Do You Need a Will or a Living Trust?
Before spending money on a will, consider whether a living trust is the better choice for your situation. In California, a will alone goes through probate — an expensive and time-consuming court process.
A will may be enough if:
- You don't own California real estate
- Your total assets are under $184,500
- You're young with minimal assets
- You just need to name a guardian for minor children
You should consider a living trust if:
- You own a home in California (most homeowners)
- Your estate exceeds $184,500 (California's small estate threshold)
- You want to avoid probate ($27,000+ for a $500K estate)
- You want privacy (wills become public record through probate)
- You're married or have children
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much does a LegalZoom will cost in California?
A: LegalZoom wills cost $89 (Basic, no attorney review) or $199 (Premium, with attorney review). Power of Attorney and Healthcare Directive are sold separately for $35-$149 each.
Q: Does LegalZoom include attorney review for wills?
A: Only in the Premium plan ($199). The Basic will ($89) is software-generated only — no attorney reviews your California will for errors.
Q: Is a LegalZoom will valid in California?
A: Yes, if properly executed. California requires the testator to sign in front of two witnesses (Probate Code Section 6110). However, generic templates may miss California-specific provisions like community property handling.
Q: Should I get a will or living trust in California?
A: If you own California real estate or have assets over $184,500, a living trust ($400) is strongly recommended. A will alone goes through probate, which costs $26,000+ for a $500K estate and takes 12-24 months.
Q: What's cheaper than LegalZoom for a California will?
A: Living Trust California offers an attorney-prepared will package for $150 that includes the will, Power of Attorney, and Healthcare Directive — all prepared by a California attorney (Bar #208356). LegalZoom charges $89-$199 for the will alone, with POA and healthcare directive as paid extras.
Attorney-Prepared California Will Package
Includes Will + Power of Attorney + Healthcare Directive
Get Your Will NowCalifornia State Bar #208356 | 24-48 hour delivery
Need a Living Trust Instead?
Most California homeowners benefit more from a living trust than a standalone will. Avoid $27,000+ in probate costs.
Living Trust — $400 Single | $500 Couples