Need a will, trust, or probate help in Madison? We list 29 local estate & elder law attorneys serving Madison and surrounding Wisconsin communities, with ratings and direct phone numbers. Providers listed in Madison cover estate planning attorney and elder law attorney. Madison sits in Dane County, Wisconsin. Other Wisconsin cities covered include Milwaukee, Manitowoc and Menomonie.
Estate planning attorneys in Madison, WI: a local guide
We currently track 25 estate planning, elder law, and probate attorneys serving Madison, WI in Dane County. Across the ones with public reviews, the average customer rating is 4.6★ from 1,099 total reviews, and 10 hold a 4.5★ rating or higher. Horn & Johnsen SC is among the most-reviewed locally, at 5.0★ across 232 reviews.
What estate planning costs in Madison
Rough planning ranges for the Madison area:
Service
Typical range
Simple will package
$400–$1,500
Revocable living trust package
$1,900–$5,000
Full estate plan or probate work
$3,750–$10,000+
Many Madison estate attorneys quote flat fees for wills and trusts and bill hourly (often $250-$500/hr) for probate. Ask for a written fee agreement before you engage.
How to choose an estate attorney in Madison
Read reviews and ask for references from recent Madison estate clients.
Pick a lawyer who focuses on estate planning and probate, not a generalist who dabbles.
Confirm they're licensed and in good standing with the state bar, and ask how long they've practiced near Madison.
Ask whether wills and trusts are flat-fee and what that covers (funding the trust, revisions, directives).
Ask who actually does the work — the attorney, a paralegal, or a form service — and who you'll call with questions.
Questions to ask before you hire
Is this a flat fee or hourly, and what exactly does it cover?
Do you focus on estate planning and probate specifically?
Will you help fund the trust and store the documents?
How do updates work as laws or my family change?
Who will handle my file day to day?
Many Madison listings also handle wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and probate administration.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a will or living trust cost in Madison?
Many Madison estate attorneys charge flat fees, roughly $300 to $1,200 for a simple will package and $1,500 to $4,000 for a revocable living trust. Probate work is often billed hourly. Ask for a written fee agreement up front.
Do I need a will or a living trust?
It depends on your assets and goals. A will is simpler and cheaper; a living trust can avoid probate and keep matters private. A short consultation with a Madison estate attorney will tell you which fits.
How much does probate cost and how long does it take?
Probate cost and timeline vary by estate and county. Simple Madison-area estates can take several months, while complex ones run over a year. Ask the attorney for a realistic estimate for your situation.
What is the difference between estate planning and elder law?
Estate planning focuses on wills, trusts, and passing on assets; elder law also covers long-term care, Medicaid planning, and guardianship. Many Madison firms handle both.
Estate & elder law attorneys in Madison: what to know
How much does an estate planning attorney cost in Madison?
In the Madison area, simple wills often run $300–$1,200 and living trust packages $1,500–$4,000; probate and elder law work is commonly billed hourly at $250–$500. Most firms above offer a free or low-cost initial consultation — talk to two or three.
Estate planning vs. elder law vs. probate — which do I need?
Estate planning covers wills, trusts, and powers of attorney while you're healthy. Elder law adds Medicaid planning, guardianship, and long-term-care protection. Probate is the court process after a death — probate attorneys guide executors through estate administration.
What else do these firms handle?
Many attorneys above also handle special needs planning, asset protection, beneficiary disputes, estate tax planning, and real estate transfers in the Madison area.
Wills & TrustsLiving TrustsProbatePowers of AttorneyMedicaid PlanningGuardianshipSpecial Needs PlanningEstate Administration