We recently received a call from someone who was understandably frustrated. He had been contacting law firms because he needed changes made to his existing living trust. In his mind, the request was simple: “I just need someone to edit it.” What surprised him was the cost. The attorneys he contacted were quoting considerably more than what he originally paid to have the trust prepared 12 months ago for a “good price”.
We asked an important question:
“Why aren't you going back to the attorney who originally prepared your trust?”
His answer?
“He stopped answering my calls altogether.”
And that highlights an important lesson about estate planning: You get what you pay for.
Why Can't a New Attorney Just Change a Few Words?
A living trust is not a word document where an attorney can simply open the file, change a beneficiary's name, add a sentence, and call it finished. When an attorney is asked to modify an estate plan prepared by someone else, they first need to understand what they are working with. Is the existing trust properly drafted? Do the provisions work together? Are there outdated or conflicting terms? Will changing one provision unintentionally affect another part of the plan? Even when the requested change sounds small, the attorney may need to review much more than that one sentence before they can responsibly make the change.
Once a new attorney modifies the document, they are putting their professional responsibility behind the work. They cannot simply assume everything the previous attorney did was correct.
Think of It Like Going to a New Dentist
Think of it this way: Imagine you chose the least expensive option for a dental filling years ago. Now that filling has failed, and you find yourself sitting in a new dentist's chair asking them to fix someone else's work. You wouldn't expect the new dentist to simply put more filling material on top of the old work without examining the tooth first. They need to look underneath, determine whether the existing work is sound, remove anything that needs to be corrected, and then perform the new work properly.
Why? Because once they work on that tooth, they are responsible for the work they perform.
Estate planning is similar. A new attorney may need to review, correct, amend, or even restate portions of an existing estate plan before they can comfortably stand behind it. That can mean additional time, and additional cost.
The Cheapest Estate Plan Isn't Always the Least Expensive
When people shop for estate planning, it is natural to compare prices. But the initial price should not be the only consideration. Your estate plan may be with you for decades. During that time, you may buy or sell property, have children or grandchildren, get married or divorced, lose a loved one, acquire a business, change trustees or beneficiaries, or simply change your mind about how you want your assets handled.
When that happens, you want to know who to call.
If the person who prepared your original documents is no longer available, doesn't maintain your records, or simply stops responding, you may eventually have to hire another attorney to review everything from the beginning. That inexpensive estate plan can suddenly become much more expensive.
Estate planning is one area where saving a little today can sometimes mean spending significantly more tomorrow.
Look at the attorney's experience, reputation, reviews, responsiveness, and whether estate planning is an established part of their practice. Most importantly, choose someone you feel comfortable contacting years from now.
Because preparing the trust is only the beginning. Your life will change, and your estate plan may need to change with it.
Do It Right the First Time
No attorney can guarantee what the future will bring, but choosing an established and reputable estate planning professional from the beginning can reduce the likelihood that you will have to start over later.
Your estate plan is supposed to protect your family, your assets, and your wishes. It deserves more consideration than simply finding the 'best' price.
Have a trust that needs changes?
Bring us what you have. We will read it, tell you plainly whether it needs an amendment or a restatement, and quote the work before anything begins. Available in English, Spanish, and Russian.
Book a Free Consultation (818) 788-7881This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every family's circumstances are unique, and the information reflects California law as of 2026. Attorney Advertising. Contact MVP Law Group for guidance tailored to your situation.