Whether you're settling an estate, planning ahead, or protecting an elder's assets, here are 29 estate & elder law attorneys covering Fargo, North Dakota. Providers listed in Fargo focus on estate planning attorney. Fargo sits in Cass County, North Dakota. Other North Dakota cities covered include Bismarck, Grand Forks and West Fargo.
Estate planning attorneys in Fargo, ND: a local guide
We currently track 25 estate planning, elder law, and probate attorneys serving Fargo, ND in Cass County. Across the ones with public reviews, the average customer rating is 4.5★ from 1,611 total reviews, and 16 hold a 4.5★ rating or higher. SW&L Attorneys is among the most-reviewed locally, at 4.9★ across 716 reviews.
What estate planning costs in Fargo
Rough planning ranges for the Fargo area:
Service
Typical range
Simple will package
$350–$1,350
Revocable living trust package
$1,700–$4,500
Full estate plan or probate work
$3,350–$8,950+
Many Fargo 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 Fargo
For probate, ask about the realistic timeline and total cost for a Fargo-area estate before you engage.
Make sure they'll keep your plan current as laws and your family change, and how updates are billed.
Read reviews and ask for references from recent Fargo 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 Fargo.
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 Fargo 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 Fargo?
Many Fargo 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 Fargo 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 Fargo-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 Fargo firms handle both.
Estate & elder law attorneys in Fargo: what to know
How much does an estate planning attorney cost in Fargo?
In the Fargo 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 Fargo area.
Wills & TrustsLiving TrustsProbatePowers of AttorneyMedicaid PlanningGuardianshipSpecial Needs PlanningEstate Administration