Estate Planning Lawyer · Erie, PA/Updated June 13, 2026
The Best Estate Planning Lawyers in Erie, PA
Navigating estate planning is essential for securing your family's future. We ranked the best estate planning lawyers in Erie based on real client feedback.
MHMaya Hendricks · Home Services Editor Updated June 13, 2026 · Next review July 2026
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 7 Erie-metro estate planning lawyer businesses evaluated, top 7 ranked by Vetted Score.
In Erie, estate planning is not just a legal formality; it’s a critical step in ensuring your family's financial security. With only seven providers evaluated in the metro area, the competition is tight, and most firms have fewer than 50 reviews. This makes it essential for you to consider not just ratings, but also the depth of each firm's review record.
Marsh Spaeder Baur Spaeder & Schaaf LLP leads the pack with a solid 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews, setting a high bar compared to the rest of the field, which averages 3.5 stars. Understanding how many clients have shared their experiences can help you make an informed choice when selecting the right lawyer for your estate planning needs.
7estate planning lawyers evaluated in Erie
3.80average rating across the field
89customer reviews analyzed
Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.
With a rating of 4.5 stars from 35 reviews, Marsh Spaeder Baur Spaeder & Schaaf LLP is recognized for its knowledgeable attorneys and thorough estate planning services.
To identify the best estate planning lawyers in Erie, we evaluated seven local providers based on their Vetted Scores, which reflect their ratings and review counts. Our assessment is rooted in real client feedback, ensuring that our rankings are based on actual experiences rather than self-reported claims.
No business pays for placement in our rankings, and we refresh this list monthly to reflect any changes in ratings or reviews. This approach keeps our data current and trustworthy, helping you find a lawyer who meets your specific needs.
The Vetted Score: six weighted factors
Customer sentiment25%
Rating quality20%
Review volume & velocity20%
Website trust signals15%
Service breadth10%
Business longevity10%
Sentiment is measured by AI analysis of review text, recency-weighted, with verified-pattern checks to discount suspicious review bursts.
With a rating of 4.5 stars from 35 reviews, Marsh Spaeder Baur Spaeder & Schaaf LLP is recognized for its knowledgeable attorneys and thorough estate planning services. Clients appreciate their personalized approach and clear communication. However, some reviews mention that the process can take time, so be prepared for a potentially lengthy engagement.
Entrusted Legacy Law stands out with a perfect 5-star rating from 4 reviews. Clients commend the firm for its affordable pricing and approachable attorneys, making estate planning accessible for many. The small review base suggests it is promising but unproven, so consider this when making your choice. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is budget-conscious clients. It serves Erie, PA, with $150 to $300 per consultation pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and less established than competitors.
Michael J Nies Attorney at Law has earned a 4.5-star rating based on 10 reviews, highlighting his expertise in estate planning and responsiveness. Clients feel confident in his ability to handle their cases. However, a few reviews suggest that his availability can be limited, so early engagement is advisable. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is clients who value responsiveness. It serves Erie, PA, with $175 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited availability and less personalized attention.
Heritage Elder Law & Estate Planning, LLC holds a rating of 3.7 stars from 3 reviews. Clients mention their focus on elder law and estate planning, appreciating the firm’s expertise in these areas. On the downside, the limited number of reviews raises questions about reliability and service consistency. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is elder law services. It serves Erie, PA, with $150 to $350 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited reviews and mixed feedback.
Gregory L. Heidt, Attorney At Law has a 3.9-star rating with 11 reviews. Clients appreciate his approachable demeanor and thorough explanations during the estate planning process. However, some feedback indicates that his office could improve on follow-up and communication, which may affect client experience. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is first-time estate planners. It serves Erie, PA, with $175 to $375 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are follow-up issues and variable communication.
George Estate & Family Law, now at Marsh Schaaf, LLP, has a low rating of 1.5 stars from 2 reviews. Feedback indicates significant dissatisfaction with communication and service quality. Given the thin review base and negative comments, many may want to explore other options before considering this firm. The review base is still thin, so we read the rating as promising rather than proven and weighted it accordingly. Most of what reviewers hire it for is none recommended. It serves Erie, PA, with $200 to $400 per hour pricing, and the honest trade-offs are very low rating and negative reviews.
MacDonald, Illig, Jones & Britton LLP has a 3.5-star rating based on 24 reviews. While clients appreciate the firm's broad range of services, some express concerns about the timeliness of responses and the personal touch in their estate planning. This firm may be a decent option if you prioritize variety over personalization.
Pros
Broad service offerings
Established firm
Cons
Inconsistency in service
Less personalized attention
Best forClients seeking a variety of legal services
Selecting the right estate planning lawyer requires careful consideration of their experience and client feedback. Here are three key factors to evaluate:
Review the number of client testimonials
A higher number of reviews can indicate a lawyer's reliability and client satisfaction. Look for firms with at least 10 reviews for a better sense of their service.
Evaluate the overall rating
While a perfect 5-star rating is appealing, consider the context. A lawyer with a 4.5-star rating from a larger review base may offer more consistent service.
Check for specific practice areas
Some lawyers specialize in particular aspects of estate planning, such as wills or trusts. Ensure the lawyer you choose aligns with your specific needs.
What it costs
What estate planning lawyers cost in Erie
Understanding the costs associated with hiring an estate planning lawyer can help you budget effectively. Here’s what you can typically expect to pay in Erie:
Consultation feesInitial consultations can range from $100 to $300, depending on the lawyer's experience and the complexity of your needs.
Flat fees for basic servicesFor straightforward wills, you might pay between $500 and $1,500, while more complex estate plans could range from $1,500 to $5,000.
Hourly ratesIf charged hourly, expect rates from $150 to $400 per hour, depending on the attorney's expertise and reputation.
Ongoing management feesSome firms charge annual fees for ongoing estate management, typically between $300 and $1,000.
Frequently asked questions
How much does estate planning cost in Erie?
Estate planning services in Erie typically range from $200 to $1,500, depending on the complexity of your needs and the attorney's experience.
Which estate planning lawyer has the best reputation in Erie?
Based on reviews and ratings, <strong>Marsh Spaeder Baur Spaeder & Schaaf LLP</strong> holds the best reputation with a 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews.
How often is this ranking updated?
We re-run the full analysis monthly with fresh review data. Last updated June 13, 2026.
Our verdict
For most Erie residents: <strong>Marsh Spaeder Baur Spaeder & Schaaf LLP</strong>
Marsh Spaeder Baur Spaeder & Schaaf LLP leads the pack with a solid 4.5-star rating from 35 reviews, showcasing their reliability in estate planning. Following closely is Entrusted Legacy Law with a perfect 5-star rating, but with only 4 reviews, making it promising yet unproven. Rounding out the top three is Michael J Nies Attorney at Law, also at 4.5 stars but with a more limited review count of 10. Choose Marsh Spaeder Baur Spaeder & Schaaf LLP for established trust and customer feedback.
Cityvetted
