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Estate Planning Lawyer · Roanoke, VA/Updated June 13, 2026

The 9 Best Estate Planning Lawyers in Roanoke, VA

Navigating estate planning is crucial for securing your legacy. Our rankings highlight the most trusted lawyers in Roanoke to help you choose wisely.

Editorially independent9 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceRhodes Butler & Dellinger
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 9 Roanoke-metro estate planning lawyer businesses evaluated, top 9 ranked by Vetted Score.

Estate planning is essential for protecting your assets and ensuring your wishes are honored after your passing. In Roanoke, VA, the landscape of estate planning lawyers is diverse, with a range of options from budget-friendly to highly rated professionals.

We evaluated nine estate planning lawyers in the Roanoke area, analyzing their ratings and customer reviews to create a transparent ranking. Each lawyer's Vetted Score reflects their reputation and the trust they've built within the community.

9estate planning lawyers evaluated in Roanoke
4.43average rating across the field
253customer reviews analyzed

Cityvetted analysis of public Google review data, updated June 13, 2026.

How much does estate planning lawyer cost in Roanoke? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

At a glance · three categories
★ Editor's Choice
96Score

Rhodes Butler & Dellinger

★★★★★4.8(30 reviews)

With a rating of 4.8 from 30 reviews, Rhodes Butler & Dellinger is highly praised for their attentive service and thorough approach to estate planning.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Mark W. Dellinger

★★★★★5.0(16 reviews)

Mark W.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

The Law Office of Stephen R.

Read full review

All 9, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
96Score
4.8★★★★★
30Comprehensive estate planning
2
95Score
5.0★★★★★
16Budget-friendly estate planning
3
94Score
5.0★★★★★
7Understanding complex estate issues
4
84Score
4.4★★★★★
53Personalized legal advice
5
84Score
4.4★★★★★
25Complex estate matters
6
83Score
4.3★★★★★
28Drafting wills and trusts
7
82Score
4.2★★★★★
24First-time estate planners
8
81Score
4.1★★★★★
21Trust services
9
78Score
3.7★★★★★
49Basic estate planning
Methodology

How we evaluated all 9 estate planning lawyers.

To compile this list, we assessed each estate planning lawyer based on their online ratings and the number of reviews they've received. This approach provides a clear picture of their standing in Roanoke's legal landscape.

Our rankings are updated monthly, ensuring that you get the most current information. We do not accept payments for placement, guaranteeing that our evaluations are unbiased and based solely on merit.

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.

Full reviews

The rankings · in order
1
★ Editor's Choice

Rhodes Butler & Dellinger

★★★★★4.8(30 reviews)
96Score

With a rating of 4.8 from 30 reviews, Rhodes Butler & Dellinger is highly praised for their attentive service and thorough approach to estate planning. Clients appreciate the clarity and guidance provided during complex legal matters. However, their higher volume of clients may lead to longer wait times for appointments.

Pros

  • High rating
  • Thorough service
  • Clear communication

Cons

  • Potentially longer wait times
Best forComprehensive estate planning
Service areaRoanoke and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$200 to $500
2
Best Value

Mark W. Dellinger

★★★★★5.0(16 reviews)
95Score

Mark W. Dellinger holds a perfect rating of 5 from 16 reviews, with clients highlighting his personalized attention and affordability. He is particularly well-regarded for straightforward wills and trusts. The main downside is that his limited review count makes it harder to gauge 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 budget-friendly estate planning. It serves Roanoke area, with $150 to $400 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited review base.

Pros

  • Perfect rating
  • Affordable pricing
  • Personalized service

Cons

  • Limited review base
Best forBudget-friendly estate planning
Service areaRoanoke area
Typical pricing$150 to $400
3
Most Reviewed

Law Office of Stephen R. Wills Attorney, Valley Wills

★★★★★5.0(7 reviews)
94Score

The Law Office of Stephen R. Wills has a solid 5-star rating based on 7 reviews, with clients appreciating his expertise in estate planning and will preparation. His ability to simplify legal jargon is often mentioned. However, the small number of reviews may raise questions about overall reliability. 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 understanding complex estate issues. It serves Roanoke and nearby regions, with $200 to $450 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are small review count.

Pros

  • Expertise in estate planning
  • Simplifies legal terms
  • Client-focused approach

Cons

  • Small review count
Best forUnderstanding complex estate issues
Service areaRoanoke and nearby regions
Typical pricing$200 to $450
4

The Law Office of James Steele, PLLC

★★★★★4.4(53 reviews)
84Score

With a rating of 4.4 from 53 reviews, The Law Office of James Steele is recognized for its thorough legal advice and friendly staff. Clients often highlight the responsive communication. However, some reviews mention that the office can get busy, leading to delays in response times. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is personalized legal advice. It serves Roanoke region, with $250 to $500 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are potential delays due to busyness.

Pros

  • Thorough legal advice
  • Responsive communication
  • Friendly staff

Cons

  • Potential delays due to busyness
Best forPersonalized legal advice
Service areaRoanoke region
Typical pricing$250 to $500
5

Maddy & Nester, PLLC - Attorneys at Law

★★★★★4.4(25 reviews)
84Score

Maddy & Nester, PLLC has a 4.4 rating from 25 reviews, with clients praising their attention to detail and comprehensive planning services. They are noted for their ability to handle complex estate situations. One drawback is that their smaller firm size may limit availability during peak times. 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 complex estate matters. It serves Roanoke and surrounding areas, with $200 to $450 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited availability during peak times.

Pros

  • Attention to detail
  • Handles complex estates
  • Comprehensive services

Cons

  • Limited availability during peak times
Best forComplex estate matters
Service areaRoanoke and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$200 to $450
6

Anderson, Desimone & Green, PC

★★★★★4.3(28 reviews)
83Score

Anderson, Desimone & Green, PC holds a 4.3 rating from 28 reviews, with clients appreciating their knowledgeable staff and efficient service. They are particularly skilled at drafting wills and trusts. However, some clients have noted that communication can be inconsistent at times. 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 drafting wills and trusts. It serves Roanoke metro area, with $250 to $500 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are inconsistent communication.

Pros

  • Knowledgeable staff
  • Efficient service
  • Skilled in wills and trusts

Cons

  • Inconsistent communication
Best forDrafting wills and trusts
Service areaRoanoke metro area
Typical pricing$250 to $500
7

Wilson Law Firm, PLC

★★★★★4.2(24 reviews)
82Score

Wilson Law Firm, PLC has a 4.2 rating from 24 reviews. Clients commend their approachable attorneys and clear explanations of legal options. They are well-suited for first-time planners. However, their smaller team may lead to longer wait times for consultation appointments. 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 Roanoke and nearby areas, with $200 to $400 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are longer wait times.

Pros

  • Approachable attorneys
  • Clear explanations
  • Good for first-time planners

Cons

  • Longer wait times
Best forFirst-time estate planners
Service areaRoanoke and nearby areas
Typical pricing$200 to $400
8

Ferris & Eakin, P.C.

★★★★★4.1(21 reviews)
81Score

Ferris & Eakin, P.C. has a rating of 4.1 from 21 reviews. Clients appreciate their thoroughness and professionalism in managing estate planning needs. They're particularly noted for their trust services. However, the relatively low review count can create uncertainty about their overall 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 trust services. It serves Roanoke and surrounding areas, with $250 to $500 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are low review count raises uncertainty.

Pros

  • Thorough and professional
  • Good for trust services
  • Client-focused

Cons

  • Low review count raises uncertainty
Best forTrust services
Service areaRoanoke and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$250 to $500
9

OPN Law

★★★★★3.7(49 reviews)
78Score

OPN Law has a rating of 3.7 from 49 reviews. While they provide a range of legal services, clients often mention the need for improved communication and responsiveness. They may be suitable for straightforward estate planning, but the mixed reviews suggest caution. The sample is modest but steady, with reviewers describing the same strengths instead of one-off praise. Most of what reviewers hire it for is basic estate planning. It serves Roanoke metro area, with $150 to $400 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are mixed reviews on communication and inconsistent responsiveness.

Pros

  • Offers a range of services
  • Suitable for straightforward planning

Cons

  • Mixed reviews on communication
  • Inconsistent responsiveness
Best forBasic estate planning
Service areaRoanoke metro area
Typical pricing$150 to $400
Before you book

How to choose an estate planning lawyer in Roanoke

Choosing the right estate planning lawyer involves weighing their reputation against your budget. Here are key factors to consider.

Review Ratings and Feedback

Pay attention to the number of reviews and overall ratings. A high rating with substantial reviews indicates a solid reputation.

Consider Experience and Specialization

Look for lawyers who specialize in estate planning. Their expertise can make a significant difference in the quality of service.

Evaluate Your Budget

Determine what you can afford. The cheapest option may not provide the best service, so find a balance between cost and quality.

What it costs

What estate planning lawyers cost in Roanoke

The cost of hiring an estate planning lawyer in Roanoke can vary widely based on experience, complexity of your needs, and the lawyer's reputation.

Basic Will Packages$200 to $500: Ideal for straightforward wills and basic estate planning needs.
Comprehensive Estate Plans$1,000 to $2,500: These plans cover wills, trusts, and more complex arrangements.
Hourly Rates$150 to $400 per hour: For legal advice and services beyond basic packages, expect hourly billing.
Consultation Fees$100 to $300: Initial consultations may have a fee, but some firms offer free consultations.

Frequently asked questions

How much does estate planning cost in Roanoke?

Fees for estate planning lawyers in Roanoke typically range from $150 to $400 per hour, depending on the complexity of your needs.

What should I look for in an estate planning lawyer?

Consider their experience, client reviews, and whether they offer a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.

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 Roanoke residents: <strong>Rhodes Butler & Dellinger</strong>

Rhodes Butler & Dellinger is the best overall choice for estate planning in Roanoke, offering a strong 4.8 rating on 30 reviews. For those seeking value, Mark W. Dellinger provides exceptional service with a perfect 5-star rating from 16 reviews. If you're ready to splurge, consider Law Office of Stephen R. Wills Attorney, Valley Wills, also rated 5 stars, though with fewer reviews.