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Estate Planning Lawyer · Wilmington, NC/Updated June 13, 2026

The Best Estate Planning Lawyers in Wilmington, NC

Secure your family's future with expert legal advice. Our top picks can help you navigate estate planning with confidence.

Editorially independent10 companies evaluated
cover story
★ Editor's ChoiceJohnson Legal
96Score
Latest update · June 13, 2026: Initial ranking published. 10 Wilmington-metro estate planning lawyer businesses evaluated, top 10 ranked by Vetted Score.

Estate planning is a vital service for ensuring your assets are managed according to your wishes after your passing. In Wilmington, NC, having a knowledgeable estate planning lawyer can provide peace of mind and clarity in what can be a complex process.

To compile this list, we evaluated ten local firms based on their Vetted Scores, client reviews, and overall reputation in the community. Each entry reflects the best options available for residents seeking estate planning assistance.

10estate planning lawyers evaluated in Wilmington
4.90average rating across the field
1.3Kcustomer reviews analyzed

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

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

Our top picks

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

Johnson Legal

★★★★★5.0(654 reviews)

With a perfect rating of 5 from 654 reviews, Johnson Legal stands out for its client-focused approach and thorough estate planning services.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Four Pillars Law Firm

★★★★★5.0(180 reviews)

Four Pillars Law Firm boasts a perfect 5-star rating from 180 reviews, praised for their personalized service and affordability.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

KEN NANCE LAW

★★★★★5.0(66 reviews)

KEN NANCE LAW has received a perfect 5-star rating from 66 reviews, with clients highlighting their thoroughness and compassionate approach.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
Johnson Legal
Johnson Legal
Editor's Choice
96Score
5.0★★★★★
654Comprehensive estate planning
2
95Score
5.0★★★★★
180Affordable estate planning services
3
KEN NANCE LAW
KEN NANCE LAW
Most Reviewed
94Score
5.0★★★★★
66Understanding complex legal concepts
4
91Score
4.9★★★★★
83Thorough legal support
5
89Score
4.8★★★★★
112Efficient estate planning
6
88Score
4.8★★★★★
94Personalized legal advice
7
87Score
4.8★★★★★
79Thorough estate planning services
8
85Score
5.0★★★★★
24Simplifying legal concepts
9
82Score
4.7★★★★★
39Straightforward legal advice
10
78Score
5.0★★★★★
13Dual focus on estate planning and personal injury
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 estate planning lawyers.

Our evaluation process involves analyzing online reviews, firm responsiveness, and client satisfaction to assign each business a Vetted Score. We do not accept payment for placement, ensuring our rankings are unbiased and based solely on merit.

This ranking is refreshed monthly, allowing us to provide the most current information, including ratings and review counts, to help you make an informed decision.

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

Johnson Legal

★★★★★5.0(654 reviews)
96Score

With a perfect rating of 5 from 654 reviews, Johnson Legal stands out for its client-focused approach and thorough estate planning services. Reviewers commend their professionalism and expertise, making them an excellent choice for those seeking comprehensive estate planning. However, their high volume of clients may lead to longer wait times for appointments.

Pros

  • Highly rated by clients
  • Experienced team
  • Transparent pricing

Cons

  • Potential wait times for appointments
  • Limited availability for walk-ins
Best forComprehensive estate planning
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$300 to $5,000
2
Best Value

Four Pillars Law Firm

★★★★★5.0(180 reviews)
95Score

Four Pillars Law Firm boasts a perfect 5-star rating from 180 reviews, praised for their personalized service and affordability. Clients appreciate their clear communication and attention to detail in estate planning. However, their smaller review base compared to larger firms may make some potential clients hesitant. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is affordable estate planning services. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $300 to $2,500 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review base and limited in certain legal areas.

Pros

  • Personalized service
  • Affordable rates
  • Strong client communication

Cons

  • Smaller review base
  • Limited in certain legal areas
Best forAffordable estate planning services
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$300 to $2,500
3
Most Reviewed

KEN NANCE LAW

★★★★★5.0(66 reviews)
94Score

KEN NANCE LAW has received a perfect 5-star rating from 66 reviews, with clients highlighting their thoroughness and compassionate approach. They excel at making complex legal concepts understandable for their clients. However, their review count is relatively low, making them a promising but unproven choice for some. 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 understanding complex legal concepts. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $300 to $1,500 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are lower review count and fewer resources than larger firms.

Pros

  • Compassionate approach
  • Thorough explanations
  • Good client rapport

Cons

  • Lower review count
  • Fewer resources than larger firms
Best forUnderstanding complex legal concepts
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$300 to $1,500
4

The Humphries Law Firm P.C.

★★★★★4.9(83 reviews)
91Score

With a 4.9 rating from 83 reviews, The Humphries Law Firm P.C. is recognized for their thorough estate planning services and excellent client support. Clients appreciate their attention to detail and responsiveness. A potential downside is that their focus on client satisfaction can sometimes lead to longer processing times. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is thorough legal support. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $400 to $2,000 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are longer processing times and less focus on quick resolutions.

Pros

  • Detail-oriented
  • Responsive to client needs
  • Strong support staff

Cons

  • Longer processing times
  • Less focus on quick resolutions
Best forThorough legal support
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$400 to $2,000
5

Salines-Mondello Law Firm, PC

★★★★★4.8(112 reviews)
89Score

Salines-Mondello Law Firm, PC has a strong 4.8 rating from 112 reviews. Clients commend their knowledgeable staff and efficiency in handling estate planning matters. They are particularly noted for their straightforward approach. However, some clients mentioned that their fees can be on the higher side compared to others in the area.

Pros

  • Knowledgeable staff
  • Efficient processes
  • Straightforward communication

Cons

  • Higher fees
  • Limited flexibility in service options
Best forEfficient estate planning
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$500 to $3,000
6

Collins & Collins Law Offices, PLLC

★★★★★4.8(94 reviews)
88Score

Collins & Collins Law Offices, PLLC holds a 4.8 rating from 94 reviews, noted for their friendly staff and approachable legal advice. Clients appreciate the personal touch in their services. However, some reviews indicate that their office can be busy, leading to occasional delays in response times. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is personalized legal advice. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $300 to $1,800 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are busy office and occasional response delays.

Pros

  • Friendly staff
  • Approachable advice
  • Personalized service

Cons

  • Busy office
  • Occasional response delays
Best forPersonalized legal advice
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$300 to $1,800
7

David E. Anderson, PLLC

★★★★★4.8(79 reviews)
87Score

David E. Anderson, PLLC has a solid 4.8 rating from 79 reviews, praised for their thorough approach to estate planning. Clients commend their attention to detail and dedication to client needs. However, some clients have reported that their communication could be improved, especially during busy periods. That is a substantial body of feedback for a local operator, enough to trust the rating rather than credit a lucky streak. Most of what reviewers hire it for is thorough estate planning services. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $400 to $2,200 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are communication issues during busy times and less availability for urgent matters.

Pros

  • Thorough estate planning
  • Dedicated service
  • Attention to detail

Cons

  • Communication issues during busy times
  • Less availability for urgent matters
Best forThorough estate planning services
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$400 to $2,200
8

Leger Law, PLLC

★★★★★5.0(24 reviews)
85Score

Leger Law, PLLC enjoys a perfect rating of 5 from 24 reviews, with clients highlighting their responsiveness and personalized service. They are noted for their ability to simplify complex legal terms. However, their limited number of reviews may raise concerns for those seeking a more established 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 simplifying legal concepts. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $250 to $1,500 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited number of reviews and smaller firm with fewer resources.

Pros

  • Responsive service
  • Personalized attention
  • Simplifies legal terms

Cons

  • Limited number of reviews
  • Smaller firm with fewer resources
Best forSimplifying legal concepts
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$250 to $1,500
9

Robert H Hochuli Jr

★★★★★4.7(39 reviews)
82Score

Robert H Hochuli Jr has a solid 4.7 rating from 39 reviews, praised for his straightforward approach to estate planning. Clients appreciate his no-nonsense style and clear communication. However, some clients felt that he could offer more personalized service tailored to individual needs. 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 straightforward legal advice. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $300 to $1,800 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are less personalized service and limited availability for in-depth consultations.

Pros

  • Straightforward approach
  • Clear communication
  • No-nonsense style

Cons

  • Less personalized service
  • Limited availability for in-depth consultations
Best forStraightforward legal advice
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$300 to $1,800

Donaldson Law PLLC has a rating of 5 from 13 reviews, noted for their focus on both estate planning and personal injury law. Clients appreciate their dedication and thoroughness. However, with a smaller review base, they may be seen as promising but unproven in the estate planning arena. 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 dual focus on estate planning and personal injury. It serves Wilmington, NC, with $250 to $1,200 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are small review base and less established in estate planning.

Pros

  • Focus on multiple legal areas
  • Dedicated team
  • Thorough service

Cons

  • Small review base
  • Less established in estate planning
Best forDual focus on estate planning and personal injury
Service areaWilmington, NC
Typical pricing$250 to $1,200
Before you book

How to choose an estate planning lawyer in Wilmington

Selecting the right estate planning lawyer is crucial for your peace of mind. Here are some factors to consider when making your choice.

Experience

Look for lawyers with a proven track record in estate planning and a deep understanding of local laws.

Client Reviews

Read client testimonials to gauge satisfaction and the lawyer's ability to communicate effectively.

Consultation Availability

Consider firms that offer free initial consultations to discuss your needs and assess compatibility.

What it costs

What estate planning lawyers cost in Wilmington

Costs for estate planning services can vary significantly based on the complexity of your needs. Here's a breakdown of typical pricing.

Basic Will$300 to $600
Trust Setup$1,000 to $2,500
Comprehensive Estate Plan$2,500 to $5,000
Hourly Rates$150 to $400

Frequently asked questions

How much does estate planning cost in Wilmington?

$300 to $5,000 based on the complexity of your estate and the services required.

What should I look for in an estate planning lawyer?

Seek experience, positive client reviews, and clear communication.

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 Wilmington homes: Editor's Choice Johnson Legal

For those seeking top-tier estate planning services, Johnson Legal is the clear leader, backed by a wealth of positive reviews and a commitment to client satisfaction. Four Pillars Law Firm offers exceptional value with personalized service, while KEN NANCE LAW is ideal for those needing thorough explanations of complex legal matters.