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Estate Planning Lawyer · Winston-Salem, NC/Updated June 13, 2026

The Best Estate Planning Lawyers in Winston-Salem, NC

Secure your legacy with the best estate planning lawyers in Winston-Salem, each evaluated for quality and client satisfaction.

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

Estate planning is a vital service in Winston-Salem, ensuring that your wishes are honored and your loved ones are protected. With a growing population and increasing awareness of the importance of estate planning, finding a trustworthy lawyer is essential.

We evaluated ten local estate planning lawyers based on their ratings, review counts, and client feedback. Our goal was to identify firms that consistently deliver quality service and client satisfaction, ensuring you can find the right legal support for your needs.

10estate planning lawyers evaluated in Winston-Salem
4.62average rating across the field
685customer reviews analyzed

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

How much does estate planning lawyer cost in Winston-Salem? See the price breakdown →

Our top picks

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

Salem Law

★★★★★4.9(89 reviews)

Salem Law boasts an impressive rating of 4.9 based on 89 reviews.

Read full review
Best Value
95Score

Carolina Estate Planning

★★★★★4.8(145 reviews)

With a rating of 4.8 from 145 reviews, Carolina Estate Planning is recognized for its affordability and comprehensive services.

Read full review
Most Reviewed
94Score

Bailey & Thomas, P.A.

★★★★★5.0(44 reviews)

Bailey & Thomas, P.A.

Read full review

All 10, compared

Data as of June 13, 2026
BusinessVetted ScoreGoogle ratingReviewsBest for
1
Salem Law
Salem Law
Editor's Choice
96Score
4.9★★★★★
89Personalized estate planning solutions
2
95Score
4.8★★★★★
145Budget-friendly estate planning
3
94Score
5.0★★★★★
44Wills and trusts drafting
4
92Score
5.0★★★★★
25Probate and estate planning
5
89Score
4.8★★★★★
27Comprehensive estate planning
6
86Score
4.5★★★★★
195Comprehensive legal services
7
84Score
4.6★★★★★
20Personalized estate planning
8
82Score
4.4★★★★★
37Detail-oriented estate planning
9
80Score
4.4★★★★★
23Legal document drafting
10
78Score
3.8★★★★★
80Basic estate planning needs
Methodology

How we evaluated all 10 estate planning lawyers.

To create this ranking, we analyzed local estate planning lawyers in Winston-Salem, focusing on their Vetted Scores, which reflect client reviews and overall satisfaction. We believe in transparency, and no business pays for placement in our rankings.

This list is updated monthly to reflect the latest review data, ensuring that you have the most current information when selecting an estate planning lawyer. Last updated June 13, 2026.

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

Salem Law

★★★★★4.9(89 reviews)
96Score

Salem Law boasts an impressive rating of 4.9 based on 89 reviews. Clients praise their attentive service and thorough explanations throughout the estate planning process. They excel in providing personalized legal solutions tailored to individual needs. However, some reviews suggest that initial appointment availability can be limited, so plan ahead.

Pros

  • Highly rated client service
  • Tailored legal solutions
  • Experienced attorneys

Cons

  • Limited appointment availability
  • Higher fees for complex cases
Best forPersonalized estate planning solutions
Service areaWinston-Salem and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$300 to $5,000
2
Best Value

Carolina Estate Planning

★★★★★4.8(145 reviews)
95Score

With a rating of 4.8 from 145 reviews, Carolina Estate Planning is recognized for its affordability and comprehensive services. Clients appreciate the straightforward approach to estate planning, making it accessible for many families. The downside is that some clients noted longer wait times for appointments, especially during peak 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 budget-friendly estate planning. It serves Winston-Salem and nearby regions, with $300 to $2,500 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are longer wait times and limited office hours.

Pros

  • Affordable pricing
  • Comprehensive services
  • Clear communication

Cons

  • Longer wait times
  • Limited office hours
Best forBudget-friendly estate planning
Service areaWinston-Salem and nearby regions
Typical pricing$300 to $2,500
3
Most Reviewed

Bailey & Thomas, P.A.

★★★★★5.0(44 reviews)
94Score

Bailey & Thomas, P.A. shines with a perfect 5.0 rating from 44 reviews, highlighting their expertise and client-focused approach. They are especially praised for their attention to detail in drafting wills and trusts. However, their smaller client base may mean less diverse feedback compared to larger firms. 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 wills and trusts drafting. It serves Winston-Salem and surrounding areas, with $300 to $1,500 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller client base and limited service offerings.

Pros

  • Expertise in estate planning
  • Attention to detail
  • Client-focused

Cons

  • Smaller client base
  • Limited service offerings
Best forWills and trusts drafting
Service areaWinston-Salem and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$300 to $1,500
4

Apple Payne Law, PLLC has earned a 5.0 rating from 25 reviews, with clients commending their compassionate and thorough approach to estate planning and probate issues. They excel at simplifying complex legal jargon for clients. However, their lower review count may leave some potential clients wanting more assurance before making a choice.

Pros

  • Compassionate service
  • Clear explanations
  • Expertise in probate

Cons

  • Lower review count
  • Limited availability
Best forProbate and estate planning
Service areaWinston-Salem and nearby areas
Typical pricing$500 to $2,000
5

B. Jeffrey Wood Attorney at Law

★★★★★4.8(27 reviews)
89Score

B. Jeffrey Wood Attorney at Law holds a strong 4.8 rating from 27 reviews. Clients appreciate his straightforward approach and dedication to ensuring all aspects of estate planning are covered. Although he is well-reviewed, the smaller number of reviews may not fully reflect the breadth of his services. 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 comprehensive estate planning. It serves Winston-Salem and surrounding areas, with $400 to $1,800 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are smaller review base and potentially limited resources.

Pros

  • Straightforward approach
  • Thoroughness
  • Responsive communication

Cons

  • Smaller review base
  • Potentially limited resources
Best forComprehensive estate planning
Service areaWinston-Salem and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$400 to $1,800
6

Craige Jenkins Liipfert & Walker LLP

★★★★★4.5(195 reviews)
86Score

Craige Jenkins Liipfert & Walker LLP has a solid 4.5 rating from 195 reviews. Known for their extensive experience and professionalism, they are a reliable choice for estate planning. However, some clients have mentioned that their services can be more expensive than other local options. 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 comprehensive legal services. It serves Winston-Salem and surrounding areas, with $500 to $3,000 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are higher fees and less personalized service.

Pros

  • Extensive experience
  • Professionalism
  • Wide range of services

Cons

  • Higher fees
  • Less personalized service
Best forComprehensive legal services
Service areaWinston-Salem and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$500 to $3,000
7

Mike Wells Attorney

★★★★★4.6(20 reviews)
84Score

Mike Wells Attorney has earned a 4.6 rating from 20 reviews, with clients highlighting his approachable demeanor and willingness to answer questions. While many appreciate his services, the limited number of reviews suggests that he may still be building a reputation in the area. 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 personalized estate planning. It serves Winston-Salem and nearby regions, with $300 to $1,500 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited review base and potentially less experience.

Pros

  • Approachable demeanor
  • Good communication
  • Responsive

Cons

  • Limited review base
  • Potentially less experience
Best forPersonalized estate planning
Service areaWinston-Salem and nearby regions
Typical pricing$300 to $1,500
8

Kangur & Porter, LLP

★★★★★4.4(37 reviews)
82Score

Kangur & Porter, LLP holds a 4.4 rating from 37 reviews. Clients appreciate their thoroughness and attention to detail in estate planning matters. However, the relatively low review count may not provide a complete picture of their services and client satisfaction. 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 detail-oriented estate planning. It serves Winston-Salem and nearby areas, with $400 to $1,800 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are lower review count and limited service options.

Pros

  • Thorough service
  • Attention to detail
  • Good client communication

Cons

  • Lower review count
  • Limited service options
Best forDetail-oriented estate planning
Service areaWinston-Salem and nearby areas
Typical pricing$400 to $1,800
9

Ingersoll Firm, PLLC

★★★★★4.4(23 reviews)
80Score

Ingersoll Firm, PLLC has a rating of 4.4 based on 23 reviews. Clients find their services satisfactory, particularly in drafting legal documents. However, the limited number of reviews may leave potential clients wanting more assurance about their expertise. 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 legal document drafting. It serves Winston-Salem and nearby areas, with $300 to $1,200 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are limited review base and potentially less experience.

Pros

  • Satisfactory services
  • Good document drafting
  • Responsive

Cons

  • Limited review base
  • Potentially less experience
Best forLegal document drafting
Service areaWinston-Salem and nearby areas
Typical pricing$300 to $1,200
10

Ellison Law Firm

★★★★★3.8(80 reviews)
78Score

Ellison Law Firm has a rating of 3.8 from 80 reviews. While they provide standard estate planning services, some clients have expressed concerns about their responsiveness and communication. This firm may be suitable for basic needs, but potential clients should consider the mixed feedback. 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 basic estate planning needs. It serves Winston-Salem and surrounding areas, with $300 to $1,000 pricing, and the honest trade-offs are mixed client feedback and concerns about communication.

Pros

  • Standard services
  • Reasonable pricing
  • Established firm

Cons

  • Mixed client feedback
  • Concerns about communication
Best forBasic estate planning needs
Service areaWinston-Salem and surrounding areas
Typical pricing$300 to $1,000
Before you book

How to choose an estate planning lawyer in Winston-Salem

Choosing the right estate planning lawyer is crucial for securing your future and that of your loved ones. Here are key factors to consider when making your decision.

Experience and Expertise

Look for lawyers with a strong background in estate planning and a track record of successful cases.

Client Reviews

Pay attention to client feedback to gauge satisfaction and the quality of service provided.

Communication Style

Choose a lawyer who communicates clearly and is responsive to your questions and concerns.

Fee Structure

Understand the lawyer's fee structure to avoid any surprises; inquire about hourly rates or flat fees.

What it costs

What estate planning lawyers cost in Winston-Salem

The cost of hiring an estate planning lawyer in Winston-Salem can vary based on the complexity of your needs and the lawyer's experience. Here’s a breakdown of typical pricing.

Basic Will Preparation$300 to $600
Trust Establishment$1,000 to $2,500
Comprehensive Estate Planning$2,000 to $5,000
Hourly Consultations$150 to $400

Frequently asked questions

How much does estate planning cost in Winston-Salem?

Estate planning costs can range from $300 for basic wills to $5,000 for comprehensive plans, depending on complexity.

What should I look for in an estate planning lawyer?

Look for experience, client reviews, communication style, and fee structure when choosing an estate planning lawyer.

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 Winston-Salem homes: Editor's Choice Salem Law

For reliable and personalized estate planning services, look to Salem Law, our Editor's Choice. Their expertise and client-focused approach set them apart. Also, consider Carolina Estate Planning for great value and Bailey & Thomas, P.A. for their outstanding reviews and thoroughness.