A revocable living trust prepared by an estate planning attorney commonly costs about $1,500 to $5,000 for an individual or couple, often as part of a package that includes a pour-over will, powers of attorney, and health care directives. Complex trusts, such as special needs trusts, irrevocable trusts, and trusts for business owners, often cost more. Online trust services cost less upfront but carry real risks if the trust is drafted or funded incorrectly.
The price of a trust depends on where you live, how complex your family and finances are, and what the attorney includes. Understanding the factors behind the price helps you compare quotes and decide what level of help you need.
Typical Trust Costs by Type
|
Type of Trust or Plan |
Common Attorney Fee Range |
Who It Fits |
|---|---|---|
|
Basic revocable living trust package, individual |
About $1,500 to $3,500 |
Single people who want to avoid probate |
|
Joint revocable trust package, married couple |
About $2,000 to $5,000 |
Couples with a home and savings |
|
Special needs trust |
Often more than a basic trust |
Families protecting a beneficiary's public benefits |
|
Irrevocable trust for asset protection or Medicaid planning |
Often several thousand dollars or more |
People planning for long-term care or creditor protection |
|
Trusts involving businesses or multiple properties |
Often higher |
Business owners and real estate investors |
These ranges are general estimates. Fees in high-cost metropolitan areas often run higher, and attorneys with extensive estate planning experience may charge more.
What a Trust Package Usually Includes
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The trust document itself
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A pour-over will that sends any assets left outside the trust into it
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A durable financial power of attorney
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A health care power of attorney and living will
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A deed transferring your home into the trust
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Instructions or help for moving accounts into the trust
Ask exactly what is included. A low price may cover only the trust document, leaving you to handle deeds and account transfers on your own.
Flat Fee or Hourly?
Most estate planning attorneys charge flat fees for trust packages, which makes costs predictable. Hourly billing is more common for unusual situations or ongoing advice. Our guide on how lawyers charge explains the differences.
Online Trusts and DIY Options
Online services and templates can produce a trust document for a fraction of the cost of an attorney. They may work for people with very simple situations. The risks include forms that do not follow your state's signing requirements, documents that do not fit blended families or beneficiaries with special needs, and trusts that are never properly funded. A trust that does not hold your assets cannot keep them out of probate, which defeats the purpose.
Hidden and Ongoing Costs
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Recording fees to transfer real estate into the trust
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Time or fees to retitle bank and brokerage accounts
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Updates after marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or moves to another state
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Trust administration costs after death, which are often lower than probate costs
Trust Versus Will Cost
A simple will usually costs less upfront than a trust. However, a will generally goes through probate, which can involve court costs, attorney fees, and months of delay. A trust costs more to create but can reduce costs and delays after death, especially for people who own real estate or live in states with expensive probate. The right choice depends on your assets, your family, and your state.
Questions to Ask an Estate Planning Attorney
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Is your fee flat, and what exactly does it include?
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Will you prepare and record the deed for my home?
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Will you help fund the trust, or give instructions?
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What do updates cost in the future?
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Do you recommend a trust or a will for my situation, and why?
An honest attorney will tell you when a trust is not necessary. For some people with modest assets and simple families, a will and beneficiary designations are enough.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a living trust cost?
A basic revocable living trust package prepared by an attorney often costs about $1,500 to $5,000.
Is a trust more expensive than a will?
Upfront, usually yes. Over time, a trust can reduce probate costs and delays.
Can I create a trust online?
Yes, but online trusts carry risks if they don't comply with your state's rules or aren't properly funded.
What does it cost to fund a trust?
Mostly recording fees for real estate and time spent retitling accounts, unless an attorney handles it for a fee.
Do I need a lawyer to set up a trust?
Not legally, but a lawyer helps avoid drafting and funding mistakes that can defeat the trust's purpose.
Find an Estate Planning Attorney Near You
Best Local Law helps you compare estate planning attorneys by state and city, review their experience, and contact them directly. Start your search on Best Local Law.