How Much Does A Living Trust Cost To Make? (2026)

Understanding a Living Trust and Its Types

A living trust is a legal entity created to “hold” assets. Most living trusts are revocable trusts, meaning you can change or dissolve them at any time. Irrevocable living trusts can’t be changed, but they offer estate tax planning benefits and possible protection from creditors.

Married couples sometimes choose to create joint living trusts. These trusts hold all shared assets and make it possible to pass them down while avoiding probate.

Pricing Breakdown: DIY, Online, and Attorney Options

Setting up a living trust completely on your own usually costs $400 to $1,000. If your asset situation is relatively simple, this might be a viable option. However, keep in mind that if you make a mistake, your loved ones may be left to resolve the issue while they’re already grieving your loss.

Using an online template or guided legal service to create a living trust is often around the same price. You get the benefit of attorney-reviewed templates without having to pay attorney fees.

If you have a complex asset situation, it may be worthwhile to hire an attorney. This option is more costly (usually $1,500 to $4,000), but you’ll be able to rest assured that your trust is legally sound and includes your various types of assets.

Key Factors That Influence Pricing

The main factors that influence living trust costs include:

• The method of creation (DIY, with an attorney, etc.)
• The complexity of your assets
• The overall size of your estate
• Your location

A revocable living trust costs less than an irrevocable trust because it’s simpler to set up.

Ongoing Maintenance and Administration Fees

Most living trusts don’t cost much to maintain until after your death, but you may want to hire a tax professional to handle the trust’s tax returns. Trust administration (the process of distributing assets according to the trust) often costs between $3,000 and $10,000.

Transferring Assets Into Your Trust

Once you create your trust, you must transfer assets into it. That usually means you must retitle each asset so the trust is listed as the owner.

The Importance of Choosing the Right Trust

A living trust can be a useful estate planning tool, but it’s far from the only kind of trust available. ConsumerShield is here to help you learn about available trust types and choose the right option for you. Take a look at our extensive library of legal document templates and guides today.