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

Understanding a Living Trust and Its Types

A living trust is a legal arrangement created to “hold” assets. Most living trusts are revocable trusts, meaning you can change or dissolve them at any time. They’re also reachable by creditors.

Irrevocable living trusts can’t be changed, but they typically shield assets from creditors. If your estate exceeds the lifetime gift and estate tax exclusion ($15 million as of 2026), an irrevocable trust may help you avoid estate tax.

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 through a DIY or online service 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, and sometimes over $5,000 for complex estates), 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.

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.

Keep in mind that transferring assets into your trust usually isn’t free. You’ll owe deed-recording fees for real estate, and many financial institutions charge a fee to transfer ownership of an account.

These steps aren’t just paperwork. If your property isn’t properly transferred, it will have to go through probate, which defeats the purpose of the trust.

Ongoing Maintenance and Administration Fees

Most living trusts don’t cost much to maintain until after your death. Trust administration (the process of distributing assets according to the trust) often costs between $3,000 and $10,000, including attorney fees after death. The more complex your estate, the higher the administration fee is likely to be.

Attorneys who administer trusts average about $370 per hour, although many set flat fees for simple estates. Trustees must be paid, too: Fees for non-professional trustees are usually $25–$75, and fees for professional fiduciaries are around $100–$250 per hour.

Living Trust vs. Probate: Cost Comparison

Will putting your assets into a living trust save you money over probate fees? That depends on the size of your estate and where you live. Each state sets its own probate fees, which can vary widely.

For example, in California, state statutes set probate attorney’s fees based on the value of the estate. The attorney representing the executor of the estate (called a “personal representative” in California) is entitled to the following:

• 4% of the first $100,000
• 3% of the next $100,000
• 2% of the next $800,000

Under this model, a $500,000 estate would cost $13,000 in attorney fees alone.

In Florida, the attorney for the personal representative is entitled to $1,500 for estates up to $40,000. From there, they get:

• An additional $750 for estates over $40,000 and up to $70,000
• An additional $750 for estates over $70,000 and up to $100,000
• 3% on the next $900,000

A $500,000 estate would therefore cost $15,000 in attorney’s fees. When you compare these options to the one-time trust cost of $400–$4,000, the cost-saving advantage becomes clear.

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.