How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Trust? Fees by Trust Type, State and Method
How much does it cost to set up a trust? Living trust cost, revocable and irrevocable trust fees, attorney vs. online vs. DIY prices, trustee fees, funding costs and probate savings explained.
The cost to set up a trust ranges from under $100 for a do-it-yourself template to more than $10,000 for a complex irrevocable structure, and the gap comes down to who drafts it, which type you choose and how complicated your assets are. Most families searching for the cost to set up a trust want to know three things: what a living trust costs with an attorney, whether an online service is good enough and what ongoing fees follow. This guide compares trust cost estimates from five sources, breaks them down by trust type, state and method, covers trustee fees and funding charges and weighs the price against probate. It focuses on the United States, and prices change by location and attorney.
Quick Answer: How Much Does It Cost to Set Up a Trust?
- Attorney-drafted living trust: typically $1,000 to $3,000 for a basic revocable trust, according to Fritch Law, 299Trust and Estate Verdict, and up to $5,000 or more for a complete package.
- Online trust services: about $250 to $1,000, per LegalClarity and Fritch Law.
- DIY templates: $50 to $300, according to Fritch Law and Estate Verdict.
- Irrevocable trust: $2,500 to $5,000 or more (Wolterman Law), and $5,000 to $10,000 or more when it is complex (LegalClarity).
- Ongoing costs: a corporate trustee commonly charges 0.5% to 2% of trust assets a year, and tax preparation adds a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
Cost to Set Up a Trust by Method: Attorney, Online or DIY
The price you pay depends mostly on the route you pick.
| Method | Cost range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| DIY kit or template | $50 to $100 | Fritch Law |
| DIY template | $50 to $300 | Estate Verdict |
| Online software | $399 to $649 | Wolterman Law |
| Online service | $250 to $1,000 | LegalClarity, Fritch Law |
| Online platform | $150 to $600 | Estate Verdict |
| Attorney, basic | $1,000 to $3,000 | Estate Verdict, Fritch Law |
| Attorney, complete package | $2,500 to $7,000 | Estate Verdict |
| Attorney, complex | $5,000 to $15,000 or more | Estate Verdict |
The ranges overlap because each source defines a package differently. 299Trust, a company that sells online trusts and states it is not a law firm, lists online platforms at $199 to $599 and attorney-drafted individual trusts at $1,000 to $3,000. Because 299Trust sells online trusts, weigh its comparison accordingly.
Popular Online Trust Prices
299Trust compares well-known providers.
| Provider | Individual | Joint or married |
|---|---|---|
| 299Trust | $299 | $399 |
| Trust & Will | $599 | $699 |
| LegalZoom | $249 to $599 | $249 to $599 |
| Rocket Lawyer | $249 to $399 | $249 to $399 |
| Nolo WillMaker | $99 to $159 | $99 to $159 |
LegalClarity gives a different picture: LegalZoom starts around $249 and can approach $900 with couple add-ons, and Trust & Will starts around $499. Fritch Law quotes LegalZoom from $249 to nearly $905 for a married couple. Check current pricing, because providers change plans often.
Living Trust Cost vs. Irrevocable Trust Cost
| Trust type | Cost range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Revocable living trust (standalone) | $800 to $2,000 | Wolterman Law |
| Revocable living trust (attorney package) | $1,000 to $5,000 | LegalClarity |
| Complete trust package with pour-over will and powers of attorney | $1,500 to $4,000 | Wolterman Law |
| Irrevocable trust (basic) | $2,000 to $5,000 | LegalClarity |
| Irrevocable trust | $2,500 to $5,000 or more | Wolterman Law |
| Irrevocable trust | $3,000 to $10,000 | Fritch Law |
| Complex irrevocable trust (asset protection or tax planning) | $5,000 to $10,000 or more | LegalClarity |
| Testamentary trust | $1,000 to $2,500 | Wolterman Law |
| Special needs trust | $2,000 to $4,500 | Wolterman Law |
LegalClarity puts a special needs trust added to an existing plan at $2,000 to $6,000 and says a standalone one may cost more.
What Is in a Package?
Estate Verdict itemizes attorney quotes, which shows why the cost to set up a trust varies.
| Package | Price (Estate Verdict) |
|---|---|
| Trust document only | $1,000 to $2,500 |
| Trust plus pour-over will | $1,500 to $3,500 |
| Trust, pour-over will, financial power of attorney and healthcare directive | $2,500 to $5,500 |
| Complete package with funding assistance | $3,500 to $7,000 |
| Complex package with specialized trusts | $5,000 to $15,000 or more |
Fritch Law prices the extras separately: a pour-over will costs $200 to $400, a durable power of attorney $100 to $300 and a healthcare directive $100 to $300.
Cost to Set Up a Trust by State
Prices follow local attorney rates, so the cost to set up a trust in one state can differ from the next. This table keeps each figure attached to its source.
| State | Attorney-drafted trust cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| California | $2,000 to $5,000 | 299Trust, Fritch Law |
| California | $2,000 to $6,000 | Estate Verdict |
| New York | $1,000 to $3,000, up to $6,000 for complex cases | Fritch Law |
| New York | $3,000 to $8,000 | Estate Verdict |
| Florida | $1,500 to $3,000 | Fritch Law |
| Florida | $2,500 to $6,000 | Estate Verdict |
| Texas | $1,200 to $3,000 | 299Trust |
| Texas | $2,000 to $6,000 | Estate Verdict |
| Ohio | $1,000 to $2,500 | 299Trust |
| Ohio | Complete plan from $2,200 for an individual | Wolterman Law |
| Indiana | $1,000 to $2,500 | Fritch Law |
Estate Verdict also reports that major metros such as New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Boston and Washington cost $3,500 to $7,000 for a basic attorney package, while rural areas run $1,500 to $2,800. For couples, it says two separate trusts cost $3,500 to $7,000 and one joint trust $3,000 to $5,500.
Funding Costs: The Hidden Part of the Cost to Set Up a Trust
A trust has to be funded to work. The expenses that follow the drafting fee include:
| Item | Cost | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Real estate deed transfer | $150 to $400 per deed | Wolterman Law |
| Deed preparation and recording | $50 to $200 per property | Fritch Law |
| Attorney-assisted deed work | $300 to $800 per property | Estate Verdict |
| Recording fees | About $15 to $100 per document | LegalClarity |
| Notary | $5 to $15 per signature budgeted | LegalClarity |
| EIN for the trust | Free | LegalClarity |
Estate Verdict says funding included in an attorney’s package adds about $1,000 to $2,500, while skipping it saves that amount but takes roughly 10 to 20 hours of your own time. Fritch Law adds that handling simple deeds yourself can save $200 to $600 per property.
Ongoing Costs After You Set Up a Trust
Trustee Fees
| Trustee | Fee | Source |
|---|---|---|
| You as your own trustee | Essentially no ongoing cost | Wolterman Law |
| Corporate trustee | 0.5% to 1.5% of assets a year | Wolterman Law, Estate Verdict |
| Corporate trustee | 1% to 2% of assets a year | LegalClarity |
| Professional trustee | 0.5% to 2% of assets a year | Fritch Law |
| Individual professional fiduciary | $150 to $250 per hour | LegalClarity |
Wolterman Law gives an example: about $2,500 to $7,500 a year on a $500,000 trust.
Taxes, Amendments and Reviews
- Tax preparation: LegalClarity cites about $680 to $750 a year for Form 1041 from a CPA, Fritch Law says $500 to $2,000 and Estate Verdict says $300 to $1,500 for the return after death.
- Amendments: $300 to $800 with an attorney (Wolterman Law), or from $35 online (LegalClarity). A full restatement costs $2,000 or more (LegalClarity) or $1,500 to $3,500 (Estate Verdict).
- Administration after death: 299Trust estimates $2,000 to $10,000.
Estate Verdict estimates that the full lifetime cost is about 30% to 80% above the setup cost.
Cost to Set Up a Trust vs. the Cost of Probate
Probate is the usual reason to pay for a trust. The sources disagree on how much it costs, so each range is attributed.
| Source | Probate cost estimate |
|---|---|
| Wolterman Law | 3% to 8% of the estate, about $12,000 to $32,000 on $400,000 |
| Fritch Law | 4% to 8% of estate value, so $12,000 to $24,000 on $300,000 |
| 299Trust | 3% to 7% of estate value, $15,000 to $35,000 on $500,000 |
Estate Verdict compares lifetime trust cost with probate cost by estate size.
| Estate value | Lifetime trust cost | Probate cost without a trust |
|---|---|---|
| Under $150,000 | $3,000 to $5,000 | $1,500 to $3,000 |
| $150,000 to $300,000 | $3,500 to $6,000 | $4,500 to $15,000 |
| $300,000 to $500,000 | $4,000 to $7,000 | $9,000 to $25,000 |
| $500,000 to $1,000,000 | $5,000 to $9,000 | $15,000 to $60,000 |
| Over $1,000,000 | $6,000 to $15,000 | $20,000 or more |
In this table the trust starts to cost less than probate in the $150,000 to $300,000 band, so small estates may be better served by a will. Fritch Law says a living trust is typically worthwhile above about $100,000 in assets. Probate costs also depend on whether the trust is funded: Fritch Law notes that a pour-over will catches unfunded assets, but those assets still go through probate.
What Raises the Cost to Set Up a Trust?
Wolterman Law and LegalClarity list the same drivers:
- Multiple properties, each needing a deed transfer.
- Blended families or children from prior relationships.
- Medicaid planning or asset protection.
- Business interests, out-of-state or international property, or large retirement accounts.
- Special needs planning or a larger estate.
- Metro locations and higher attorney hourly rates, which LegalClarity puts at $150 to $450 and Fritch Law at $200 to $500.
How to Lower the Cost to Set Up a Trust
- Bundle documents. Fritch Law says bundling saves 15% to 30%.
- Consider one joint trust for a couple. Fritch Law says couples pay 25% to 40% less than for two individual trusts.
- Compare flat fees. A flat fee avoids hourly surprises.
- Handle simple tasks yourself, such as updating beneficiary forms, which Fritch Law says is free to do on your own.
- Get several written quotes and ask what funding includes.
- Don’t cut corners on complexity. Wolterman Law warns that self-drafted trusts risk unfunded assets and state-specific errors.
Is It Worth Paying for a Trust?
Look at your goals, not only the cost to set up a trust. A trust is more likely to be worthwhile if you own real estate, want to avoid probate, want to plan for incapacity or have a blended family. A will, which Wolterman Law prices at $300 to $1,000 upfront, may be enough for a small, simple estate. Ask an attorney in your state to compare the two for your situation.
Checklist Before You Pay
- List your assets and how each is titled.
- Decide on the trust type: revocable, irrevocable, testamentary or special needs.
- Ask each provider what the quote includes: will, powers of attorney, funding and amendments.
- Ask about deed and recording fees per property.
- Choose a trustee and understand the fee.
- Budget for tax preparation and periodic reviews.
- Keep records of every transfer.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to set up a trust?
From $50 for a template to more than $10,000 for a complex irrevocable trust. Most attorney-drafted living trusts cost $1,000 to $3,000, according to Estate Verdict and Fritch Law.
How much does a living trust cost with a lawyer?
Typically $1,000 to $3,000 for a basic trust and $2,500 to $5,500 for a complete package with wills and powers of attorney, per Estate Verdict.
How much does a revocable trust cost?
LegalClarity gives $1,000 to $3,000 for an individual revocable trust and Wolterman Law gives $800 to $2,000 for a standalone document.
How much does an irrevocable trust cost?
From $2,000 to $5,000 for a basic one up to $10,000 or more for a complex one, according to LegalClarity.
Is it cheaper to use LegalZoom or an attorney?
Online services usually cost less up front, about $250 to $1,000 per LegalClarity, but they offer less personalization. Wolterman Law warns that self-drafted trusts can leave assets unfunded.
Are there annual fees for a trust?
Serving as your own trustee costs little. A corporate trustee charges a percentage of assets, and tax preparation adds a few hundred dollars or more.
How long does it take to set up a trust?
Fritch Law says the turnaround is typically 2 to 4 weeks, and 299Trust estimates 2 to 6 weeks.
This guide gives general price information only, not legal or tax counsel. Fees vary widely by state, attorney and trust type, and several sources are providers with their own pricing, so request written quotes before hiring anyone.
Sources
- Wolterman Law, “How Much Does a Trust Cost in Ohio? (2026 Pricing Guide)” (published June 4, 2026, updated October 7, 2026) – https://www.woltermanlaw.com/blog/2026/06/how-much-does-a-trust-cost-ohio/
- LegalClarity, “How Much Does a Trust Cost? Setup and Ongoing Fees” (March 5, 2026) – https://legalclarity.org/how-much-does-a-trust-cost-setup-and-ongoing-fees/
- Fritch Law Office, “Average Cost for a Living Trust” (published May 14, 2025, modified June 8, 2026) – https://fritchlaw.com/2025/05/14/average-cost-for-a-living-trust/
- Estate Verdict, “Living Trust Cost: The Best Price Breakdown (DIY to Attorney)” (May 27, 2026, updated June 2, 2026) – https://estateverdict.com/blog/living-trust-cost/
- 299Trust, “How Much Does a Living Trust Cost? (Price Breakdown)” (September 15, 2023, with 2026 state estimates) – https://www.299trust.com/post/how-much-does-a-living-trust-cost
