How Much Does a Living Trust Cost?

A living trust typically costs between $250 and $5,000 depending on whether you use an attorney, an online platform, or a DIY template. Most people pay $1,000 to $3,000 when hiring an estate planning attorney. Online trust services like 299Trust.com start as low as $299, making it possible to get a complete living trust package without spending thousands.

This guide breaks down every cost you need to know — by method, by state, and by situation — so you can make a smart decision for your family.

Quick Cost Breakdown at a Glance

• Attorney-drafted living trust: $1,000–$5,000+

• Online living trust platform: $199–$599

• DIY trust template: $50–$200

• 299Trust.com individual plan: $299 flat

• 299Trust.com joint/married plan: $399 flat

• Average probate cost (without a trust): 3%–7% of estate value

Average Cost of a Living Trust

The average cost of a living trust depends on how you create it. Here are the three most common options and what you can expect to pay in 2026.

Attorney-drafted trust: An estate planning attorney typically charges $1,000 to $3,000 for a basic revocable living trust. Complex estates with multiple properties, business interests, or blended families can push that to $5,000 to $10,000 or more. Attorney fees vary widely by state and city. Expect to pay more in large metro areas like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Online trust platform: Online services range from $199 to $599. These platforms ask you a series of questions and generate your trust documents, often including a pour-over will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive. 299Trust.com offers one of the most affordable options at $299 for individuals and $399 for married or joint plans.

DIY template: Do-it-yourself trust kits cost $50 to $200. They provide blank forms you fill out on your own. This is the cheapest option, but mistakes are common and can be expensive to fix later. A trust with errors may not hold up in court.

Living Trust Cost Comparison Table

Method	Cost Range	Includes Attorney Review?	Time to Complete	Best For
Estate Planning Attorney	$1,000–$5,000+	Yes	2–6 weeks	Complex estates, business owners
Online Trust Platform (e.g., 299Trust)	$199–$599	Varies by platform	15–60 minutes	Most individuals and families
DIY Trust Template	$50–$200	No	Varies	Very simple estates only

Get a complete living trust package for $299. 299Trust.com includes your living trust, pour-over will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive — all customized to your state. Get Started Now →

How Much Does a Living Trust Cost With an Attorney?

Hiring an attorney is the most expensive way to set up a living trust. Here is what drives the cost.

Flat fee pricing: Most estate planning attorneys charge a flat fee for a standard revocable living trust. National averages range from $1,500 to $3,000 for an individual trust and $2,000 to $4,000 for a joint or married trust.

Hourly rates: Some attorneys charge by the hour instead. Rates typically fall between $150 and $400 per hour. A senior attorney in a major city may charge $300 to $400 per hour. A junior associate may charge $150 to $250 per hour but take longer to complete the work.

State variation: Living trust attorney costs vary significantly by state. California attorneys often charge $2,000 to $5,000 or more for a standard trust. Attorneys in lower-cost states like Arizona or Texas may charge $1,000 to $2,500. California attorney fees tend to run higher than the national average. See our California living trust guide for a full breakdown of CA-specific costs and probate fees.

Complexity pricing: If your estate includes multiple real estate properties, business ownership interests, blended family dynamics, or special needs beneficiaries, expect to pay on the higher end. Complex trusts can run $5,000 to $10,000 with an attorney.

Married vs. single trust cost: A joint trust for a married couple typically costs 25% to 50% more than an individual trust. If each spouse wants a separate trust, costs can double.

Attorney Living Trust Cost Breakdown

Factor	Cost Impact
Individual basic trust	$1,000–$3,000
Joint/married basic trust	$2,000–$4,000
Complex estate trust	$5,000–$10,000+
Hourly rate (junior attorney)	$150–$250/hr
Hourly rate (senior attorney)	$300–$400/hr
Additional property transfers	$200–$500 per deed

How Much Does an Online Living Trust Cost?

Online trust platforms have made estate planning far more accessible and affordable. Here is how the major options compare.

299Trust.com charges a flat $299 for individuals and $399 for married or joint plans. This includes a living trust, pour-over will, last will and testament, power of attorney, and healthcare directive — all tailored to your state. Documents are delivered instantly by email, and most people finish the questionnaire in about 15 minutes. There are no hidden fees. For a step-by-step guide, see Can You Set Up a Trust Without an Attorney?

Trust & Will charges $599 for a trust-based estate plan. This includes a living trust, pour-over will, and related documents.

LegalZoom charges $249 to $599 depending on the package. Some plans include ongoing updates for an annual subscription fee, which can add up over time.

Rocket Lawyer charges $249 to $399. Their plans often require a monthly membership for full access.

Nolo offers Quicken WillMaker for around $99 to $159 as downloadable software. It can create basic trust documents, but doesn't offer customer support or state-specific legal review.

Online Living Trust Platform Comparison

Platform	Individual Price	Joint/Married Price	Includes Will?	State-Tailored?	Ongoing Fees?
299Trust.com	$299	$399	Yes	Yes	None
Trust & Will	$599	$699	Yes	Yes	Optional
LegalZoom	$249–$599	$249–$599	Varies	Yes	Annual subscription
Rocket Lawyer	$249–$399	$249–$399	Yes	Yes	Monthly membership
Nolo WillMaker	$99–$159	$99–$159	Yes	Limited	None

What Factors Affect the Cost of a Living Trust?

Not every trust costs the same. Here are the biggest factors that determine your total cost.

Your state. States with complex probate laws (like California and New York) often have higher trust costs. States with simpler requirements may cost less. Some states also charge recording fees when you transfer property into a trust.

Estate complexity. A straightforward estate with one home and a few bank accounts is much cheaper to put into a trust than a complex estate with investment properties, retirement accounts, and business interests.

Real estate holdings. Each property transferred into your trust may require a new deed. Deed preparation and recording fees add $200 to $500 per property on top of your trust creation cost.

Business ownership. If you own a business, your trust may need special provisions for management succession, buy-sell agreements, or LLC membership interest transfers. This increases complexity and cost.

Blended families. Trusts for blended families often require conditional distributions, separate shares for children from different relationships, and specific successor trustee instructions. This takes more time to draft and costs more. If you have minor children, explore estate planning for parents with minor children to understand your options.

Tax planning. Estates that may be subject to estate taxes (over $13.99 million for individuals in 2026) may need advanced tax planning provisions. This can significantly increase attorney fees.

Number of assets. More assets means more funding work. Each titled asset (real estate, vehicles, financial accounts) needs to be retitled or assigned to the trust.

How Much Does a Living Trust Cost by State?

Living trust costs vary significantly from state to state based on attorney fees, local filing requirements, real estate transfer rules, and how complex the state's probate process is. States with expensive or slow probate systems, like California and New York, tend to have higher trust costs — but the savings from avoiding probate are also proportionally larger.

Below is a state-by-state breakdown of estimated costs for attorney-drafted revocable living trusts in 2026. Online trust services like 299Trust.com offer a flat $299 individual or $399 joint plan regardless of state.

Living Trust Cost by State — Attorney-Drafted (2026 Estimates)

State	Individual Trust	Joint / Married Trust	Probate Cost Without Trust	Key Notes
California	$2,000–$5,000	$3,000–$7,000	4–8% of estate value	Highest trust costs nationally. Probate fees are based on gross estate value, not net. California's probate process is one of the longest and most expensive in the country.
New York	$2,000–$5,000	$3,000–$6,000	2–5% of estate value	High attorney costs, especially in NYC metro. County filing fees of $125–$250 apply when transferring real property into the trust.
Florida	$1,500–$3,500	$2,000–$5,000	3–5% of estate value	Above average costs. Florida homestead laws add complexity to trust planning. No state income tax makes Florida popular for trust planning.
Texas	$1,200–$3,000	$1,800–$4,000	2–5% of estate value	Moderate costs. Texas has independent administration which simplifies probate, but trusts still offer privacy and speed advantages. Community property state.
Arizona	$1,200–$3,000	$2,000–$4,500	2–4% of estate value	Trust-friendly state. Community property laws allow full stepped-up basis for married couples. No state estate tax. Growing demand has increased attorney pricing.
Illinois	$1,500–$3,500	$2,500–$5,000	3–7% of estate value	Chicago metro area drives higher costs. Illinois has a state estate tax with a $4 million exemption, which is lower than most states.
Pennsylvania	$1,200–$3,000	$2,000–$4,000	4.5–15% inheritance tax	Pennsylvania charges an inheritance tax on most transfers — 4.5% to direct descendants, 12% to siblings, and 15% to others. A trust does not avoid this tax but avoids probate costs on top of it.
Ohio	$1,000–$2,500	$1,800–$3,500	2–4% of estate value	Moderate costs. Ohio has a simplified probate process for smaller estates under $100,000, but trusts are still preferred for real estate.
Michigan	$1,200–$2,800	$1,800–$3,800	2–5% of estate value	Moderate costs. Michigan allows informal probate, but trusts provide privacy and avoid court supervision. No state estate tax.
Georgia	$1,000–$2,500	$1,800–$3,500	2–5% of estate value	Lower costs compared to coastal states. Georgia probate can be streamlined for small estates, but trusts avoid the process entirely.
North Carolina	$1,000–$2,500	$1,800–$3,500	2–4% of estate value	Affordable attorney market. North Carolina does not have a state estate tax, keeping overall estate planning costs lower.
Virginia	$1,200–$3,000	$2,000–$4,000	2–5% of estate value	Moderate to high costs in Northern Virginia and metro DC. Virginia charges a probate tax of $0.10 per $100 of estate value.
Washington	$1,500–$3,500	$2,500–$4,500	2–5% of estate value	Above average costs. Washington has a state estate tax with one of the lowest exemptions in the country at $2.193 million. Trusts are especially valuable here for tax planning.
Colorado	$1,200–$2,800	$2,000–$4,000	2–4% of estate value	Moderate costs. Colorado follows the Uniform Probate Code, making probate simpler than many states. Trusts still preferred for privacy and speed.
Nevada	$1,200–$3,000	$2,000–$4,000	2–4% of estate value	Nevada is one of the most trust-friendly states in the country. No state income tax, no state estate tax, and strong asset protection laws.
New Jersey	$1,500–$3,500	$2,500–$5,000	3–5% of estate value	New Jersey eliminated its estate tax in 2018 but still charges an inheritance tax on transfers to non-direct heirs. Attorney costs are higher in the NYC metro area.
Oregon	$1,200–$2,800	$2,000–$4,000	2–5% of estate value	Oregon has a state estate tax with a $1 million exemption — one of the lowest in the nation. Trusts are especially important here for estates over $1 million.
Massachusetts	$1,500–$3,500	$2,500–$5,000	3–5% of estate value	Massachusetts has a state estate tax with a $2 million exemption and a "cliff" structure that taxes the entire estate if it exceeds the threshold. Higher attorney costs in Boston metro.
Tennessee	$1,000–$2,500	$1,800–$3,500	2–4% of estate value	Affordable attorney market. Tennessee eliminated its state income tax on investment income and has no state estate tax.
Indiana	$1,000–$2,500	$1,800–$3,500	2–4% of estate value	Lower costs. Indiana follows the Uniform Probate Code and charges an inheritance tax on certain transfers. Trusts are a cost-effective way to simplify the process.

Why State Matters for Living Trust Costs

Attorney fees are the biggest cost driver, and they vary dramatically based on local market rates. An estate planning attorney in San Francisco may charge $4,000 for the same trust that costs $1,500 in Nashville. But the cost of the trust itself is only part of the equation — the real question is what it saves your family.

In states with expensive probate systems, like California, New York, and Florida, a living trust often pays for itself many times over. California probate fees alone can exceed $23,000 on a $1 million estate. A $2,500 trust that prevents $23,000 in probate costs is a clear return on investment.

In states with simpler probate processes, like Texas and Ohio, the financial savings from a trust may be smaller. But trusts still offer privacy, speed, and the ability to plan for incapacity — benefits that probate cannot provide regardless of cost.

The Online Alternative: Same Protection, Fraction of the Cost

Regardless of which state you live in, online trust platforms offer flat-rate pricing that is significantly lower than attorney fees. 299Trust.com charges $299 for individuals and $399 for joint plans in every state. Documents are state-specific, meaning your trust is drafted to comply with the laws where you live.

For families with straightforward estate planning needs — a home, bank accounts, retirement accounts, and clear beneficiaries — an online trust service provides the same fundamental probate protection without the four-figure price tag.

Important: Online platforms like 299Trust.com charge the same flat rate regardless of your state. A California resident pays the same $299 as someone in Arizona. View our pricing.

Is a Living Trust Worth the Cost?

For most families, the answer is yes. The cost of a living trust is almost always less than the cost of probate. Before deciding, review the potential disadvantages of a living trust to get a complete picture.

Probate costs without a trust: One of the most common questions people ask when planning their estate is how to avoid probate and keep things simple for their family. When someone dies without a trust, their assets typically go through probate court. Probate costs average 3% to 7% of the total estate value. For a $500,000 estate, probate could cost your family $15,000 to $35,000 in attorney fees, court costs, and executor fees. Probate also takes 6 to 18 months (or longer) and becomes public record. See how courts, probate officers, and lawyers profit when families skip estate planning.

Living trust costs: A living trust costs $299 to $5,000 upfront, plus a few hundred dollars for deed transfers. After that, there are no court fees, no probate attorney fees, and no public filings. Your successor trustee distributes assets according to your instructions, often within weeks.

Trust vs. Probate Cost Comparison

	Living Trust	Probate (No Trust)
Upfront cost	$299–$5,000	$0 (paid by estate later)
Total cost on $500K estate	$299–$5,500	$15,000–$35,000
Total cost on $1M estate	$299–$6,000	$30,000–$70,000
Time to distribute assets	2–6 weeks	6–18+ months
Privacy	Private	Public record
Court involvement	None	Required

Example: A family in California with a $750,000 estate (a modest home and retirement accounts) could face $23,000 to $36,000 in probate fees. A living trust from 299Trust.com would cost that same family $299 to $399 upfront. That is a potential savings of over $22,000.

Don't let your family pay for probate. A living trust from 299Trust.com costs $299 and takes about 15 minutes. Protect your family today. Start Your Trust →

Hidden Costs People Don't Expect

The cost of creating a living trust is only part of the picture. Here are ongoing and hidden costs many people miss.

Trust funding costs. Creating a trust is step one. Step two is funding it — transferring your assets into the trust. If you own real estate, you will need new deeds prepared and recorded. Deed transfer costs range from $200 to $500 per property, depending on your county. Read our guide on how to fund a living trust for step-by-step instructions.

Notarization fees. Your trust document must be notarized. Most notary services charge $5 to $25 per signature. Mobile notaries may charge $50 to $150 for a house call.

Trust amendments. Life changes — new children, divorce, new property, moving to a different state — may require amendments to your trust. Attorney-drafted amendments cost $300 to $1,000 each. Online platforms often offer amendments for free or at a low cost.

Trust restatement. If your trust needs major updates, a full restatement (rewriting the entire trust) may be necessary. This can cost $1,500 to $3,000 with an attorney.

Trust administration after death. When the trust creator passes away, the successor trustee must administer the trust. This may involve appraisals, tax filings, and distributions. Professional trust administration costs vary but can run $2,000 to $10,000 depending on complexity.

Property tax reassessment risk. In some states, transferring property incorrectly into a trust can trigger a property tax reassessment. Working with a knowledgeable provider helps avoid this costly mistake.

Can You Create a Living Trust for $299?

Yes. 299Trust.com offers complete living trust packages starting at $299 for individuals and $399 for married or joint plans.

Every package includes:

• Revocable living trust document

• Pour-over will

• Last will and testament

• Financial power of attorney

• Healthcare power of attorney / advance directive

• All documents tailored to your state's laws

The process is simple. You complete an online questionnaire in about 15 minutes. Your documents are prepared and delivered to your email. You then review, sign, and notarize them to make them official. See how it works.

There are no hidden fees. No subscriptions. No hourly charges.

299Trust.com has helped thousands of families protect their assets and avoid probate — without paying thousands in attorney fees.

Get Started for $299 →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a living trust cost on average?

The average cost of a living trust ranges from $299 to $5,000. Online trust platforms charge $199 to $599. Estate planning attorneys charge $1,000 to $5,000 or more depending on your state and estate complexity.

Is a living trust better than a will?

A living trust avoids probate, keeps your estate private, and allows faster distribution of assets. A will must go through probate court, which can cost 3% to 7% of your estate value and take 6 to 18 months. For most families, a living trust offers more protection at a reasonable cost. Learn more about living trust vs. will comparison.

How much does a living trust cost in California?

In California, an attorney-drafted living trust typically costs $2,000 to $5,000 for an individual and $3,000 to $7,000 for a married couple. Online platforms like 299Trust.com offer California living trusts for $299 to $399.

Can I make a living trust without a lawyer?

Yes. Online platforms like 299Trust.com allow you to create a legally valid living trust without hiring a lawyer. The questionnaire guides you through every step, and your documents are tailored to your state. This is a good option for most families with straightforward estates.

What is included in a living trust package?

A complete living trust package typically includes a revocable living trust, pour-over will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive. At 299Trust.com, all four documents are included in the $299 individual plan and $399 joint plan.

How long does it take to set up a living trust?

With an attorney, setting up a living trust takes 2 to 6 weeks. With an online platform like 299Trust.com, you can complete the questionnaire in about 15 minutes and receive your documents instantly by email.

Do I need to update my living trust?

Yes. You should review your living trust whenever you experience a major life change — marriage, divorce, new children, new property, or a move to a different state. Amendments can be done affordably through online platforms.

What happens if I don't have a living trust?

Without a living trust, your assets go through probate when you pass away. Probate is a court process that can cost 3% to 7% of your estate, take 6 to 18 months, and become public record. A living trust avoids all of this.

How much does probate cost without a trust?

Probate costs average 3% to 7% of the estate's total value. For a $500,000 estate, that is $15,000 to $35,000. For a $1 million estate, probate could cost $30,000 to $70,000. These costs are paid from the estate before beneficiaries receive anything.

Is $299 enough for a real living trust?

Yes. 299Trust.com provides legally valid living trust packages for $299 (individual) and $399 (joint). Each package includes a living trust, pour-over will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive, customized to your state's laws.

Ready to protect your family? Get your complete living trust package today for just $299. No hidden fees. No subscriptions. Done in 15 minutes. Create Your Trust Now →

Disclaimer: This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For significant legal or financial matters, consult a qualified professional. 299Trust.com is not a law firm.