A living trust is one of the most powerful tools for protecting your family, avoiding probate, and keeping your affairs private. However, before you start creating one, it’s natural to wonder: How much does a living trust actually cost?

The answer isn’t as complicated as it seems, but the price can vary depending on several factors. Here’s a simple, 3-minute breakdown of what a living trust costs, why prices differ, and what you’re really paying for.

1. Attorney-Drafted Living Trust Costs

Working with an estate planning attorney to create a living trust offers the benefit of personalized legal expertise. Your trust will be custom-built to suit your unique situation, and costs will depend on factors such as complexity, location, and the attorney’s experience.

Typical Attorney Pricing:

• $2,000 – $4,500 for a standard individual trust
• $3,500 – $6,000+ for a married couple’s trust
• $7,500 – $15,000+ for complex trusts (e.g., business owners, blended families, tax planning, multiple properties)

Why the wide range? Every estate is different. The factors that can increase legal fees include:

• Owning out-of-state property
• Blended families or estranged heirs
• Business ownership
• Special needs beneficiaries
• Tax planning and asset protection strategies
• Large or complex financial portfolios

While an attorney-drafted trust is the most expensive option, you are paying for expert legal advice, personalized protection, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your trust is in good hands.

2. Online Trust Software Costs

Online trust creation tools offer a more affordable and accessible way to establish a trust. These platforms guide you through the process step-by-step, generating compliant documents that you can update with ease.

Typical Pricing:

• $250 – $800 for a full trust package (which often includes a will, trust, power of attorney, healthcare directive, and more)

Online platforms are ideal for:

• Young families
• Simple estates
• People who want to avoid probate but don’t require complex planning

They’re budget-friendly, fast, and easy to use, though they may lack the personalized touch that comes with an attorney’s help.

3. Notary & Witnessing Fees

In most states, you must sign your trust in front of a notary, and some states also require witnesses. The cost of notarization and witnessing is relatively low, but these steps provide essential legal validity.

Typical Costs:

• $10 – $50 for notarization
• $25 – $75 for mobile notary services
• Witnesses are often free, depending on state rules

While these costs are minimal, they ensure your trust is legally binding and valid.

4. Funding the Trust (The Step Most People Forget)

Creating a trust is just the first step. To make the trust effective, you need to fund it by transferring assets into the trust. This step often involves additional costs, and failing to fund your trust properly can lead to your estate still going through probate.

Funding Includes:

• Real estate
• Bank accounts
• Investment accounts
• Business interests
• Vehicles (in some states)
• Personal property

Costs depend on:

• Real estate recordings: $50 – $300 per deed
• Attorney support (optional): $150 – $400/hour
• Financial account retitling: Usually free

If you don’t fund your trust, it won’t function as intended, which can result in additional complications and costs for your family down the road.

5. Ongoing Costs (Minimal)

One of the biggest advantages of a living trust is that it doesn’t come with annual fees, maintenance costs, or renewal payments. However, if you wish to make updates to your trust in the future, there may be some costs associated with amendments.

Amendments for Changes Such As:

• Adding new assets
• Changing beneficiaries
• Amending trustee instructions

Typical Costs:

• Attorney amendments: $200 – $500+
• Software amendments: Often free or low-cost

In general, ongoing costs are minimal, but keeping your trust up-to-date is important to ensure it continues to meet your needs.

6. Total Cost Summary

Here’s a quick snapshot of the costs involved in creating a living trust:

Type of Trust Total Cost

Attorney-drafted (simple) $2,000 – $4,500

Attorney-drafted (complex) $7,500 – $15,000+

Online software trust $250 – $800

Notary + Witnessing $10 – $100

Funding fees $50 – $300+ per property

Final Thoughts

A living trust is an investment — not just in your assets, but in your family’s peace of mind during one of the most difficult times in their lives. While costs can vary, the primary goal remains the same: to avoid probate, protect your loved ones, and keep your affairs private and organized.

Whether you opt for an attorney or a guided online platform, creating a living trust today is one of the most impactful financial decisions you can make. It’s an investment that will benefit both you and your family for years to come.