How Much Does a Trust Actually Cost? (Real Numbers for Real Families)

A trust doesn't cost as much as you think — and not having one costs more. Here are real numbers for real families.

The Real Cost Breakdown

Attorney Fees

A revocable living trust drafted by an estate planning attorney typically costs $1,500–$3,500 for an individual and $2,500–$5,000 for a married couple. In high-cost-of-living areas or for complex estates, fees can run higher.

Filing Fees

Trusts themselves don't require court filing — that's one of their main advantages over wills. However, you will need to retitle assets (real estate deed transfers, account beneficiary updates), which may involve small recording fees ($25–$100 per deed, typically).

Ongoing Maintenance

A simple revocable trust needs minimal ongoing maintenance — update it when major life events occur (marriage, divorce, new assets, new beneficiaries). Some attorneys offer annual review packages for $200–$500/year; this is optional, not required.

What Drives Cost Up or Down

• Complexity: Multiple beneficiaries, special needs provisions, or business interests add cost
• Geography: Attorney rates vary significantly by region
• Attorney experience: Specialists cost more — but get the language right
• Digital assets: Not all attorneys know how to handle crypto — find one who does

DIY vs. Attorney-Drafted: The Real Risk

Online DIY trust services (LegalZoom, etc.) run $200–$600. The risk is what you don't know you're missing: state-specific requirements, digital asset language, special asset handling, pour-over will coordination. A trust that's technically valid but poorly drafted may not protect you when you need it most.

When a Trust Is Worth It — and When It's Overkill

Worth it if you have:

• Real estate (especially in multiple states)
• Meaningful crypto or digital asset holdings
• Minor children or special needs beneficiaries
• A small business
• Concerns about family conflict or creditors

May be overkill if:

• You have very few assets and no real property
• All your accounts already have named beneficiaries
• Your situation is extremely simple and unlikely to change