Living trust cost in 2026
Living trust costs $400 to $5,000 per trust in 2026, and most people pay about $2,500.
What moves the price
- Online forms cost far less than a lawyer.
- More property, business interests, or homes in other states raise the price.
- A blended family or a child with special needs adds work.
- Tax planning beyond a basic trust adds cost.
- Moving assets into the trust and deed work may be billed apart.
- Where you live. Prices in big cities usually run higher than in small towns.
What is included
The price usually covers the trust paper and a few related papers. Moving property into the trust, deed filing, and later changes may cost extra. A basic trust does not usually have a yearly fee.
Living trust cost by how it is made
| Way to make it | Cost |
|---|---|
| Do it yourself forms or books | $20 to $200 |
| Online service | $400 to $1,000 |
| Online service, one couple plan example | $599 |
| Estate planning lawyer | $1,500 to $4,000 |
| Complex estate with a lawyer | $5,000 or more |
Average prices in US dollars. Source: LegalZoom.
Ways to pay less
- Use an online service if the estate is simple.
- Get the full scope of work in writing before comparing prices.
- Ask if the deed and funding work is included in a flat fee.
What price guides say
We checked 3 price guides and read every number on their pages. They do not all measure the same thing, so the ranges on this page come from putting them side by side.
- LegalZoom: How Much Does a Living Trust Cost? (2026 Price Guide)
- Michael Ryan Money: How Much Does a Living Trust Cost To Set Up?
- Encyclopedia.com: How Much Does Setting Up a Living Trust Cost?
Common questions
How much does this cost in 2026?
Living trust costs $400 to $5,000 per trust in 2026, and most people pay about $2,500. Most people pay about $2,500 per trust. The low end is $400 and the high end is $5,000.
What changes the price the most?
The biggest factors are: Online forms cost far less than a lawyer; More property, business interests, or homes in other states raise the price; A blended family or a child with special needs adds work.
How can I pay less?
Use an online service if the estate is simple. Get the full scope of work in writing before comparing prices. Ask if the deed and funding work is included in a flat fee.
Where do these numbers come from?
From 3 named price guides: LegalZoom, Michael Ryan Money, Encyclopedia.com. Each one is linked on this page with the date we read it.
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