How Much Does a Trust Cost to Set Up in 2026? Complete Price Breakdown
Updated 2026 figures covering setup costs, ongoing costs, hidden fees, and how trust costs compare to probate.
2026 Trust Cost at a Glance
| Trust Type / Approach | Setup Cost | Annual Cost | Risk Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| DIY revocable trust (online service) | $400 - $1,000 | $0 | Medium |
| Attorney-drafted revocable trust | $1,500 - $4,000 | $0 | Low |
| Attorney-drafted irrevocable trust | $3,000 - $10,000 | $500 - $2,500 | Low |
| Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) | $4,000 - $8,000 | $500 - $1,500 | Low (attorney required) |
| Special Needs Trust | $3,500 - $6,000 | $500 - $2,000 | Low (attorney required) |
| Domestic Asset Protection Trust (DAPT) | $5,000 - $15,000 | $1,000 - $3,000 | Low (specialist required) |
DIY vs Attorney: When Each Makes Sense
When DIY is acceptable
- Simple estate: married couple with children, one state
- Standard assets: home, bank accounts, brokerage
- No blended family complications
- No business interests or intellectual property
- No beneficiaries with special needs or substance issues
- No concern about creditors or lawsuits
When an attorney is essential
- Any irrevocable trust (errors are permanent)
- Blended families with step-children
- Business interests or LLC membership interests
- Real estate in multiple states
- Special needs beneficiary
- Asset protection goals
- Medicaid planning for long-term care
What Affects Trust Setup Cost
| Factor | Cost Impact |
|---|---|
| Trust type (revocable vs irrevocable) | Irrevocable adds $1,500-$6,000 |
| State (California, NYC) | 30-50% premium over national average |
| Blended family / complex beneficiaries | +$500-$2,000 |
| Business interests in trust | +$1,000-$3,000 |
| Multiple sub-trusts (A/B trust for married couples) | +$500-$1,500 |
| Special provisions (spendthrift clauses, age distributions) | +$300-$800 |
| Number of properties being retitled | +$200-$500 per property (recording fees) |
Ongoing Annual Costs
Revocable trusts: Zero ongoing cost. No separate tax return is required because all income flows to your personal Form 1040.
Irrevocable trusts: Ongoing annual costs are significant:
| Ongoing Expense | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Form 1041 tax return preparation | $500-$2,500/year | CPA fee; required for all irrevocable trusts with income |
| Professional trustee (bank/trust company) | 0.5%-2% of AUM/year | A $1M trust: $5,000-$20,000/year |
| Individual trustee (family member) | $0-$2,000/year | Can be paid reasonable compensation; often serves without pay |
| Trust accounting software | $0-$500/year | For complex trusts with multiple beneficiaries |
| Trust amendments | $200-$500 each | If any changes permitted (limited for irrevocable) |
Trust vs Probate: The Cost Comparison
The main financial argument for a revocable trust is avoiding probate. Here is what probate actually costs in high-cost states:
| Estate Value | California Probate Cost | Revocable Trust Setup | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| $250,000 | $13,750 | $1,500-$4,000 | $9,750-$12,250 |
| $500,000 | $25,750 | $2,000-$4,000 | $21,750-$23,750 |
| $1,000,000 | $46,000 | $2,500-$4,500 | $41,500-$43,500 |
| $2,000,000 | $86,000 | $3,000-$5,000 | $81,000-$83,000 |
California statutory probate fees use a sliding scale: 4% of the first $100,000, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, etc. Both the executor and attorney each receive these fees. Other high-cost probate states include New York and Florida.
Attorney Fee Ranges by Region (2026)
| Region | Simple Revocable Trust | Complex / Irrevocable |
|---|---|---|
| California / Silicon Valley | $3,000 - $7,000 | $7,000 - $20,000+ |
| New York City metro | $3,500 - $8,000 | $8,000 - $20,000+ |
| Northeast (Boston, DC) | $2,500 - $5,000 | $5,000 - $15,000 |
| West Coast (Seattle, Portland) | $2,000 - $4,500 | $4,500 - $12,000 |
| Midwest (Chicago, Minneapolis) | $1,500 - $3,500 | $3,500 - $10,000 |
| Southeast (Atlanta, Charlotte) | $1,500 - $3,500 | $3,500 - $9,000 |
| Southwest (Phoenix, Denver) | $1,500 - $3,500 | $3,000 - $9,000 |
| Rural / Small markets | $1,000 - $2,500 | $2,500 - $7,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a revocable trust cost in 2026?
A revocable living trust drafted by an estate planning attorney typically costs $1,500 to $4,000 in 2026. This usually includes the trust document, a pour-over will, durable power of attorney, and healthcare directive. DIY options cost $400 to $1,000 but carry higher risk for complex situations. A revocable trust has no ongoing annual cost.
How much does an irrevocable trust cost?
An irrevocable trust costs $3,000 to $10,000 to set up with an attorney in 2026. Specialized irrevocable trusts (MAPTs, DAPTs, Special Needs Trusts) can cost $5,000 to $15,000. Irrevocable trusts carry ongoing annual costs of $500 to $2,500 for Form 1041 tax return preparation, plus trustee fees if using a professional.
Is it cheaper to use a DIY trust service?
DIY services cost $400 to $1,000 and are acceptable for simple situations. However, for irrevocable trusts, blended families, business interests, or special needs beneficiaries, professional guidance is essential. A trust that is incorrectly drafted or never properly funded accomplishes nothing. Many families spend $400 on DIY software and end up in probate anyway because they never retitled their house into the trust.