What Affects Living Trust Cost
The cost of a living trust depends on the complexity of your estate plan: the number of trustees and beneficiaries, whether the trust includes sub-trusts for children or special needs beneficiaries, the complexity of asset distribution provisions, whether tax planning provisions are needed (A/B trust structure for estate tax planning), and the attorney's experience and location. A simple revocable living trust for a married couple in California typically costs $2,000–$4,000 in attorney fees. Complex plans with tax planning provisions can cost $5,000–$15,000 or more.
Typical Attorney Fees in California
| Plan Type | Typical Cost | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| Simple individual trust | $1,500–$2,500 | Revocable trust, pour-over will, power of attorney, healthcare directive |
| Married couple trust | $2,500–$4,000 | Joint revocable trust, pour-over wills, powers of attorney, healthcare directives |
| Trust with tax planning | $4,000–$8,000 | A/B trust structure, credit shelter trust, QTIP provisions |
| Complex estate plan | $8,000–$20,000+ | Irrevocable trusts, business succession, charitable planning, multi-state property |
Trust Cost vs. Probate Cost
The upfront cost of a trust is typically recovered many times over by avoiding probate. California probate fees are set by statute: 4% of the first $100,000, 3% of the next $100,000, 2% of the next $800,000, 1% of the next $9 million. For a $1 million estate, statutory fees are $23,000 — paid to both the attorney and the executor (total $46,000). For a $2 million estate, fees are $33,000 each ($66,000 total). A $3,000 trust that avoids $46,000 in probate fees pays for itself 15 times over.
Ongoing Maintenance Costs
A living trust requires periodic review and updating — particularly after major life changes (marriage, divorce, birth of children, death of a beneficiary, significant change in assets). KDA recommends reviewing the trust every 3–5 years and after any major life change. Trust amendments typically cost $500–$1,500 depending on complexity. A complete trust restatement (rewriting the entire document) costs $1,500–$3,000. The trust must also be properly funded when new assets are acquired — this is an ongoing responsibility that KDA helps clients manage.
KDA's Role in Trust Planning
KDA is a CPA firm, not a law firm — we do not draft trust documents. However, KDA plays a critical role in the trust planning process: we analyze the tax implications of different trust structures, coordinate with the estate planning attorney to ensure the trust is tax-efficient, handle the tax aspects of trust funding (particularly real estate transfers and retirement account beneficiary designations), prepare trust tax returns after the grantor's death, and provide ongoing tax planning for the trust and its beneficiaries. KDA works closely with a network of California estate planning attorneys and can provide referrals.
Need Help Implementing This?
KDA's licensed CPAs and Enrolled Agents work with California business owners every day. Book a free consultation to see exactly how this applies to your situation.
Book a Consultation