Cost Guide

Cheapest Way to Set Up a Living Trust

You don't need to spend $3,000 on an attorney. But the "free" options aren't really free — and some cheap options will cost you more later. Here's how to find the sweet spot.

The short answer

The cheapest good option is an online legal service ($500-$1,000). DIY software is cheaper ($150-$200) but leaves you to figure out notarization and asset transfers yourself. Free templates are risky. Attorneys cost $2,000-$5,000+. For most homeowners, the middle ground offers the best value.

Options ranked by price

Free online templates

$0

Generic forms you fill in yourself. Find them on legal form sites, some state bar websites, or random blogs.

⚠️ High risk

Not state-specific. No guidance. Easy to make mistakes that invalidate the trust.

Verdict: Not worth the risk. A trust that doesn't work costs your family far more than you "saved."

DIY software (Nolo WillMaker, etc.)

$150–$200

Download software, answer questions, print documents. State-specific forms, but no hand-holding.

⚡ Medium risk

Good documents, but you're on your own for notarization and funding the trust.

Verdict: Fine if you're tech-savvy, have a simple situation, and will actually follow through on transferring assets.

Online legal services

BEST VALUE
$500–$1,000

Guided questionnaire, state-specific documents, some include notarization and help with asset transfers.

✓ Low risk

Attorney-designed documents. Better services help you actually complete the process.

Verdict: Best balance of cost and quality for most homeowners.

Estate planning attorney

$2,000–$5,000+

Custom documents, personalized advice, handles complex situations.

✓ Low risk

Best for complex estates. But many still leave you to fund the trust yourself.

Verdict: Worth it for blended families, business owners, or estates over $5M. Overkill for straightforward situations.

Hidden costs that change the math

The sticker price isn't the full picture. Watch for:

  • •Notarization: $25-$150 if not included. Required for real estate transfers.
  • •Deed preparation: $100-$300 if you need someone to draft your property deed.
  • •Recording fees: $15-$100 per property to file with your county.
  • •Updates: Some services charge $100-$400+ for changes. Others include unlimited updates.
  • •Additional documents: Healthcare directive, POA, etc. Some bundle them; some charge extra.

A "$200 trust" that doesn't include notarization, deeds, or other documents can end up costing $500+ when you add everything.

What to look for in a budget option

  • ✓State-specific documents — Generic templates miss state requirements
  • ✓Full package — Trust, will, healthcare directive, POA included
  • ✓Notarization included — Or at least easy to add
  • ✓Asset transfer help — The most important step, often skipped
  • ✓Free or cheap updates — Life changes; your trust should too

The real cost of going too cheap

A trust that doesn't work isn't cheap — it's expensive. If your trust is invalid or unfunded:

  • •Your family goes through probate anyway (6-18 months)
  • •They pay probate fees (3-8% of estate)
  • •Everything becomes public record

On a $500,000 estate, probate fees alone could be $15,000-$40,000. Spending an extra few hundred dollars to get it right is the real savings.

Complete trust for $995

Mantle includes everything: trust, will, healthcare directive, POA, online notarization, property deed, and guidance to transfer your assets. No surprise fees.

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Free to start. Pay when you're ready to sign.