How to Calculate Trust vs Will Cost Comparison
What is Trust vs Will Cost Comparison?
A trust vs will cost comparison calculator helps you evaluate whether a revocable living trust or a simple will is more cost-effective for your estate plan. Trusts cost more upfront ($1,500–$5,000) but avoid probate, while wills are cheaper ($300–$1,000) but require probate proceedings.
Formula
- TC
- Trust Cost ($) — Attorney fees to create and fund the trust
- WC
- Will Cost ($) — Attorney fees for a simple will
- PC
- Probate Cost ($) — Estimated total probate fees for the estate
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1Estimate the cost of setting up a revocable living trust with an attorney
- 2Compare to the cost of a simple will
- 3Calculate the estimated probate costs your estate would incur with only a will
- 4Determine the break-even estate size where a trust saves money
Worked Examples
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- ✕Creating a trust but not funding it (transferring assets into it), making it useless
- ✕Assuming a trust replaces a will entirely — you still need a pour-over will
- ✕Not accounting for ongoing trust maintenance and administration costs
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a trust always better than a will?
Not always. For small, simple estates (under $100,000–$150,000) with no real estate, a will with small estate affidavit may be cheaper and simpler. Trusts make sense for larger estates or when probate avoidance is important.
Does a trust protect assets from lawsuits?
A revocable living trust does NOT protect assets from creditors or lawsuits during your lifetime. Asset protection requires irrevocable trusts with specific provisions.
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