Living Trust vs Will Cost Comparison Calculator
A simple will costs $500-$2,000 to create but triggers probate (5-10% of estate value, 6-18 months). A revocable living trust costs $1,500-$5,000 upfront but avoids probate entirely. Calculate which makes sense for your estate size.
Will vs Trust Mechanics
A will is a legal document directing asset distribution after death. It must go through probate — a public court process taking 6-18 months and costing 4-7% of estate value (higher in California, lower in Texas). A revocable living trust holds assets during your life with you as trustee; at death, the successor trustee distributes assets privately without probate.
State Probate Fees
California: 5% on first $100K, then 4%, 3%, 2%, 1%. Florida: 3% sliding scale. New York: 4% sliding scale. Texas: minimal probate (often $1,500-$3,000 flat). Probate fees are typically split between attorney and personal representative, but both come from estate assets.
Beyond Cost: Privacy And Speed
Wills become public record at probate — anyone can see your assets, debts, and beneficiaries. Trusts are private. Probate also delays asset distribution 6-18 months; trusts can distribute immediately. For families with real estate in multiple states, trust avoids separate ancillary probate in each state.
Source: State probate fee schedules, American Bar Association estate planning section, NCBA wills and trusts guidelines. Last updated: May 2026.