What Does Estate Planning Actually Cost?
Compare costs across providers. See how life events like marriage, divorce, and having children affect your total cost.
Attorney costs vary by state
Trusts avoid probate but cost more upfront
Couples plans cost more upfront on some platforms
Select events that might happen. These affect costs on some platforms.
Select Your State
Choose your state to see 5-year cost comparisons across estate planning providers.
Cost estimates based on published pricing. Actual costs may vary.Pricing verified January 2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Services like Trust & Will structure their plans as separate products. An "individual" plan is a different SKU than a "couples" plan. When you get married (individual to couple) or divorced (couple to individual), their system requires you to purchase a new plan rather than convert your existing one. This rebuy model generates recurring revenue but increases your lifetime costs.
Major events that typically require updates include: getting married (add spouse as beneficiary/co-trustee), having a baby (add beneficiary, designate guardian), getting divorced (remove ex-spouse, restructure trust), remarrying (add new spouse), moving to a new state (review state-specific requirements), buying property (add to trust), and receiving an inheritance (update beneficiary allocations).
SimplyTrust uses a Nevada revocable trust structure that is recognized in all 50 states, eliminating the need for state-specific document versions. The subscription model spreads costs over time while including most amendments.
Attorney costs in this calculator include initial trust creation (based on state-specific hourly rates from the Clio Legal Trends Report) and amendment fees for life events. Simple amendments like adding a beneficiary have lower fees, while major changes like restructuring for divorce can be significantly more expensive or require a full trust restatement.
Costs are based on published pricing from each provider and state-specific attorney rates from the Clio Legal Trends Report. Actual costs may vary based on individual circumstances, complexity of your estate, and specific attorney billing practices.
Even without life events, SimplyTrust remains cost-competitive due to our low upfront fee and affordable subscription. The calculator lets you uncheck all life events to compare base costs across providers.
More Estate Planning Resources
Explore related tools and documents to complete your estate plan.
Last Will and Testament
Create a free, state-specific will with witness and notarization requirements included.
Pour-Over Will
Transfer assets to your existing trust. State execution requirements included.
Probate Cost Calculator
Estimate attorney fees, executor fees, court costs, and timeline for probating an estate in your state. See if the estate qualifies for simplified probate procedures.
Trustee Compensation Calculator
Find out what's fair compensation for serving as trustee. Compare family, professional, and corporate trustee rates based on your situation.
Revocable Living Trust Cost Calculator
Compare the cost of creating a revocable living trust. See how SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys compare over 5 years including life events.
Will Cost Calculator
Compare the cost of creating a will. See document costs plus probate fees your heirs will pay. Compare SimplyTrust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, and attorneys.
Estate Settlement Checklist
Get a personalized checklist for settling an estate after someone passes away. Covers trust administration, probate, and intestate estates.
