How Much Does a Living Trust Cost in Massachusetts?

Assets properly transferred to a revocable living trust avoid probate in Massachusetts. This means beneficiaries receive their inheritance without court involvement, public records, or the delays of the probate process. Probate on a $500,000 estate in Massachusetts costs about $30,739 in court and professional fees.M.G.L. c. 190B §§ 1-307, 3-301, 3-302, 3-303, 3-306, 3-307, 3-308, 3-501, 3-603, 3-706, 3-707, 3-715, 3-719, 3-720, 3-801 (Reserved), 3-803, 3-1201 (all fetched live on malegislature.gov, verified 2026-07-14); Mass. estate tax per Ch. 50 of the Acts of 2023 (mass.gov)Verified Jul 14, 2026 See estimated fees with the Massachusetts probate calculator.

Online trust services cost $30-$600 upfront compared to $3,920-$5,880 for an attorney in Massachusetts. However, total cost depends on subscription fees, amendment charges, and life event updates over time. This calculator projects the full cost across providers.

Only assets not transferred into the trust go through probate. Common oversights include bank accounts, vehicles, and real estate that were never retitled to the trust. A pour-over will catches these assets and directs them into the trust through probate, but proper funding avoids that step entirely.

Many online trust services charge annual subscription fees ranging from $0 to $240/year. These may include document access, minor amendments, or attorney consultations. Attorney amendments in Massachusetts cost $392 to $784 for simple changes and $1,568 to $3,136 for major updates like divorce or remarriage.

The decision depends on estate size, asset types, family situation, and Massachusetts probate costs. Trusts provide probate avoidance, privacy, and faster asset transfer but cost more upfront than a will. The Massachusetts trust needs assessment compares the two approaches.