Living Trust Costs: Lawyer vs DIY Software (2026 Guide)
The #1 reason people put off estate planning is the price tag. A decade ago, your only option was a $3,000 lawyer. Today, sophisticated legal tech (like Trust & Will or LegalZoom) allows you to create a valid Trust for under $500. But is the cheap option safe? It depends entirely on the complexity of your life. If you are a “nuclear family” with one house, DIY works. If you have a blended family, business, or $5M+ in assets, cheap software can be a disaster. Here is the transparent cost breakdown to help you choose.
The Price Gap: Modern tech offers speed and savings (Left), while traditional firms offer customization and counsel (Right).
Image Source: bestmoneytip.com
1. The Pricing Tiers (2026 Market Rates)
You generally get what you pay for. Here is the breakdown.
| Tier | Provider Examples | Est. Cost (Couple) | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. DIY Software | Trust & Will, Nolo, LegalZoom (Basic) | $399 – $599 | Trust Docs, Will, HIPAA, Power of Attorney. Self-service. |
| 2. Hybrid / Legal Plan | LegalZoom (Premium), Rocket Lawyer | $700 – $900 | Software + 1 hour review by an attorney. |
| 3. Estate Attorney | Local Law Firm | $2,500 – $5,000 | Custom drafting, Strategy, Funding help, Signing ceremony. |
2. Is DIY Software Safe?
Yes, but it is rigid. It works like “Mad Libs”—filling in the blanks.
- Speed: Can be completed in 30 minutes from your couch.
- Cost: 1/10th the price of a lawyer.
- Updates: Easy subscription-based updates ($20/year) if you move or have another kid.
- No Judgment: The software won’t tell you, “Hey, giving $100k to your 18-year-old drug-addicted nephew is a bad idea.”
- Execution Risk: You have to print, notarize, and fund it yourself. If you mess up the signing, it’s invalid.
3. When to Pay the $3,000 Premium
You are not paying for the paper; you are paying for the Malpractice Insurance and the Strategy.
- Blended Families: If you have kids from a prior marriage, you need specific language (like an AB Trust or QTIP) to ensure your spouse doesn’t disinherit your kids after you die. Software often fails here.
- Special Needs: If a beneficiary is on government aid (SSI/Medicaid), a standard trust could disqualify them. You need a “Special Needs Trust.”
- High Net Worth: If you are near the estate tax exemption (or state limits like in WA, MA, OR), you need tax planning.