How Much Does It Cost to Create a Will and Trust?

When people start thinking about estate planning, one of the first questions they ask is simple: how much will it cost? In the United States, the answer depends on what you need, how complex your situation is, and whether you create your documents yourself, use an online platform, or work with an attorney. 

A basic will usually costs less than a trust, while a trust often costs more because it includes more detailed planning and can offer added benefits beyond a will alone.

For many families, the real challenge is not just understanding the price but understanding what they are paying for. A low-cost document may seem appealing at first, but estate planning is about making sure your wishes are clear, your loved ones are protected, and your assets are handled the way you intend. That is why it helps to compare both cost and value before choosing a path.

Why Estate Planning Costs Vary

Estate planning is not a one-size-fits-all process. 

The cost of creating a will or trust can change based on the size of your estate, whether you own real estate, whether you have children, whether you are part of a blended family, and whether you want to include additional documents such as powers of attorney or healthcare directives. More complex needs usually mean more time, more customization, and a higher overall price.

Another major factor is how you create the documents. A do-it-yourself form may cost little or nothing, an online estate planning platform usually falls into a lower price range than traditional legal services, and an attorney-drafted estate plan tends to cost the most because it includes legal guidance and personalization. 

For Americans comparing options, this means the cheapest route is not always the best fit, especially if your family or financial situation is more than very basic.

Read: What Documents Are Needed for Estate Planning?

How Much Does A Will Cost?

A will is often the most affordable place to start. In many cases, a simple will can be created using online services for a relatively low cost, while attorney-prepared wills generally cost more. Common estimates place basic wills in the $150 to $600 range, though more detailed or customized wills can cost over $1,000, depending on the situation.

The lower end of the price range usually applies to simple estates. For example, someone who wants to name beneficiaries, appoint a guardian for minor children, and outline basic instructions may be able to use an online service at a much lower cost than working with an attorney one-on-one. Affordability is one reason online will-making platforms have become more popular in recent years.

Still, a will has limits. 

A will becomes part of the probate process after death, and probate can take time and involve court oversight. While a will is an essential document for many people, especially those with straightforward estates, it may not provide the broader control or probate-avoidance benefits that some families want.

How Much Does A Trust Cost?

A trust generally costs more than a will because it is a more detailed estate planning tool. A revocable living trust is often used to hold and manage assets during your lifetime and then transfer them after death according to your instructions. Because it involves more planning and often works alongside other supporting documents, the upfront price is usually higher than the cost of creating a will alone.

Typical estimates for a living trust often fall around $1,000 to $3,500, while attorney-created trust packages can range from about $1,500 to $4,000 or even more when the estate is more complex. The total may increase if you have multiple properties, business interests, tax planning concerns, or specific wishes for how and when beneficiaries receive assets.

Although the cost is higher, many people choose a trust because of the additional benefits it can offer. A trust can help avoid probate for assets properly transferred into it, offer greater privacy than a will, and make it easier to manage assets in the event of incapacity. For families who want more structure and long-term control, the extra upfront cost may be worth it.

Read: Can a Trust Gift Money Tax Free?

What Affects The Total Price?

Several factors influence what you will actually pay for a will or trust.

• The first is complexity. If you own more than one property, have a blended family, want to leave assets to minor children over time, or need special instructions for dependents, your estate plan will likely require more customization and cost more.
• The second factor is the service model you choose. DIY tools are often the cheapest, online platforms usually offer a middle ground between affordability and convenience, and attorneys tend to be the highest-cost option because they provide legal advice tailored to your situation. Each choice has tradeoffs, and the best one depends on how simple or complex your estate plan needs to be.
• A third factor is whether you need supporting documents in addition to a will or trust. Many complete estate plans also include financial powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney, healthcare directives, funeral instructions, and, in some cases, pet directives. When these are bundled together, the total price may go up, but the plan is often more complete and practical for your family.

Will Or Trust: Which Gives Better Value?

For some Americans, a will may be enough. If your financial situation is straightforward and your main goal is to name beneficiaries, appoint guardians, and state your wishes clearly, a will can be a practical and affordable solution. It gives you a legal foundation for estate planning without the higher upfront cost of a trust.​

For others, a trust may offer stronger long-term value. Families who want to avoid probate, maintain privacy, plan for incapacity, or control how assets are distributed over time may benefit more from a trust. In those cases, the higher cost is not just paying for a document but for a more detailed plan that may later reduce administrative burdens.

This is why the better question is often not, “Which one is cheaper?” but rather, “Which one fits my family, assets, and goals?” A lower upfront price can look attractive, but if the document does not meet your needs, it may lead to additional costs or complications later.

A Simple Look At Common Options

Here is a practical way to think about estate planning costs in the U.S. today:

• DIY will: Usually the lowest-cost route, often free or inexpensive, but it carries a greater risk of mistakes or incomplete planning.​
• Online wills: Often cost in the low hundreds of dollars and work well for many straightforward situations.
• Attorney-drafted will: Usually costs several hundred dollars or more and is better suited to more customized needs.
• Online trust: Often lower in price than traditional law firm packages, and can be a strong option for people who want convenience.
• Attorney-drafted trust: Usually the most expensive choice, but often the most customized for complex estates.​

The right choice depends on your priorities. Some people want the lowest possible cost, others want the most guidance, and many want a balance between affordability, ease of use, and comprehensive planning.

Where GoodTrust Fits In With Beem

For people looking for a more affordable and modern way to handle estate planning, Beem has partnered with GoodTrust to help create wills and trusts. 

• GoodTrust is one of the platforms positioned around affordability and convenience, with estate planning tools starting at $149 and annual membership pricing after the first year for ongoing access and updates. That can make it appealing for individuals and families who want to create documents online without paying traditional attorney-level fees.
• GoodTrust is also notable for being presented as more than just a simple will platform. Sources describe it as offering a broader estate planning bundle, including trust-related planning documents and additional directives, helping users create a more complete plan in one place. For readers who are comparing value rather than just the lowest entry price, that broader scope may matter.
• Another factor that makes GoodTrust relevant for modern families is its focus on digital legacy planning. In addition to traditional estate planning documents, the platform offers tools such as a digital vault to organize important accounts and information. As more of life happens online, digital assets and account access have become part of estate planning for many Americans.

What Should Most Families Expect To Pay?

• In general, Americans should expect a will to cost less upfront than a trust. A basic will may fall in the low hundreds of dollars, while a trust often starts in the low thousands if you want a more robust plan. The exact amount depends on whether you use a basic template, an online platform, or legal counsel.
• That said, the upfront price should not be the only measure. A trust may cost more now but provide savings in time, privacy, and probate-related hassle later, depending on your estate and the assets involved. A will may be the smarter option for a simple estate, while a trust may be a better choice for families seeking more control and continuity.

Conclusion

Creating a will or trust is not just about cost; it is about choosing the level of protection and planning that fits your life. While wills are usually more affordable upfront and trusts often cost more because they offer broader control, the right option depends on your family, assets, and long-term goals. 

Through Beem, users can access GoodTrust’s estate planning services in a simpler and more approachable way, making it easier to move from research to action. For readers who want an affordable and convenient way to begin estate planning, Beem helps connect that need with a practical solution.

Create your personalized, attorney-approved wills, trusts, and healthcare directives in minutes using Beem. Download the app now!

FAQs: How Much Does it Cost to Create a Will and Trust?