Ranges are illustrative for planning discussions; actual fees vary by market, complexity, and professional.
One-time drafting
Service
Typical range (U.S. metro)
Notes
Simple will
$500 – $2,500
No trust
Revocable living trust package
$2,000 – $6,000+
Will, trust, powers of attorney, deed transfer guidance
Married estate plan with bypass/QTIP
$4,000 – $12,000+
A-B, Clayton, ILIT, or GST planning add cost
ILIT / dynasty / SLAT
$3,000 – $10,000+ per trust
Often separate from basic RLT
Amendment / restatement
$500 – $3,000
After law or family changes
Ongoing administration
Role
Typical cost
Notes
Trustee (professional)
0.5% – 1.5% of assets annually
Banks and trust companies; minimum fees
Trustee (family)
None or informal
Legal risk if duties mishandled
Tax prep — Form 1041
$500 – $3,000+ per return
Depends on investments and K-1 count
Tax prep — Form 706
$3,000 – $25,000+
Highly variable with estate size
Probate court
Statutory % of estate or flat fees
Avoided for properly funded RLT assets
Asset retitling / deed recording
$50 – $500 per property
County recording fees
Post-death settlement
Item
Notes
Executor / trustee fees
State law or trust instrument; taxable income to fiduciary
Appraisals
Real estate, business, art for 706 or basis
Accountings
Beneficiary reports; legal review
Life insurance in ILIT
Premiums plus Crummey notice administration
Hidden costs
Investment drag in multiple sub-trusts after first death.
Bonding for fiduciaries where required.
Litigation among beneficiaries.
Penalties for missed 706, 1041, or 10-year IRA payouts.
Cost-benefit framing
Compare present planning cost to: probate fees, family delay, state estate tax, federal estate tax over exclusion, income tax on undistributed trust income, and beneficiary disputes. For many households below exclusion thresholds, a will plus beneficiary designations may suffice; trusts add value for probate avoidance, control, and tax at higher net worth.
