How much does a living trust cost in New York?
By Ian Herrick — 2026-10-27
At The Trust Dad, estate plans are a flat fee. You'll see the total at your planning session, before you decide, and it doesn't change based on the number of hours we spend on your plan.
What the fee includes
A trust-based plan includes the revocable living trust and everything a will-based plan has:
- Pour-over will, financial power of attorney, health care proxy, living will and HIPAA release
- The Guardian Game Plan for your children
- Transfer of your home into the trust
- An inventory of your assets and instructions for moving each account into the trust
- Certification of trust and letters for the people you name
- Three meetings: planning session, signing meeting, and your Legacy Interview meeting
- A free plan review every three years
What can add to it
- Each additional New York property moved into the trust: $500, plus the county's recording fee
- Property in another state: $500 per state for our coordination, plus the fees of an attorney licensed in that state, which you pay directly
- A business interest moved into the trust, with a succession amendment: $1,500 per business
Why the price varies from family to family
The biggest differences are whether you need a trust or a will is enough, how many properties you own and where, and whether you own a business. At your planning session, a two-hour working meeting, we work out which plan fits your family, and you see the total before you decide.
Do I need a trust at all?
Not always. A will can name guardians and say who inherits, but everything it covers goes through probate, the court process that can freeze accounts for months. Probate also costs your family money: legal fees, a court filing fee of up to $1,250, and executor commissions New York allows of up to 5% of the estate. A trust lets your family skip that for what's in the trust. Our article Wills vs. trusts: how to choose walks through the choice.
Book a free 15-minute call with our office to get started.
This material is provided for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. You should separately consult an appropriate professional for advice tailored to your specific needs and circumstances.