Direct Answer: A revocable living trust in Ohio typically costs $1,500 to $3,500 when prepared by an estate planning attorney. This usually includes the trust agreement, a pour-over will, a durable power of attorney, and a healthcare directive. The exact cost depends on the complexity of the estate and whether real estate transfers are needed. For most Ohio families, the cost of a living trust is far less than the cost of probate, which typically runs 3 to 7 percent of the estate's gross value.
One of the most common questions Ohio families ask when starting the estate planning process is how much a living trust costs. The answer depends on several factors, but the short version is this: a properly drafted living trust from an Ohio estate planning attorney typically costs between $1,500 and $3,500, and it is almost always worth it for families with real estate or assets over $100,000.
This page explains what drives the cost of a living trust in Ohio, what is typically included in a trust package, how the cost compares to the cost of probate, and what to watch out for with low-cost online alternatives. Content reviewed by Steve Wolterman, estate planning and probate attorney at Wolterman Law Office.
How much does a living trust cost?
A revocable living trust prepared by an Ohio estate planning attorney typically costs $1,500 to $3,500. Most attorneys offer a flat fee for a complete estate planning package that includes the trust and the supporting documents you need alongside it.
The price range reflects real differences in complexity. A simple trust for a single person with a home and a few financial accounts is at the lower end. A trust for a married couple with multiple properties, a business interest, or a beneficiary with special needs is at the higher end. An attorney who has to prepare and record deeds to transfer real estate into the trust may charge separately for that service, typically $200 to $500 per property.
What is typically included in an Ohio living trust package
- Revocable living trust agreement (the core document)
- Pour-over will (directs any assets not in the trust at death to pour into the trust)
- Durable power of attorney for finances
- Healthcare power of attorney
- Living will (advance healthcare directive)
- Funding instructions (guidance on how to transfer assets into the trust)
- Certificate of trust (a summary document for banks and financial institutions)
Some attorneys include deed preparation to transfer real estate into the trust; others charge separately. Ask your attorney upfront what is included in the flat fee and what costs extra. The deed recording fee charged by the county recorder's office is a separate cost, typically $28 to $50 per deed in Ohio.
| Service | Typical Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Basic revocable living trust (single person) | $1,500 to $2,500 | Includes supporting documents |
| Joint revocable living trust (married couple) | $2,000 to $3,500 | Covers both spouses in one trust |
| Deed preparation (per property) | $200 to $500 | May be included or charged separately |
| County deed recording fee | $28 to $50 | Paid to county recorder's office |
| Online trust document (LegalZoom, etc.) | $100 to $300 | Not Ohio-specific, no funding help |
How much does it cost for a living trust?
The total cost for a living trust in Ohio depends on three main factors: the complexity of your estate, whether you need real estate transferred into the trust, and whether you are setting up a trust for one person or a married couple.
For a single person with a home, a few bank accounts, and no business interests, a complete trust package typically costs $1,500 to $2,000. For a married couple with a home, retirement accounts, and investment accounts, the cost is typically $2,000 to $3,000. For a couple with multiple properties, a business interest, or a beneficiary with special needs, the cost can reach $3,500 or more.
These costs cover the attorney's time to draft the documents, meet with you to review and sign them, and provide guidance on how to fund the trust. They do not include the time you spend at the bank retitling accounts, which is something you do yourself (or your attorney can assist with for an additional fee).
It is worth comparing these costs to what you would pay if you did nothing and your estate went through probate. Ohio probate costs typically include court filing fees ($100 to $500), executor fees (up to 4 percent of the first $100,000 under Ohio Revised Code Section 2113.35), and attorney fees (typically 1 to 3 percent of the estate value). For a $400,000 estate, total probate costs might range from $12,000 to $28,000, plus 6 to 18 months of delay before your family receives anything.
Living Trust: Upfront Cost, Long-Term Savings
- Upfront cost: $1,500 to $3,500
- Assets pass to heirs without probate
- Private: no public court record
- Fast: distribution in weeks, not months
- Incapacity protection during your lifetime
- Can be updated or revoked at any time
Probate: Low Upfront Cost, High Back-End Cost
- No upfront cost (just a will)
- Probate costs 3 to 7% of estate value
- Public: will and inventory become court records
- Slow: 6 to 18 months before distribution
- No protection if you become incapacitated
- Court supervision of every major decision
How much does it cost to do a living trust?
The total out-of-pocket cost to do a living trust in Ohio, from the initial consultation through signing and funding, is typically $1,700 to $4,000 for most families. This includes the attorney's flat fee for drafting and signing the documents, deed preparation if real estate is involved, and county recording fees.
The process typically takes two to four weeks from the initial consultation to the signing appointment. After signing, you fund the trust by transferring your assets into it. For bank accounts and investment accounts, you contact the financial institution and ask to retitle the account in the trust's name. For real estate, your attorney prepares a deed transferring the property into the trust, which is then recorded with the county recorder's office.
An unfunded trust, one where no assets have been transferred in, provides no probate protection. This is the most common mistake people make when they use an online trust service: they pay for the document but never complete the funding step. An Ohio estate planning attorney ensures the trust is properly funded from the start.
Ohio also offers a Transfer on Death (TOD) deed as a lower-cost alternative for families whose primary asset is a home. A TOD deed transfers real estate directly to a named beneficiary at death without probate, and it costs significantly less than a full trust. However, a TOD deed does not protect the property during your lifetime, does not address financial accounts, and does not provide incapacity planning. For most families, a complete trust package provides more comprehensive protection. See our guide to how to avoid probate in Ohio for a comparison of all available tools.
Get a Clear Answer on Your Living Trust Cost
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Schedule a Free Consultation (513) 224-5191Frequently Asked Questions: Living Trust Cost Ohio
How much does a living trust cost in Ohio?
A revocable living trust in Ohio typically costs $1,500 to $3,500 when prepared by an estate planning attorney. This usually includes the trust agreement, a pour-over will, a durable power of attorney, and a healthcare directive. The exact cost depends on the complexity of the estate and whether real estate transfers are needed.
Is a living trust worth the cost in Ohio?
For most Ohio families with real estate or assets over $100,000, a living trust is worth the cost. Probate in Ohio typically costs 3 to 7 percent of the estate's gross value, plus 6 to 18 months of delay. A trust that costs $2,000 to set up can save a family $10,000 to $30,000 or more in probate costs.
What is included in a living trust package in Ohio?
A complete living trust package from an Ohio estate planning attorney typically includes the revocable living trust agreement, a pour-over will, a durable power of attorney for finances, a healthcare power of attorney, and a living will. Some attorneys also include deed preparation to transfer real estate into the trust.
Can I set up a living trust without a lawyer in Ohio?
Technically yes, but it is not advisable. Ohio trust law under the Ohio Trust Code (Ohio Revised Code Chapter 5801) has specific requirements for valid trust creation. An improperly drafted or unfunded trust may fail to avoid probate, create tax problems, or be challenged by heirs. Online trust documents are not tailored to Ohio law.
How much does a living trust cost compared to a will in Ohio?
A basic will in Ohio typically costs $300 to $800. A revocable living trust package typically costs $1,500 to $3,500. However, a will must go through probate before assets are distributed, which costs 3 to 7 percent of the estate's value. For most families with a home and assets over $100,000, the higher upfront cost of a trust is offset by the savings on probate.
How long does it take to set up a living trust in Ohio?
The process typically takes two to four weeks from the initial consultation to the signing appointment. After signing, you fund the trust by transferring your assets into it, which can take an additional two to four weeks depending on how quickly financial institutions process the retitling requests.
This page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Ohio trust laws and costs are subject to change. Consult a licensed Ohio attorney for advice specific to your situation. Content reviewed by Steve Wolterman, Wolterman Law Office, July 2026.