Creating a living trust can bring real peace of mind by helping you protect your family, avoid probate, and keep your estate plans organized. But once your trust is in place, you might wonder: how much does it cost to maintain a trust—and what do those costs really look like for most families?
The good news is that for most people, maintaining a living trust is not an ongoing financial burden. With the proper structure and a little periodic attention, your trust can serve you for life with only minimal upkeep.
What Does It Cost To Maintain a Trust?
For most AmeriEstate clients, the cost to maintain a trust is relatively low. When the trust creators (trustors) are still living, they continue to manage their own assets, file taxes as usual, and make any necessary updates. Because of that, there typically aren’t annual “trust fees” or separate tax filings required during your lifetime.
The only costs you might encounter are for occasional updates or administrative changes, such as:
- Adding a new property to the trust
- Changing a beneficiary or trustee
- Updating marital status or family details
- Recording a deed or notary service
These are not yearly costs—they’re occasional adjustments that help keep your trust accurate and effective.
In most cases, clients pay only minimal maintenance expenses until the trust becomes irrevocable after both trustors pass away, at which point the trust is finally settled and distributed to beneficiaries.
Are Trustee Fees Separate?
While banks and trust companies charge annual percentages to act as professional fiduciaries, most AmeriEstate clients appoint a trusted family member as their successor trustee. This keeps costs low, since family trustees often serve without charging a fee.
Even if your successor trustee decides to hire professional help later, such as a CPA or attorney for final administration, those are one-time expenses tied to settling the estate, not recurring yearly costs.
This family-centered approach is part of what makes our living trust structure both affordable and practical for everyday families. You remain in complete control of your assets while ensuring your loved ones have clear guidance when the time comes.
What about Legal Fees?
Estate laws can change over time, and your personal circumstances may evolve too. Updating your trust ensures it continues to reflect your wishes and comply with current legal standards.
We make this process simple and affordable through our Legal Plan Membership. This optional plan provides:
- Ongoing access to estate-planning attorneys for questions or guidance
- Discounted fees for amendments or trust reviews
- Unlimited 30-minute consultations on estate-related topics
That means you don’t have to pay high hourly rates every time you want to make a small change or ask a legal question. Whether you need to update a beneficiary or add a new property, our Legal Plan Membership helps reduce long-term costs while keeping your trust fully compliant.
Should I Expect Tax Preparation And Accounting Costs?
As long as your trust remains revocable—that is, while the trustors are alive—you continue to report income and pay taxes under your own Social Security number. The IRS essentially treats the trust as an extension of your personal finances, so there are no separate tax returns or accounting fees during your lifetime.
Only after both trustors pass away does the trust become irrevocable. At that point, it must file its own tax return and may incur accounting or tax-preparation fees. However, these costs are paid by the trust itself, not by your family personally.
For most families, this happens just once: during the estate distribution process. In other words, there are no ongoing tax costs while you’re alive and managing your trust.
Why Regular Reviews Still Matter
Even though there are a few ongoing costs, it’s essential to review your trust every few years or after significant life events, such as buying a new home, having a child, or a change in marital status. Minor updates today can prevent confusion or disputes later.
A quick legal review ensures your successor trustee will have everything they need when the time comes.
Professional Guidance To Keep Trust Maintenance Costs Low
Having a trust shouldn’t drain your finances or peace of mind. The right plan should protect your assets, simplify your loved ones’ responsibilities, and keep the cost to maintain your trust affordable year after year.
At AmeriEstate, we believe estate planning should be accessible for every family, not just the wealthy. Our living trust services are designed to keep your estate plan clear, compliant, and cost-effective. You stay in control of your assets while our team handles the legal details, helping you save both time and money over the years.
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Sources:
https://www.hancockwhitney.com/insights/understanding-the-costs-of-maintaining-a-trust
https://www.dominion.com/trusts/how-much-does-a-trust-cost-to-maintain
https://smartasset.com/estate-planning/how-much-does-it-cost-to-set-up-a-trust
