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A trust vs will cost comparison calculator helps you evaluate whether a revocable living trust or a simple will is more cost-effective for your estate plan. Trusts cost more upfront ($1,500–$5,000) but avoid probate, while wills are cheaper ($300–$1,000) but require probate proceedings.

공식

Net Savings of Trust = Estimated Probate Costs – Trust Setup Cost – Trust Maintenance Costs
TC
Trust Cost ($) — Attorney fees to create and fund the trust
WC
Will Cost ($) — Attorney fees for a simple will
PC
Probate Cost ($) — Estimated total probate fees for the estate

단계별 가이드

  1. 1Estimate the cost of setting up a revocable living trust with an attorney
  2. 2Compare to the cost of a simple will
  3. 3Calculate the estimated probate costs your estate would incur with only a will
  4. 4Determine the break-even estate size where a trust saves money

풀어진 예시

입력
Estate $400,000 in California, trust costs $3,000, will costs $500
결과
Probate would cost ~$22,000. Trust saves ~$18,500 net. Trust is worth it.
입력
Estate $100,000, simple situation, no real estate
결과
Probate may use simplified procedure. Will at $300–$500 is sufficient.

피해야 할 일반적인 실수

  • Creating a trust but not funding it (transferring assets into it), making it useless
  • Assuming a trust replaces a will entirely — you still need a pour-over will
  • Not accounting for ongoing trust maintenance and administration costs

자주 묻는 질문

Is a trust always better than a will?

Not always. For small, simple estates (under $100,000–$150,000) with no real estate, a will with small estate affidavit may be cheaper and simpler. Trusts make sense for larger estates or when probate avoidance is important.

Does a trust protect assets from lawsuits?

A revocable living trust does NOT protect assets from creditors or lawsuits during your lifetime. Asset protection requires irrevocable trusts with specific provisions.

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