{"id":287071,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:20","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/estate\/trusts\/do-i-need-to-hire-a-living-trust-lawyer.html"},"modified":"2025-07-24T12:30:00","modified_gmt":"2025-07-24T17:30:00","slug":"do-i-need-to-hire-a-living-trust-lawyer","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/trusts\/do-i-need-to-hire-a-living-trust-lawyer.html","title":{"rendered":"Do I Need to Hire a Living Trust Lawyer?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Do I Need to Hire a Living Trust Lawyer?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Oni Harton, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Aisha Success, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

No. A lawyer is not necessary to make a basic living trust. However, you want to make sure you understand how trusts work and that any trust you form complies with your state laws.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Many people who want to create a living trust contemplate hiring a living trust lawyer. Hiring an attorney can\u00a0have starting\u00a0costs between $1,200 to $2,000.<\/p>\n

Hiring a trust attorney will bring you peace of mind. You can be confident that your estate planning lawyer will draft a sound legal document. It will comply with your directives and applicable law.<\/p>\n

For simple situations, you can use do-it-yourself books or software. There are also online legal service companies, such as our trusted partner, LegalZoom<\/a>. Many people create their own forms to reduce costs and have a living trust attorney review their documents. This type of client relationship is called a limited-scope representation.<\/p>\n

It’s helpful to understand trust basics to determine whether you need a trust. From there, you can evaluate whether you need an attorney to assist in setting up a trust or with trust administration.<\/p>\n

What Is a Trust?<\/h2>\n

Trusts<\/a>\u00a0allow people to determine the distribution of their property after they die. A grantor may maintain some control over their property while they are alive by using a trust.<\/p>\n

A trust can be simple or complicated to create. It all depends on your assets and family situation.<\/p>\n

Trusts<\/a>\u00a0often are misunderstood. A trust is a legal relationship through which someone manages assets for the benefit of another person. A trust is not a document, but you must draft a trust document to create a trust.<\/p>\n

Like a\u00a0will<\/a>, a trust is a way to ensure your property’s distribution aligns with your wishes. Unlike a will, which does not take effect until the person dies, a trust can begin operating as soon as it is signed and funded.<\/p>\n

What Is a Living Trust?<\/h2>\n

A\u00a0living trust<\/a>\u00a0is a trust created during life. A grantor creates a living trust to save tax money or establish a long-term way to manage the trust property. Living trusts are designed to:<\/p>\n