How Long Does It Take to Set Up a Trust?

Quick Answer

Setting up a trust takes 1–4 weeks in most cases. The trust document itself can be drafted in 1–2 weeks by an estate planning attorney, while funding the trust (transferring assets into it) takes an additional 1–2 weeks depending on what you own. Simple revocable living trusts are faster; complex irrevocable trusts with tax planning provisions take longer.

Timeline Breakdown

Step	Duration	Details
Initial consultation	1–2 hours	Meet with an estate planning attorney to discuss goals
Document drafting	3–10 business days	Attorney prepares the trust agreement
Review and signing	1–3 days	You review, make changes, and sign before a notary
Funding the trust	1–2 weeks	Transfer real estate, bank accounts, and investments into the trust
Total	1–4 weeks	Faster for simple trusts, longer for complex estates

Revocable vs. Irrevocable Trusts

Revocable living trusts are the most common type. They take 1–2 weeks to set up because:

• The terms are straightforward (you remain in control)
• No tax ID number is needed during your lifetime
• Amendments are easy, reducing pressure to get every detail perfect upfront

Irrevocable trusts typically take 2–4 weeks or longer because:

• The terms cannot be changed once signed, requiring more careful drafting
• They often involve complex tax planning provisions
• A separate EIN (Employer Identification Number) from the IRS is needed
• Asset transfers may require appraisals or legal title changes

What You Need to Bring to Your Attorney

To minimize delays, gather these before your first meeting:

• List of assets — real estate, bank accounts, investment accounts, life insurance policies, retirement accounts
• Names and ages of beneficiaries including contingent beneficiaries
• Successor trustee choices (who manages the trust if you cannot)
• Existing estate planning documents — current will, power of attorney, healthcare directive
• Property deeds for any real estate you want in the trust
• Account statements for financial assets

What Does Funding the Trust Mean?

Creating the trust document is only half the job. An unfunded trust is essentially useless. You must retitle assets in the name of the trust:

• Real estate: A new deed is recorded transferring ownership to the trust. This typically takes 1–2 weeks through a title company or attorney.
• Bank accounts: Contact your bank to retitle accounts or open new ones in the trust's name. Usually done in 1–3 business days.
• Investment/brokerage accounts: Submit a trust certification form to your brokerage. Takes 3–7 business days.
• Life insurance: Change the beneficiary or ownership to the trust. Typically 1–2 weeks for processing.
• Retirement accounts (401k, IRA): Generally not placed inside the trust, but the trust can be named as beneficiary.

Cost of Setting Up a Trust

Method	Cost Range
Estate planning attorney	$1,500–$5,000+
Online legal service (LegalZoom, Trust & Will)	$200–$600
DIY with templates	$50–$200

Attorney costs vary by location and complexity. A simple revocable trust for a married couple typically runs $2,000–$3,500 and often includes a pour-over will, power of attorney, and healthcare directive.

Tips for Getting Started

• Start with a consultation — most estate planning attorneys offer free or low-cost initial consultations
• Don't skip funding — an unfunded trust won't protect any assets from probate
• Review your trust every 3–5 years or after major life events (marriage, divorce, birth, death, large asset purchase)
• Keep a list of trust assets so your successor trustee knows what's included
• Consider a trust protector for irrevocable trusts to allow limited future modifications