Quick answer: a basic North Dakota revocable living trust commonly runs $1,000 to $3,000, with North Dakota-specific pricing data sometimes running a bit lower for a couple's trust. Compare that against your estimated probate cost in the North Dakota probate vs living trust calculator.
Typical North Dakota trust setup costs
| Path | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Online / DIY service | $100 – $800 |
| Attorney-drafted revocable trust, national average | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| North Dakota-specific data, married couple | $1,550 – $1,800 |
Ranges from North Dakota-specific attorney and estate-planning sources; treat as market context, not a quote. Get a written fee agreement before hiring.
A cheaper option built for a single mineral interest
If the main asset of concern is a single mineral, oil, or gas interest, a transfer-on-death deed under N.D.C.C. Chapter 30.1-32.1 accomplishes probate avoidance for a modest recording fee — well below the cost of drafting and funding a full trust.
When the full trust cost is worth it
A trust starts to earn its higher price once the estate involves more than a single property or mineral interest — multiple parcels, several co-owners, or assets held in more than one state — where consolidating everything under one structure beats tracking several separate TOD designations.
Why the cheapest option carries real risk
DIY kits cost less upfront, but a trust that's invalid or never properly funded leaves a family facing the exact North Dakota probate process it was meant to avoid. See North Dakota Living Trust Funding Mistakes for the most common way this goes wrong.
A local probate attorney can review your estate — many offer a free consultation.