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Washington Probate vs Living Trust Calculator

Compare what Washington probate would actually cost your estate against the typical cost of setting up a living trust to avoid it.

Probate side: RCW 11.48.210 FigureMyTax Editorial Team Free · no sign-up

By the FigureMyTax Editorial Team · How we calculate

Your Washington estate

Enter your estate value — we'll estimate Washington probate cost and compare it to a typical trust setup cost.

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Estimated Washington probate cost vs trust setup
Probate (estimated)
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Living trust setup
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Is it worth it for me? →
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Washington probate cost vs living trust cost

The probate side of this comparison reuses the same approach as the Washington Probate Cost Calculator: personal representative and attorney fees under RCW 11.48.210 are both "just and reasonable" — no statutory percentage — plus the $290 Superior Court filing fee. This administration cost typically runs 3%–7% of the estate. Separately, an estate above the $3,000,000 Washington estate tax exemption owes state estate tax regardless of whether it goes through probate or a trust — a trust does not avoid this tax by itself. The trust side here is market data, not a statutory figure: Washington attorneys typically charge roughly $3,400–$5,100 for a straightforward revocable living trust. See the full breakdown in Washington Living Trust Setup Cost.

Washington probate vs living trust — frequently asked questions

Is a living trust worth it in Washington?

Often, yes, especially for estates near or above the $3,000,000 Washington estate tax exemption, or where avoiding the public probate process matters. For a smaller, straightforward estate with nonintervention powers, probate itself is relatively efficient, so the trust's case rests more on privacy, speed, and estate-tax planning than on administration cost alone.

How much does Washington probate cost compared to a living trust?

Washington probate administration typically runs 3% to 7% of the estate — personal representative and attorney fees, both "just and reasonable" under RCW § 11.48.210, plus a $290 Superior Court filing fee. Separately, estates above the $3 million exemption owe Washington estate tax. A Washington living trust typically costs roughly $3,400–$5,100 to set up with an attorney.

Does a living trust avoid Washington's estate tax?

No, not by itself. A revocable living trust avoids probate, but assets in it are still counted as part of the taxable estate for Washington estate tax purposes. Reducing estate tax exposure requires separate planning tools, not just a basic revocable trust.

Washington living trust tools & guides

Washington Living Trust Setup CostThe market-rate breakdown Is a Living Trust Worth It in Washington?A decision framework Washington Living Trust Funding MistakesWhy trusts still fail to avoid probate Washington Probate Cost CalculatorThe full reasonable-fee + estate tax breakdown Washington Probate Timeline CalculatorHow long probate would take

This calculator provides an estimate for general guidance only and is not legal or financial advice. Probate-side figures are based on Washington statute (RCW 11.48.210). Trust-side figures are illustrative market rates, not a legal or statutory amount, and vary by attorney and estate complexity. This tool doesn't calculate Washington estate tax — see the Probate Cost Calculator for that. Confirm current figures with a licensed Washington estate planning attorney before acting.