It depends on the complexity of the Will and trust, but a simple Will is probably cheaper than a trust for you. With a Will, there are additional costs of probate once you die, but those are paid by your estate whereas establishing a trust would be paid by you now.
You can add up the value of your house and IRAs and decide how to divide them. Grandchildren are a good choice for IRAs because their young age means that the benefits have the ability to grow tax-free for longer. You can designate IRA beneficiaries with the entity managing the IRA for you, not in your Will so that is no cost. A will is needed to give your house to your daughter and/or grandchildren, and, if that is all you want to do, you may be able to use an online form or hire an attorney for a small fee. Putting your house in trust would require an attorney to write the terms of the trust and you to write and record a deed transferring your house into the trust. A trust owning a house can complicate property tax rebate programs, your mortgage or home equity loan, and possibily insurance. It avoids probate costs later but usually costs more upfront. A local attorney would be able to quote your the costs for all.
Answered on Mar 09th, 2017 at 10:49 AM