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Will Writing and Lasting Power of Attorney services

Santander works with Hugh James, a top 100 UK law firm. They provide Santander Select customers with advice on Will Writing and Lasting Power of Attorney services.

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What are you looking for?

Wills by Hugh James

• Estate planning

How our will writing service works

Creating a will offers you the assurance that your family including your children and your assets, encompassing property, savings and investments, will be safeguarded and managed according to your wishes in the event of your passing.

Ensure peace of mind for you and your loved ones with our secure Wills by Hugh James service, which provides up to three fixed-fee will writing options via our digital platform.  This service can be used by both individuals for single wills and couples who are looking to write wills that mirror each other’s.

At the start of the will writing process you will answer some short questions about your circumstances, and what you want to achieve.  This process will take approximately ten minutes.  Based on your answers to these initial questions, you will then be offered up to three of the service options outlined below.

Please note that if one or more of these options are not offered to you then this is because we consider that they are not suitable for your circumstances.  It is very important to us that we only provide you with the options that are appropriate for you to achieve your aims.

Once you have chosen a service, you will be invited to create an account and proceed.  Once you have finished providing instructions you will be invited to verify your identification and make payment, so you should please have a form of identification (such as a passport or driving licence) and a payment method to hand at this stage.  You do not need to provide your instructions in one sitting, and will be able to save your progress and return at a later date, if this suits you better.

If, in addition to wills, you require more complex advice around tax and lifetime estate planning, then consider our Estate Planning by Hugh James service – more details here.

Your potential options

Use our online will writing service to write your own will.

From £100.00 to £125.00 + VAT

• Create an account on our wills portal.
• Provide your instructions via our will writing software.
• Receive a digital version of your will, together with instructions on how to print, assemble and make it a legally binding document.

Who is this for?

Suitable for simple wills, for those without second marriages or children from previous relationships. Ideal for those appointing a guardian for children.

Complete our comprehensive will writing questionnaire online.

From £200.00 to £290.00 + VAT

• Complete a comprehensive questionnaire which will take you through everything you need to consider.
• Our will writing team will review your responses and draft your will accordingly, contacting you if there is anything we need to discuss.
• Receive a final version together with instructions on how to print, assemble and make it a legally binding document.

Recommended for those who would like our legal team to write their will, and/or wish to include more specialised provisions.

Arrange an appointment with our will writing team to discuss your will and we will write it for you.

From £300.00 to £810.00 + VAT

• Complete our comprehensive questionnaire, to the extent that you wish to, but with no obligation to do so.
• Book an appointment with a will writing lawyer.
• Discuss your instructions and potential options for your will with an experienced lawyer.
• Our team will draft your will based on the consultation and send it to you for your approval. A final version will then be supplied along with instructions for making it legally binding.

Suitable for anyone that would like to discuss their will and wishes with a will writing expert and for anyone that has more complex family, business or personal affairs. For bespoke tax mitigation and comprehensive lifetime planning we recommend our personalised estate planning solution.

Provide your will instructions today

Please click below to start the process, by firstly answering our short suitability questions, to see which will writing options are open to you.

The importance of making a will

Planning for your future can be daunting. We understand that time is precious and committing time to think about wills and wealth planning can be hard, and easy to put off.

Choosing the right people to help you with this, and having confidence in their advice, is vital.

Our choice of services allow you to choose the best option for you to provide your instructions in your own time, via our wills writing platform.

Digital first. Accessible to all.

We are committed to sustainability, so our will writing services are all online. If you need to use our services via printed methods, we can accommodate this, but our pricing will differ to the prices set up above.

Why choose Hugh James?

Simple, yet secure – Our will writing service is straightforward  and secure, accommodating completion in one go or allowing you to return to it later.

Award-winning team:

• Band 1 ranked for Private Wealth Law in Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide (Wales).
• Tier 1 ranked for Private Wealth Law in The Legal 500 (Wales).
• Awarded Solicitor Firm of the Year (National) in the British Wills and Probate Awards (2022 and 2023).
• Highly Commended in the ‘Estate Planning’ category at The WealthBriefing European Awards 2024.
• Four of our partners have been ranked “recommended” or “top recommended” in the prestigious Spears Tax and Trust Indices.
• Members of ACTAPS (Association of Contentious Trust and Probate Specialists)
• Members of STEP (Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners)

“Hugh James have exceptional depth and breadth within their private client team. They are highly knowledgeable and experienced in a wide range of private client matters.” Private Wealth Law client Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide 2024

Making a will is important for a number of reasons, including the following,

• Choosing who will administer your estate after your death and pass your assets on to your beneficiaries – this can be family members, friends or professionals, or a combination, known as your Executors
• Choosing who will act as trustee for any ongoing trust created in your will.
• Appointing guardians for any minor children.
• confirming who inherits your assets,  and on what terms.
• Carving out specific assets including business assets, farming assets and specific items or collections (jewellery, cars, art).
• Expressing a preference for your funeral wishes.
• Maximising tax efficiency.
• Where you have assets located outside the UK (holiday home and foreign bank accounts for example).
• Having peace of mind that  your wishes and objectives are recorded in a legally binding way.

In  absence of a valid will, your estate is subject to the intestacy rules. As a result, there is no guarantee that your wishes will be met and could result in unintended beneficiaries receiving your assets. Particular care should be taken where you are a co-habiting couple, own assets jointly with another person (not your spouse or civil partner) and where assets are located outside the UK.

Whichever way you decide to write your will, we will work to the timeframes below:

• Draft wills will be sent within 10 working days of receipt of final instructions and payment.
• Amended draft wills will be sent within five working days of a request for amendment.
• Final wills will be sent within five working days of approval of a draft.
• Where matters are more urgent, please tell us immediately so we can adjust these timescales accordingly depending on your circumstances.
• Copy wills will be sent within two working days of receipt of the executed final will.

Hugh James is committed to sustainability, so these services are all provided online. If you need to access our services via printed materials and post, contact us for more information. Please note our costs will change to reflect this method.

A codicil is a supplemental document to a will which makes minor alterations but leaves the rest of the will intact.

There is no limit on how many codicils can be added to a will, however this is  only suitable for very straightforward amendments.. If a complicated change is involved, we normally advise that it is better to make a new will. Whilst this may seem a cost effective way to make a change, we would often suggest the will is republished including the new changes to avoid any issues in the future (e.g. codicil is lost or misplaced).

Many people believe that if they have been living with a partner for a number of years they have become “common law spouses” and as a result have the same rights as married couples or those in a civil partnership.

Contrary to this commonly held belief, co-habiting couples do not have equal inheritance rights to married couples or civil partners (see our guide to the intestacy provisions). In fact, a co-habiting partner has no automatic entitlement from their partner’s estate at all. As a result, it is crucial to ensure arrangements are put in place to protect the surviving co-habittee and especially where minor children are involved.

Unless your will is made specifically in contemplation of a marriage to a particular person, it will be automatically revoked upon  marriage. This will have the effect of treating you as  intestate and your estate distributed under the intestacy rules.

Whilst divorce does not revoke your will, it does have an important effect. Essentially your former spouse or civil partner is treated as dying before you (on the date your marriage or civil partnership was dissolved). Often financial arrangements on divorce are complex, so updating your will can be done on either a short term basis (stop gap), or for the longer term if your financial settlement and arrangements have been finalised.

What if I hold assets outside of the UK?

It is very important to consider your assets including the nature and location of the asset, whether it is owned personally or in a corporate vehicle or a trust. Seeking advice as to the succession and administration of these types of assets is key. It is also sensible to co-ordinate this effort when reviewing your will to ensure arrangements made in another jurisdiction do not revoke or conflict with your will in the UK. Sometimes you may need multiple wills, but we can help you with this assessment and liaise with legal professionals in other jurisdictions.

Once you have selected the option that best suits you, and provided your instructions, we will take your payment online, and at the same time verify your identity. Once that is complete, your will instructions will be processed based on the service you have selected.

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The 6 Best Online Will Makers of 2024

• An online will maker service for your estate planning needs costs anywhere from $0–$299.
• You can create a legally binding will for free in a few hours when you use Rocket Lawyer.
• Our top choice for online will makers of 2024 is Legal Zoom because of its step-by step process with guidance from knowledgeable attorneys, range of offerings, and easy-to-use platform.

Our  Reviews Team  is made up of credentialed attorneys who researched and used the online will-making services we reviewed so we can help you decide which is best for you. We selected our top choices based on:

• 200+ hours of research
• 100+ hours of estate law education
• Eight brands reviewed
• Five brands selected
• Four experts consulted
• 500+ third party reviews referenced

To better explain our research, we’ve listed pros and cons, best uses, and rankings of common features.

Key Takeaways

• An online will maker service for your  estate planning  needs costs anywhere from $0–$299.

Creating a will can be an overwhelming and expensive process, which might be why only 46% of all American adults have one, according to a Gallup poll . [1] Gallup.com. How Many Americans Have a Will? June 23, 2021. Found on the Internet at https://news.gallup.com/poll/351500/how-many-americans-have-will.aspx Miranda M. Riva, Esq. headshot Miranda M. Riva But it is possible to create a long-lasting will for an affordable price. If an attorney isn’t in your budget, an online will-making service can be a good alternative.

Online will-making services ask a series of questions to help you generate your will document and use your responses to generate a state-specific form you can download and print. Experienced estate attorneys design or review state-specific forms. As long as you provide accurate information and execute your will in accordance with your state’s laws, your online will should be legally acceptable.

While an online will is a viable option for most people, the following circumstances might be better handled with the help of an attorney:

• Complex financial situation (for example, large amounts of debt)
• Complicated family structure (for example, questions of disinheritance)
• Undecided wishes (for example, how to divide your estate)

Our Reviews Team researched and tested the best online will-making services. In this article, we summarize our experience and compare and contrast picks for the best will-making services on the internet.

A quick look at the best online will maker services

• LegalZoom : Editor’s Pick
• Trust & Will : Most User-Friendly
• Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust : Best Value
• GoodTrust : Best for All-in-One Services
• Rocket Lawyer : Most Affordable
• U.S. LegalWills : Best for Lifetime Unlimited Updates

The best online will maker services of 2024

Editor’s pick: legalzoom.

• Promotions:  N/A
• Document storage:  Yes, with LegalZoom account
• Access to an attorney:  Yes, with certain packages or membership
• Unlimited updates: Free for 30 days or 1 year with certain packages
• Satisfaction guarantee:  60-day full refund

LegalZoom estate planning packages

LegalZoom offers four different estate planning packages, and each has varying access to attorneys.

All packages include a healthcare directive, financial power of attorney, HIPAA authorization, 30 days of free revisions, and printing & shipping of one set of documents.

Here is the current package information that LegalZoom offers:

Basic Will ($99):

Everything mentioned above plus:

• Last will & testament

Premium Will ($249)

• Attorney review of your documents
• Unlimited 30 day min calls with an attorney for 1 year
• Attorney advice for your family
• 1 year of free revisions

Basic Trust ($399)

• Living trust
• Pour-over will
• Certificate of trust
• Schedule of assets
• Bill of transfer

Premium Trust ($549)

• Unlimited 30 min calls with an attorney for 1 year

The questionnaire to generate your will is easy to use. You can download the packet immediately, and it includes instructions for making your will valid under your state’s laws. Unlike other services with an annual or monthly membership and unlimited updates, LegalZoom doesn’t have a process for you to update your documents outside of the specified time period with your package. For example, if you purchase the basic will for $99, but you wait to make changes until after the 30-day unlimited update window, you’ll have to pay $199 to make revisions.

Legal Assist plan membership

LegalZoom offers direct attorney assistance through its Legal Assist plan membership. Available to all users seeking legal advice on any topic, it can be purchased as a year-long membership for $199 or a six-month membership for $119. Direct attorney assistance is automatically built into the Premium Will and Premium Trust packages.

The membership offers unlimited 30-minute consultations on new legal matters. A new legal matter is completely unique from, and not at all related to, a legal matter you previously inquired about.

For example, you may be limited to a single 30-minute discussion about your will document. If you need to go over 30-minutes or make a second inquiry about it, it may not be considered a “new legal matter.” In that case, the attorney you’re connected with will give you their fee structure (which varies by attorney) and bill you for any additional time. You’re always connected with an attorney in your state, so that fee will vary based on your location and their firm’s billable hourly cost. If you’re a LegalZoom member, you’ll get 25% off the firm’s standard rate for representation.

Because Legal Assist is a yearly or six-month membership, it will auto-renew at the year or six-month mark, depending on what you have chosen. If you purchased a Premium Will or Premium Trust package, you can expect the Legal Assist portion of this to auto-renew after a year for $199.

Customer reviews

LegalZoom has 4.5 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot based on 3,300 reviews. More than 80% of reviewers gave it 5 out of 5 stars. Customers mentioned they were longtime subscribers, and the service continues to meet their needs. We found 13% of all reviewers gave LegalZoom 1 out of 5 stars, complaining the website often directs to an error page and provides unclear descriptions of deadlines and fees.

Our experience

The overall questionnaire process for completing a will was straightforward and in easy-to-understand language.

It was easy to sign up and purchase a package. We were impressed with the value of the Premium Will, which is an extra $100 but comes with unlimited, 30-minute phone calls with an attorney for up to a year and one year of free revisions.

When we asked questions through chat, a helpful response followed within five minutes. We reached a representative by phone within 10 minutes. An email response took around one business day.

Customer service options

• Phone:  888-379-0854 available 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday; 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. ET, weekends
• Email:  [email protected]
• Contact on the website:   Contact us

Why we chose LegalZoom

LegalZoom was one of the first companies in online legal assistance. Since its founding in 2001, it has helped more than 2 million customers with their estate planning needs. Unlike its competitors, LegalZoom offers direct attorney assistance in several legal specialties, making it qualified to assist customers with a wide variety of legal needs. In addition, Legal Zoom has one of the lowest starting costs for creating a will, earning it our distinction of “Editor’s Pick.”

Most User-Friendly: Trust & Will

• Cost:  $199
• Promotions:  $10 off with code Gimmie10
• Document storage:  Yes, with annual Trust & Will membership
• Access to an attorney:  Yes, for an additional cost (currently only available in 17 states)
• Unlimited updates:  Free for the first year, then $19 per year
• Satisfaction guarantee:  30-day full refund

Trust & Will Estate Planning Package

Trust & Will currently only offers a single package for creating an online will.

Will-based estate package ($199):

Last will and testament

• Power of attorney
• Living will
• HIPAA authorization form A HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) authorization form is important when you execute a living will or advance health care directive because it gives the person in charge of medical decisions access to your medical history.

For more information about this online will service, read our in-depth Trust & Will review.

Trust & Will was founded in 2017 and has quickly become established in the online estate planning industry. The company offers a free year of unlimited updates with your $199 purchase. To make changes to your documents after the year has passed, you can become a member for $19 per year, and you can make unlimited updates for as long as you retain membership. Trust & Will also offers do-it-yourself probate tools executors of a will (those who carry out the will) can purchase if they need state-specific assistance when entering   probate Probate is the legal procedure your estate goes through after you pass away.  court.

If you can’t find what you’re looking for when completing your estate documents, you can use the chat function at the bottom of the page,  send an email , or  fill out an inquiry form  to get help from an expert. You can use the chat function to connect with someone  during business hours  or find out more information about a topic. find recommended resources, and connect to an expert if you need help.

Trust & Will has 4.6 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot based on more than 3,400 reviews. Close to 90% of the reviews left by customers are 5 out of 5 stars. Customers called out the simplicity and clarity of the platform overall, as well as great customer service when issues or questions arose. Complaints focused on issues with the website timing out and no room for customizations when answering questions.

At first glance, Trust & Will has one of the most visually organized website designs in the industry. The layout is intuitive and easy to navigate.

One thing our team didn’t like is its lack of a simple will option and overall inability to customize. While it offers high-quality documents, you may not need all four of the documents in the package.

The auto-response that appears when you ask a question leads to a number of related resources we found helpful. We waited five minutes to talk to an expert on chat, and the wait for an email response was a few hours.

Read more in our full  Trust & Will  review.

• Phone:  866-908-7878 available 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday; Saturdays from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. PT
• Email:  [email protected]
• Contact on the website:   Submit a request

Why we chose Trust & Will

Trust & Will earned our “Most User-Friendly” status for two main reasons: the site gave helpful explanations and tips throughout the will-creation process, and it provided thorough and well-researched resources for additional information on estate planning topics. Each time we asked a question using any of the provided channels of contact, our Legal Reviews Team received an accurate answer within two hours. Compared with other companies on this list that took at least one day to respond, the quick turnaround time is impressive. We felt this was the closest experience to hiring a lawyer.

Best Value: Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust

• Cost:  $99–$209
• Promotions:  25% off with code T1040
• Document storage:  Yes, with the top package through a partnership with  Everplans
• Access to an attorney:  Not through platform, but Nolo can connect you with a local attorney
• Unlimited updates:  Free for the first year, then cost varies based on package ($99–$209)

Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust packages

Quicken WillMaker & Trust offers three different customized estate plan packages:

Starter ($99):

• Health care power of attorney
• Final arrangement forms

Plus ($139):

The plus package has all the starter package features and:

• Financial power of attorney
• Letters to survivors
• Transfer on death deed
• Estate planning tools available as downloadable software

All-access ($209):

The all-access package has all the starter and plus package features and:

• One year subscription to  Everplans  (document and information storage service)

If you can’t decide which package you want, our Reviews Team recommends beginning with the starter package. You can upgrade at any time in your dashboard.

Quicken WillMaker & Trust has been helping customers make their wills for the last 30 years. The online questionnaire format doesn’t require you to download anything, which keeps the process simple. But if you want to keep your personal information off the internet, the downloadable software guarantees your documents are only accessible through your personal device. Along with increased privacy, the software offers a high-contrast mode for people with  vision loss .

To make the process easy, Quicken WillMaker & Trust provides a checklist before starting the questionnaire. A “helpful information” box below the prompt will guide you if you are unsure of how to answer. Quicken WillMaker & Trust also provides an  extensive book (available online)  with detailed instructions and additional information to help create your will.

Quicken WillMaker & Trust has 4.5 out of 5 stars on  Trustpilot  based on more than 230 reviews. Of those reviews, 74% give the service 5 out of 5 stars, specifically mentioning how easy the product is to use and its inclusivity for people of all ages and backgrounds. Only 5% of users gave 1 out of 5 stars, mentioning never hearing back from customer service after making an inquiry and having technical issues with the software.

Quicken WillMaker & Trust was by far the easiest platform for our Reviews Team to purchase and use. The language throughout the questionnaire was clear, and the option for further information provided an extra layer of guidance. We were specifically impressed with the number of high-quality documents you can get for such an affordable cost.

We found it difficult to get in contact with the company, since you don’t have access to direct contact links or a chat feature on the website. But we were able to reach a representative within five minutes using the toll-free phone number. An email response took around one business day. Customer service can only help with service- and product-related issues. They cannot answer legal questions.

For more information about this online will service, read our in-depth  LegalZoom Review .

• Phone:  800-728-3555 available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday
• Email:   [email protected]
• Contact on the website:  N/A

Why we chose Quicken WillMaker & Trust

Best for all-in-one services: goodtrust.

• Promotions: N/A
• Document storage: Yes
• Access to an attorney: No
• Unlimited updates: Free for 1 year, $39 annual members for continued changes after year
• Satisfaction guarantee: 14-day full refund

GoodTrust offers one estate planning package which includes a will, trust, power of attorney, advanced directives, funeral directives, guardianship documentation, and storage of all important documents in their Smart Digital Vault.

Unlimited revisions are included in the GoodTrust package for one year, which costs $149. Additional revisions can be made after one year as part of the subscription service costing $39 per year.

Since their founding in 2020, GoodTrust has been offering one comprehensive estate planning package along with document storage in their Smart Digital Vault. Because GoodTrust doesn’t offer attorney support, we feel this service is best for individuals with straightforward estate planning needs who desire a simple, self-guided process for completing their needed documents in one place. GoodTrust stands out as an all-in-one service since their package includes a will, trust, directives, and power of attorney, along with additional wills for all adult family members at no added cost.

According to GoodTrust, all of their documents have been created by experienced attorneys and unlimited revisions can be made for up to one year, after which changes can be made using their $39 yearly subscription.

GoodTrust has a 3.5 out of 5 stars on TrustPilot based on 40 reviews. Of those reviews, 60% give the service 5 out 5 stars, specifically mentioning the helpfulness of customer support when users had questions about completing their documents. Of the 40 reviewers, 15% give GoodTrust 1 out of 5 stars, with one reviewer unsatisfied with the price and another the lack of state-specific services.

Contact on the website: mygoodtrust.com/contact

Why we chose GoodTrust

GoodTrust earned the “best for all-in-one services” from our Reviews Team because this estate planning service offers users everything they need to create a will, trust, and advance directives in one, comprehensive package. In addition to their all-in-one services, GoodTrust includes unlimited wills for all adult family members and unlimited revisions to documents for the first year. Although GoodTrust doesn’t offer attorney support, they state all of their documents were created by experienced attorneys to ensure accuracy.

Most Affordable: Rocket Lawyer

• Cost:  $0–$19.99 per month
• Promotions:  Seven-day free trial followed by a month-long trial for $5
• Document storage:  Yes, with monthly Rocket Lawyer membership
• Access to an attorney:  Yes, unlimited 30-minute consultation on new legal issues
• Unlimited updates:  Free for seven days, $5 for the second month, then $39.99 per month
• Satisfaction guarantee:  No

Rocket Lawyer estate planning package

Rocket Lawyer doesn’t offer a specific estate package, but for the free seven-day trial and while you’re an active member paying the monthly $39.99 fee, you’ll get access to hundreds of other state-specific legal forms, and you’ll be able to make unlimited changes to your documents.

When you pay for the membership, you’ll also get one free 30-minute consultation with an attorney regarding any new legal matters (new and unrelated to previous inquiries) that arise.

Rocket Lawyer is known mostly for its quick and easy-to-use website with free legal forms and templates. It may be a good option if you’re about to have surgery and want to quickly get a will in place.

After you create an account and answer questions to create your will, you’ll need to put in your credit card information before you can download your document. You’ll have access to your will and any other legal form you can find on the Rocket Lawyer database for free during the initial seven-day trial. After your trial expires, Rocket Lawyer will automatically charge $39.99 per month, unless you cancel ahead of time.

While our team chose Rocket Lawyer as a great free option for creating your will, this service doesn’t provide extra assistance or guidance when completing the questionnaire. Additionally, if you forget to cancel the free trial, you may end up paying more for your documents than if you chose a different service.

Rocket Lawyer has 4.7 out of 5 stars on  Trustpilot  based on more than 7,000 reviews. More than 80% of reviewers gave it 5 out of 5 stars. Customers highlighted the free document feature and the range of legal forms available on the database. Only 4% of customers gave it 1 out of 5 stars, reporting difficulty canceling the subscription and issues connecting with an attorney.

Rocket Lawyer is a great resource for legal forms, especially for estate planning. We also like that you can get a custom-made will for free.

What we didn’t like is how you go through the questionnaire process before you’re asked to put in credit card information. It felt misleading at first, since it’s advertised as a free will but also asks for payment before you can view the finished document. If you call or email to cancel your subscription within the seven-day period you can complete and download whatever legal forms you want for free. When we emailed, we got a response back within five hours. When calling, it took about 15 minutes to connect with a representative.

Customer Service Options

• Phone:  877-881-0947 available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday
• Email:  N/A
• Contact on the website:  ( Contact us )

Why we chose Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer is the only online will service we reviewed that generates a downloadable will for free, which is why we named it “Most Affordable.” It ties with U.S. LegalWills for the lowest starting price ($39), but it offers more forms with no extra cost and has attorneys available, unlike U.S. LegalWills.

Best for Lifetime Unlimited Updates: U.S. LegalWills

• Cost:  $39.95–$129.95
• Promotions:  When you join, your partner will get 40% off their membership; refer a friend, they get a 10% discount, and you get a $20 Amazon gift card
• Document storage:  Yes, with purchase
• Access to an attorney:  No
• Unlimited updates:  Yes, cost varies

U.S. LegalWills estate planning packages

Last will and testament ($39.95):

Premium last will and testament ($69.95):

The premium package has all the last will and testament package features and:

• Personalized messages and wishes
• Family access to your documents

Complete estate plan ($99.95):

The complete estate plan has all the premium package features and:

Premium estate plan ($129.95):

The premium estate plan has all the complete estate plan features and:

• My Life Locker
• Digital Vault

Unlimited updates:

• First year: Free
• Two years: $11.95
• Five years: $29.95
• 10 years: $39.95
• 25 years: $79.95
• Life: $129.95

U.S. LegalWills offers three different and affordable estate planning bundle packages. You can also choose a “build your own” option and add the documents you need, instead of paying for documents you don’t need. This makes U.S. LegalWills one of the most customizable will-making services we reviewed.

U.S. LegalWills also has advanced information storage available with  My Life Locker , which stores personal information, and  Digital Vault , which contains documents you want to upload for future use by your executor. These two storage options are only available with the highest tier package.

U.S. LegalWills has 4.6 out of 5 stars on  Trustpilot  based on more than 400 reviews. More than 80% of reviewers gave it 5 out of 5 stars. Customers highlighted how easy the process was and how quickly they were able to complete the forms.

Some customers complained the forms weren’t upheld in a court of law. To each of those reviews, a customer service representative defended U.S. LegalWills and gave citations to the law supporting the forms.

Despite the website platform appearing outdated, the questionnaire process was simple. The “try now for free” option at the bottom of the package prices was misleading. This is not the same as the free trial Rocket Lawyer offers. You’ll move through the will-creation process, but at the end, only a preview of the first page of your will is available to you. To see the rest, you’ll need to purchase the product. It took about 10 minutes to connect with a representative by phone, and an email response took around 10 hours.

• Phone:  888-660-9455 available 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday
• Email:  [email protected]

Why we chose U.S. LegalWills

What makes U.S. LegalWills stand out is the cost of unlimited updates, which is why we named it “Best for Lifetime Unlimited Updates.” Most notably, the lifetime deal costs a flat fee of $129.95. For other online will services, the cost to make unlimited updates ranges from $19 to more than $300 per year. Cost varies depending on how long you want to be able to make updates.

What to look for in the best online will makers

Estate planning is a customizable experience, so flexibility is important. Most platforms offer some variation of the features below, whether in a bundle or as add-on services.

The most important document in the estate planning process is a last will and testament , often referred to as a “will.” This document specifies who will be responsible for distributing your estate and can give detailed instructions about which beneficiaries are entitled to certain items or sums of money. Many wills also include guardianship details if the will writer has minor children or pets.

When you create an online will, you’ll answer a series of personal and financial questions that will help create your final document. Each one of the services we’ve selected has state-specific forms created by estate planning experts. After finishing the questionnaire, you can download the completed documents, print them out, and execute them according to the instructions provided by your online will service.

Additional estate planning documents

Creating a simple will is important at any stage in your life, but you should consider additional documents as well. The most common estate documents, in addition to a will, are a power of attorney and a living will (also called a health care directive). Most online services offer these legal documents as an add-on feature, but some offer a package deal for all three. Depending on your circumstances, you may want to invest in a service that offers a bundle. Read our guide to learn how to make a will without a lawyer .

Unlimited updates

Celeste Robertson , Esq., a member of the Texas Bar Foundation and practicing attorney since 1994, advised “you should review your will and other estate planning documents every three to five years” and always “revisit these documents whenever significant life changes occur.” Robertson gave the following examples of significant life changes:

• Birth of a child [or grandchild]
• A substantial change in assets.

That means it’s important to note whether you can make changes to your documents in the platform you choose. Many services offer free, unlimited changes for at least the first 30 days after purchase. Others offer free changes for up to a year or without limits. With services that offer a membership, you’ll generally be able to make unlimited updates to your estate documents so long as you pay the monthly or annual subscription.

Document storage

While you should always have an original paper copy of all your important documents, it’s a great idea to have virtually accessible backup copies. Most of our top choices have a virtual storage space for your will and any other documents you completed using the service. Some even allow you to upload additional important documents, such as:

• Identification cards
• Real estate deeds
• Account numbers
• Life insurance policy
• Tax documents

When choosing a virtual storage base, security is a top concern. Each of the services on this list that offers document storage has one or two layers of encryption (converting information into a code to prevent unauthorized access) to protect sensitive information from anyone who doesn’t have authorization to access your account. Quicken WillMaker & Trust and Trust & Will both took an extra step by undergoing Type 2 Service Organization Control 2 (SOC 2 Type 2) auditing ⓘ SOC 2 Type 2 is an exam used to evaluate and report on the effectiveness of a service organization’s controls related to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. , which provides an independent, third-party assessment of a service organization’s security during a period of time.

Family plan

Some online services offer a second will for a discounted price. This is ideal if your spouse or close family member is also interested in creating a will. Even if spouses or partners own property and assets together, it’s common for them to create reciprocal wills. These are two separate wills, each making the other the beneficiary of the entire estate. For services that offer a family plan, you can often get the second will at a discounted price, and you can easily add it on at checkout.

Helpful hint: If this feature is essential for you, Quicken WillMaker & Trust allows you to make an unlimited number of wills with a single purchase of one of its products. In other words, you can get estate documents for the whole family for the cost of one package.

Attorney assistance

While most people creating a will online can do so without additional assistance, you might be interested in seeking general legal advice or having a lawyer look over your will, especially if you have a complex estate plan. Some services offer specialized legal assistance throughout the creation process—usually at a higher cost. If you anticipate needing an estate planning attorney to look over your documents at any point during the process, you should consider choosing a service that offers this as an add-on feature.

Helpful hint: If this feature is essential for you, you might consider the premium package from LegalZoom. You’ll have on-demand, unlimited 30-minute calls with an attorney to ask whatever estate questions you have for 1 year after purchase. Other services cost more than $200 per year for this level of access or limit your questions to “new legal matters” only.

Satisfaction guarantee

Many services are backed by a 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee. Some guarantees may come with limitations or will only apply refunds to certain services.

How we reviewed online will-making services

The Reviews Team curated a scoring system for online will-making services that considers the value for money, ease of use, customer support, features, and customer satisfaction. Here’s how it breaks down:

• Value for money (35% of total score): We rated the value of every online will maker’s basic package. We also considered whether the service offered free or unlimited will revisions and a money-back satisfaction guarantee.
• Ease of use (25% of total score): We looked at whether we could navigate the website successfully and where the roadblocks, if any, came up. Did we have trouble adding features or signing into our account? We compared our experiences before and after account setup.
• Customer support (20% of total score): We reviewed each company’s customer service offerings through email, phone, and chat, and gave a score based on timeliness and accuracy of responses.
• Features (15% of total score): We looked at the essential estate planning features and add-on services the company offers and whether the packages are customizable.
• Customer satisfaction (5% of total score): We looked at customer ratings across trusted third-party review sites, like Better Business Bureau (BBB) and Trustpilot, and rated our own satisfaction with the process.

Bottom line

After hundreds of hours researching, our Reviews Team found the above online will maker companies to be the top five in the market. We found Legal Zoom is our best overall because of its combination of excellent legal support, step-by-step process, and affordable prices.

We liked Trust & Will for its excellent customer support and user-friendly creation process, and if you’re looking for high-quality documents and affordable ongoing support, Quicken WillMaker & Trust would be your best option. If you want to have an attorney review your will and answer questions along the way, LegalZoom is our top pick for legal assistance. With its free will option, Rocket Lawyer is best for those on a budget. If making unlimited lifetime updates is high on your priority list, U.S. LegalWills is a great option.

For more resources about planning for the future:

• Read our guidance on managing someone else’s legal, financial, and medical decisions
• Be informed about estate recovery , how it works, and how it can affect you or a loved one

Comparison of best online will makers, as of October 2024

*Create a will for free during the seven-day trial period.

**If your order has been completed, you have 7 days from completion to request a refund.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, it’s completely legitimate to use an online service to create your will. As long as you execute the document in accordance with your state’s laws, your online will is legally binding.

Among those reviewed services, Trust & Will was our number one “Editor’s Pick.” Next, we chose LegalZoom, Quicken WillMaker & Trust, followed by Rocket Lawyer, and U.S. LegalWills.

The main pros of online wills are they’re more affordable than hiring an estate attorney, they can be created from home, and they’re easier than writing a will from scratch.

The main cons of online wills are that an attorney review is not available with all services, they might not be the best option for those with a complicated estate, and unlimited updates not available with all services (requiring re-purchase to make updates).

The price to create a simple online will range from $0–$89. Some packages offering several documents, in addition to a will, can cost up to $299.

While an online will is designed to be legally binding if you provide accurate information and follow your state’s laws, its validity could be contested if someone has reason to believe it wasn’t written properly.

In some circumstances, such as complex financial situations, complicated family structures, or undecided wishes, it’s best to consult an attorney.

Have questions about this review? Email us at [email protected] .

• Gallup.com. How Many Americans Have a Will? June 23, 2021. Found on the Internet at https://news.gallup.com/poll/351500/how-many-americans-have-will.aspx

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• Trust & Estate Planning

Best Online Will Makers for November 2024

Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust is our top pick because it's comprehensive and affordable

An online will maker is a service that helps an individual create a will from the comfort of their home, potentially for less than an estate attorney would charge, which (if accurate and executed correctly) is just as legally binding as a standard will. A strong online will maker offers a robust suite of estate planning services and documents at an affordable price. As creating a will can be an intimidating prospect, the best online will makers should also provide support tools that will walk you through the entire process and ensure your documents are customized to fit your unique situation.

According to our research, Nolo's Quicken WillMaker & Trust is the best overall online will maker due to its downloadable software, free software updates, and access to a catalog of estate planning documents. We researched 13 companies and evaluated them on several factors, including company history, price, availability in all states, offerings for online resources, ease of use, compatibility with various devices, and whether it was easy to make updates.

The 6 Best Online Will Makers for November 2024

• Best Overall: Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust
• Best Value: U.S. Legal Wills
• Best for Ease of Use: Trust & Will
• Best Comprehensive Estate Plan: TotalLegal
• Best Free Online Will Maker: Do Your Own Will
• Best for Making Changes: Rocket Lawyer
• Our Top Picks
• Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust
• U.S. Legal Wills
• Trust & Will
• Do Your Own Will
• Rocket Lawyer
• See More (3)
• Expert Picks for the Best Online Will Makers
• Compare Providers
• Additional Services

How to Make a Will Online

• Pros & Cons
• Will Alternatives
• Why Trust Us
• Methodology

Best Overall : Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust

• Price (One-Time) : N/A
• Price (Annual) : Starting at $99
• Legal support : No
• Free trial : No
• Update period : One year of software updates included

Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust is our pick for the best overall will maker, as not only does this product gives customers access to a wide variety of estate planning documents, the software itself is also easy to use. As an added bonus, you're not required to have an internet connection to use the software, only to download and update it.

Flat rate for comprehensive estate planning documents

Free software updates for version year

Downloadable software available for Plus and All Access tiers

Estate planning documents invalid in Louisiana

Minimum operating system requirements

Downloadable software unavailable for Starter tier

Nolo, which is headquartered in Pleasanton, California, started by publishing DIY legal guides back in 1971. It was one of the first websites to provide online legal assistance and information. It's branched out into other products, like its Quicken WillMaker & Trust software tools.

You can download the program for $99 to $209, depending on the version. They include key estate planning documents like a legal will, a living trust , a financial power of attorney (POA) , a health care directive, final arrangements, and a letter to survivors, in addition to other types of personal finance and home and family management documents.

The software is compatible with both Mac and Windows, and it's easy to use. It allows you to create customized legal documents using a simple interview survey to fill out forms. You can then save your information and download completed documents in PDF format. You can update your will at any time and receive legal and technical updates via the internet.

There's a legal manual to help you answer common questions within Quicken WillMaker & Trust, and you can contact technical support for additional help. Louisiana residents won’t be able to use this software because it doesn’t address the estate planning requirements for this state.

Best Value : U.S. Legal Wills

 US Legal Wills

• Price (One-Time) : Starting at $49.95 for individuals and $99.90 for couples
• Price (Annual) : N/A
• Legal support : Yes
• Update period : Unlimited

U.S. Legal Wills is one of the most affordable will options we've seen. It offers 40% off forms for partners or spouses, and it also has an add-on service to get an attorney to review your estate plan. It’s one of the only websites that accommodates affordable wills for expats and those who have personal property or other assets located outside the U.S.

Free unlimited updates

Forms for assets outside the U.S. and expats included

Discounted documents for spouse or partner

No living revocable trust available

Website less intuitive than other competitors

Clunky signup process for spouses

Formed in 2000 and based in New York City, U.S. Legal Wills is operated by PartingWishes Inc., an independent organization that works with U.S.-based lawyers to create legal documents, without being tied to a particular law firm. Services are available in all U.S. states (except Louisiana) and provide some of the best values and discounts of all the websites we reviewed.

Starting at $49.95 for a last will and testament, U.S. Legal Wills customers also get free storage for their documents on the company's secure servers, in addition to unlimited updates. You can pay annually or opt for the lifetime feature if you want to keep storing your documents with U.S. Legal Wills, which is only $129.95. It's a more economical choice if you plan on storing your will on its servers for more than a few years. Spouses or partners can get mirror wills (plus additional documents) for 40% off.

You can create a variety of estate planning documents on the U.S. Legal Wills website, then designate what the company calls Keyholders. These are people who have access to your documents, such as trusted family members or the individual you've named as executor .

Members can receive additional support by submitting a ticket through the customer service portal.

Best for Ease of Use : Trust & Will

 Trust & Will

• Price (One-Time) : Starting at $199 for individuals and $299 for couples
• Price (Annual) : Starting at $19 after first year
• Update period : One year

Customers can create their estate planning documents quickly and simply with Trust & Will. The company offers an easy way to decide which option is best through the "Get Started" section of its site. You can then fill in relevant details using an interview-style format.

We also like that Trust & Will makes it easy for you to make your documents legally binding by mailing you your completed documents for free and providing complete instructions.

Comprehensive learning center

Three options available

Website is intuitive to use

Only one year of unlimited updates

No free upfront legal consultations

Founded in 2017 and headquartered in San Diego, California, Trust & Will aims to modernize the financial planning process by providing an easy and secure way to create your estate plan online. Document creation is seamless using its user-friendly website and its step-by-step path to getting started. The process can take as little as 15 minutes, and the company even mails your completed documents to you for no extra charge, along with instructions to make sure everything is legally binding.

The fintech expert's state-specific trusts offer pretty much everything you'll need, including a living will’s schedule of assets and a revocable living trust to help your loved ones avoid probate. It's one of the only do-it-yourself companies to offer this option.

Trust & Will has a flat fee for wills of $199 for an individual and $299 for couples. A customized trust costs $499, or $599 for couples. This includes unlimited updates for a year. You'll pay $19 annually after the first year for unlimited updates for wills and $39 for trusts.

Best Comprehensive Estate Plan : TotalLegal

Total Legal

• Price (One-Time) : Starting at $19.95
• Update period : 60 days

TotalLegal is one of the only companies that provides comprehensive legal services that include do-it-yourself business and estate planning documents plus free and discounted access to attorneys through its TotalLegal™ plan.

Low annual or monthly fee

Free and discounted legal services for premium members

Create a wide variety of documents

Limited update period for one-off document purchases

No living trusts available

No online access for executors

TotalLegal is part of Pro Se Planning Inc., which provides self-guided legal products, including estate planning and business formation documents. Pro Se Planning was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. Customers can purchase and complete individual estate planning documents starting at $19.95 for a last will and testament, which remains available in your online account for 60 days, then offers unlimited updates.

The biggest advantage of TotalLegal is its yearly subscription plan. You get access to legal services for $99 a year, including a consultation, attorney-reviewed documents, and a will with free updates each year. All this provides the most comprehensive resources for those who need some guidance.

Document creation is simple. You’ll go through a series of questions to inform and complete your document, which can then be downloaded and printed. TotalLegal’s help center provides extensive information, and you can always call or email customer support if you have any additional questions.

There are discounted services that include creating a simple will with a trust. You'll also get access to its document storage digital vault service, where there are no storage limits.

Best Free Online Will Maker : Do Your Own Will

 Do Your Own Will

• Price (One-Time) : Free
• Free trial : N/A

This free option offers one of the widest varieties of forms without paying for extras. There's no need to create an account or hand over any credit card details. You can download your documents instantly.

Account not needed to access documents

Available in all 50 states

Save your will as either a PDF or Word document

No legal support

Must check state laws yourself

Do Your Own Will is a completely free way to make a last will and testament, POA, or a living will. Beyond the unbeatable price, one of the major perks is that it’s simple to use. There's no need to sign up for an account, but you'll have to provide your email address if you want to make updates or changes later.

Users complete forms online by filling in details such as marital status, information on your dependents, how you want your assets to be divided, and who you want to name as your executor. Download the document as a PDF or Word document, then you can sign it.

Originally founded in 1999, Do Your Own Will is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. It’s available nationwide, but there's one caveat: There's no legal support, so make sure you do your own research to ensure your will is legally binding.

Best for Making Changes : Rocket Lawyer

 Rocket Lawyer

• Price (One-Time) : Free will template
• Price (Annual) : Starting at $239.88
• Free trial : Yes
• Update period : Unlimited with subscription

You get access to all Rocket Lawyer's estate planning documents for one monthly price and you can make updates whenever you like. What makes Rocket Lawyer stand out is its ability to get legal advice for new legal issues and the ability to sign your documents securely online. This allows any changes you make to go into effect immediately.

Wide variety of legal and estate planning documents

Free seven-day trial

Low monthly fee for premium access

Monthly membership pricier than other options

Credit card information required for free trial

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Rocket Lawyer offers online legal services that include documents and attorney services. Rocket Lawyer provides customers with two monthly subscription models, which cost $39.99 per month or $239.88 per year, depending on the membership chosen. You get unlimited access to all its legal documents, including the ability to make updates and attorney services. The price also includes a free 30-minute consultation on new legal matters, an “ask a lawyer” option for your legal questions, and other professional services.

You can download wills, trusts, and powers of attorney immediately after you complete all the required information online, and then you'll receive instructions to make the documents legally binding. They can be securely signed online, plus you can invite others to sign them digitally as well. This allows you to make updates and changes quickly. You can also contact customer service by email, online chat, or calling its hotline.

 Expert Picks for the Best Online Will Makers

We’re a fan of Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust because you can make your will or trust and other documents with one download for one flat price. Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust is an option with great features for your estate planning forms if you're computer savvy. However, you may want to choose another option if you want additional help from a live lawyer, and both TotalLegal and Rocket Lawyer offer avenues for accessing attorneys.

If you're looking for a quick, easy-to-use service, then Trust & Will's user-friendly website and its step-by-step document creation process may appeal to you. U.S. Legal Wills, meanwhile, is among the most affordable will options currently available and provides great value for its price. However, if you're on a particularly tight budget, then Do Your Own Will is an excellent free option.

Compare Online Will Makers

What other services does each will maker offer.

While writing your own will may seem like an intimidating task, the actual complexity will depend on the nature of your estate. You may be better served hiring an estate planning attorney if you possess an intricate web of assets. If your estate is relatively uncomplicated, then you can follow the steps below to put a will together yourself (though it may still be a good idea to have a lawyer review the finished document).

• Catalog your assets : Before you start writing your will, take an inventory of every asset you own/have in your name that you are legally permitted to bequeath in your state. You'll want to be as detailed as possible when you list these assets in your will to avoid any confusion about what a beneficiary should receive.
• Find an online template : You can certainly write a will from scratch, but you can also make things easier on yourself by utilizing an online template from a reputable source. This will reduce the amount of time you'll spend writing and minimize the chances of making any errors. Ensure whichever template you choose includes any additional clauses important to you, such as what powers your executor should have or how assets not assigned to any beneficiaries ought to be handled.
• Start with your name and address : While the exact identifying information you'll need in your will may vary based on the template, you'll typically have to include your full legal name, city (and possibly county), and state. Make sure your template includes a sentence revoking any prior wills you may have had.
• Name your executor(s) and guardian(s) (if applicable) : In your will, you'll need to identify the executor administering your will (as well as their successor if your first choice is unavailable) and the guardian (plus their successor) you're granting custody of your minor children (if you have any). You'll also likely have to include the mailing address and Social Security number (SSN) of each individual you name in your will. Be sure to first communicate with each individual you want to name as an executor or guardian to ensure they're willing to accept their respective roles.
• Choose your beneficiaries and the asset(s) they will receive : As with your executor(s) and guardian(s), you'll have to name the beneficiaries receiving your assets, in addition to potentially providing their mailing addresses, SSNs, and relations to you. You'll then need to specify which asset(s) each person or organization will be given.
• Sign and date your will : Once you've finished writing your will, the final step is signing it before the witnesses required by your state. If you don't complete this step, then your will won't be legally binding.

After making copies of your completed will, store the original somewhere safe and inform your executor(s) of where they can find it. You'll also want to review and revise your will every few years and after any major upheavals in your life.

Financial Advisor Insight

"Making a will is one of the simplest ways to protect your family and your assets. If you’re just starting to think about estate planning, an online will maker can be an affordable and easy way to get your will in place," said Ryan Greiser, CFP , a member of Investopedia’s Financial Advisor Council. "Most platforms walk you through the process in a few steps, and for those with straightforward estates, it’s a great option to avoid the high cost of hiring an attorney. But if your situation is more complex—like if you own a business or have a large estate—working with an attorney to create a more customized might be the better route."

Pros and Cons of Having a Will

Control over how your assets are distributed

Ensure your loved ones are cared for

Easy to update

Probate process can take a long time

Won't take effect in the event of incapacitation

Becomes a public record after your death

Pros Explained

• Control over how your assets are distributed : Perhaps the greatest benefit of having a will is that it ensures your assets are distributed to your beneficiaries according to your wishes (unless you have outstanding debt, in which case your estate would be used to pay off whatever you owe). Without a will, your estate will typically be subject to intestate succession, wherein your state's intestacy laws will determine how your assets are distributed.
• Ensure your loved ones are cared for : In addition to ensuring your loved ones are cared for financially, having a will allows you to control who will look after your dependents (any minor children, pets, etc. for whom you're the primary caregiver) in the event of your passing. If you don't have this outlined in a will, the courts will appoint a guardian for your dependents.
• Easy to update: Once you've created your will, you can update it at essentially any time using an amendment, also known as a codicil, or by writing a new will entirely. While it's worth revisiting your estate plan every few years or so, there's no need to wait that long should something change in your life that necessitates updating your will.

Cons Explained

• Probate process can take a long time : Perhaps the biggest downside of a will is that the probate process, wherein the courts review the deceased's assets and either determine inheritors or validate the will, can take a considerable amount of time. Depending on how complex your estate is and where you live, probate can take several months to over a year. This process can drag on for even longer if you have property in multiple states, as your beneficiaries will have to go through probate in each one.
• Won't take effect in the event of incapacitation : In the event that you're still living but become physically or mentally unable to manage your affairs, an advance directive (also known as a living will) will be required to designate a health care proxy who can make informed decisions on your behalf. At the same time, you will need a living trust for you to appoint someone to manage your financial affairs. Since a last will and testament only goes into effect when you pass away, you cannot use it for either of these purposes.
• Becomes a public record after your death : Your will is considered a confidential document while you're still alive. After you pass away and the will goes through probate, it becomes a public document. A will becomes a public record so that anyone not included in your will can have a chance to file a claim against your estate.

Alternative to a Will

The primary alternative to a will is a living trust . The latter is a legal arrangement wherein an individual designates assets that are transferred to a trust account, which is managed by a trustee of the account opener's choosing. A living trust is created when the account opener signs a trust agreement, which typically specifies the trust's purpose, what kinds of assets it holds, the trustee's duties and responsibilities, and which assets in the trust each beneficiary will receive after the grantor dies.

Wills and living trusts share many similarities, but there are a few key differences that set them apart from one another:

• A will is a straightforward document that only details how the testator's assets should be distributed after their passing. Meanwhile, a living trust is a complicated arrangement wherein the grantor sets aside specific assets to fund a trust account while they're alive.
• A will doesn't go into effect until after the testator dies, whereas a living trust is in effect as soon as it's signed.
• In most cases, a will goes into probate after the testator dies, and a trust avoids the probate process entirely.
• A will becomes part of the public record, whereas a living trust's details will only be known to the grantor, trustee, and beneficiaries.

Although a living trust can be considered an alternative to a will, they aren't mutually exclusive. If you want to have an especially comprehensive estate plan , you can have both a will and a living trust. However, if your estate isn't particularly complex, then a will by itself may be sufficient.

Why You Should Trust Us

Investopedia collected and analyzed several key data points from over 13 companies to identify the most important factors for readers choosing an online will maker. We used this data to review each company for price, availability, compatibility with various devices, and other features to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews to ensure our readers make the right financial decisions for their needs. Investopedia launched in 1999, and has been helping readers find the best online will makers since 2020.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a will.

A will is a type of legal document that outlines your wishes for how your assets ought to be distributed, who should care for your dependents, and more after you pass away. Without a will, your assets will be distributed according to your state’s intestate succession laws, your children's guardian will be chosen by the courts, and any other wishes you might have may not be carried out.

Are Online Wills Legit?

Online wills are legitimate as long as they comply with federal and state laws. Online will companies hire licensed attorneys and legal professionals to carefully word their estate planning documents so that each is legally binding, but you'll want to make sure that your final documents will carry the same weight as one that an attorney creates. Check the fine print of the online will company to make sure it’s compliant in your state.

Is Paying for an Online Will Maker Worth It?

Using a free online will service can suffice if your estate is simple and straightforward: You don’t have any children, your only beneficiary is your spouse, and your estate is very small. But you'll probably benefit from using a paid service if you have a larger estate or a more complex situation, or if you want a legal professional to help you work through your documents and other financial affairs.

Should an Individual Write Their Own Will?

It's inadvisable to write your own will without any sort of legal guidance unless you have an up-to-date background in and knowledge of estate law. Otherwise, it's too easy to inadvertently sidestep a rule or law in your state that you didn't even know about. This could result in your final wishes not being carried out, throwing your estate into chaos as the court looks for alternate solutions. Always touch base with a legal professional before writing and finalizing your own will.

What Should You Avoid Putting in a Will?

Your will is not a private document after your death, so don't include anything that you don't want to become a matter of public record. Forming a living trust is a much more private estate-planning alternative. It will avoid airing out all the most intimate details of your life in probate court. A will must pass through probate in order for your estate to be settled.

What Is the Best Online Will Maker?

According to our research, Nolo's Quicken WillMaker & Trust website offers the best online will maker. However, depending on your needs, you may be better suited with another company. Do Your Own Will, for example, is a great free option, so long as you're confident in your ability to create a legally binding will without any legal support.

Are Wills Really Necessary?

In most cases, a will is an indispensable part of an estate plan, alongside health care directives and life insurance policies. If you pass away without a will, then you risk your assets being distributed to different persons or parties than you might have wished for. Having a will in place can give you the peace of mind that this won't come to pass. There are a few cases where a will isn't strictly necessary, such as if you lack sufficient assets or any beneficiaries.

What Is the Difference Between a Will and a Trust?

Wills and trusts are both estate planning documents, the former being a document detailing the testator's wishes for their assets, while the latter requires funding a trust account with certain assets that the grantor has set aside for it. Additional differences include that wills become effective after the testator passes (living trusts are in effect after signing), trusts avoid the probate process that most wills are subject to, and wills are public records.

How We Pick the Best Online Will Makers

Our goal is to make sure our recommendations are ones we would share with our family and friends when looking to choose an online will maker company. We looked at 13 companies before choosing the top providers. Factors we looked at include company history, price, availability in all states, offerings for online resources, whether the product was simple to use, compatibility with various devices, and whether it was easy to make updates.

Our opinions are our own and are not influenced by the payment we receive from advertisers.  Click here to learn more about our review process.

Investopedia / Zoe Hansen

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