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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 of April 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 for Free: Do Your Own Will
- Best for Making Changes: Rocket Lawyer
Best Overall : Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust
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- Price: Starting at $99
- Legal support: No
- Free trial: No
- Update period: One year of software updates included
Customers get access to a large number of estate planning documents with this Nolo product, and the software itself is easy to use. You’re not required to have an internet connection except to download and update the software.
Get comprehensive estate planning documents for a flat rate
Free software updates for version year
Downloadable software
Estate planning documents aren’t valid in Louisiana
Must meet minimum operating system requirements
Downloadable software not available for Starter price 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 healthcare 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
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US Legal Wills
- Price: Starting at $49.95
- Legal support: Yes
- Free trial: No
- 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
Includes forms for assets outside the U.S. and for expats
Discounts for documents for your spouse or partner
No living revocable trust available
Website not as intuitive as other competitors
Signup process for spouses can be clunky
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
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Trust & Will
- Price: Starting at $199
- Legal support: Yes
- Free trial: No
- 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
Choose from three options so you can feel less overwhelmed
The website is intuitive to use
Only one year of unlimited updates available
Doesn’t offer free upfront legal consultations
Founded in 2017, Trust & Will aims to modernize the estate planning services industry 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
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Total Legal
- Price: Starting at $19.95 or $99 per year
- Legal support: Yes
- Free trial: No
- 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
Premium members have access to free and discounted legal services
Ability to create a wide variety of documents
Customers who purchase one-off documents have limited update period
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 for Free : Do Your Own Will
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Do Your Own Will
- Price: Free
- Legal support: No
- Free trial: N/A
- Update period: Unlimited
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.
No need to sign up for an account to get access to documents
Available to residents of all 50 states
Ability to save your will as either a PDF or Word document
No legal support
You 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
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Rocket Lawyer
- Price: Starting at $39.99 per month by subscription
- Legal support: Yes
- 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.
Offers a wide variety of legal and estate planning documents
A free seven-day trial to try out its services
Ability to pay a low monthly fee for premium access
Monthly membership pricier than other options
You must provide credit card information even for a 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.
The Bottom Line
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. But you may want to choose another option if you want additional help from a live lawyer. Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust is an option with great features for your estate planning forms if you're computer savvy.
Compare Online Will Makers
| Company | Price | Free Trial | Additional Documents | Legal Support | Update Period | Additional Services |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust Best Overall | From $99 | No | Yes | No | 1 year of software updates included | Health care directives, durable POA, living trusts, final arrangements |
| U.S. Legal Wills Best Value | From $49.95 | No | Yes | Yes | Unlimited | Financial POA, living wills, funeral wishes |
| Trust & Will Best for Ease of Use | From $199 | No | Yes | Yes | 1 year | General power of attorney, living wills, HIPAA authorization |
| Total Legal Best Comprehensive Estate Plan | From $19.95 or $99 per year | No | Yes | Yes | 60 days | General ower of attorney, living will, medical POA, bills of sale, promissory notes |
| Do Your Own Will Best for Free | Free | N/A | Yes | No | Unlimited | Living wills, general POA, durable POA, pet guardian trust, HIPAA authorization |
| Rocket Lawyer Best for Making Changes | From $39.99 per month subscription | Yes | Yes | Yes | Unlimited with subscription | Living wills, general POA, medical POA, divorce settlement, child care authorization, tax prep and filing, business registration, trademarks |
How to Write a Will
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 a template: You can certainly write a will from scratch, but you can also make things easier on yourself by utilizing a free 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 the 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.
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 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
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Are Online Wills Legitimate?
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.
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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 matters.
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Who Should Draw Up a Will?
It's a good idea for anyone with assets that multiple heirs can legitimately claim. Not dividing up assets can cause litigation among family members, creating resentment and heartache after the individual passes.
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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.
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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.
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What Is the Best Site to Create a Will?
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.
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Are Wills Really Necessary?
In most cases, a will is an indispensable part of an estate plan. 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.
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How to Make a Will Online?
When creating a will online, you'll first need to determine whether you want to work with a will maker. If so, you should shop around to find the best online will maker to suit your needs.
If you decide to make your will yourself, you'll need to take stock of your assets, such as any real estate in your name. Next, you should choose your beneficiaries and how you'll want your assets divided between them. After that, you'll need to pick an executor you trust to distribute your assets to the correct beneficiaries. All that's left at this point is to fill out a will template online and store a physical copy somewhere safe.
It would likely be a good idea to hire an attorney to review your will to ensure it's legally binding. Don't forget to also ensure that the beneficiary designations for any of your assets with death benefits (such as bank accounts, retirement accounts, or a life insurance policy) are aligned with your new estate plan.
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.
Investopedia publishes unbiased product reviews. 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.
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