Best Online Will Makers of 2024
Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker: Best all-inclusive
Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker
4.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account factors such as pricing, ease of use, breadth of offerings, customer service options and more.
Price (annual)
$99 to $209 per year.
Access to attorney support?
No
We like it because
Nolo’s services are among the most comprehensive on the market.
Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker
4.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account factors such as pricing, ease of use, breadth of offerings, customer service options and more.
We like it because
Nolo’s services are among the most comprehensive on the market.
Price (annual)
$99 to $209 per year.
Access to attorney support?
No
What it looks like
Why we like it
Nolo’s services are among the most comprehensive on the market. Its Quicken WillMaker offers over 35 state-specific estate planning documents in one place, available online or as a software download. The service can be used to make a pour-over will, health care directive, living trust, letters to survivors and other financial management documents, depending on your annual plan.
All three plans help you craft a will via a simple, straightforward questionnaire that guides you to the documents you need. If you decide not to use the cloud version, be sure you have enough space on your computer (54 megabytes) to download the software.
GoodTrust: Best for digital assets
GoodTrust
5.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account factors such as pricing, ease of use, breadth of offerings, customer service options and more.
Price (one-time)
$149 for estate plan bundle. Promotion: NerdWallet users can save up to $10.
Access to attorney support?
No
We like it because
GoodTrust’s “Digital Vault” feature is helpful for incorporating your online assets into your estate plan for a reasonable cost.
GoodTrust
5.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account factors such as pricing, ease of use, breadth of offerings, customer service options and more.
We like it because
GoodTrust’s “Digital Vault” feature is helpful for incorporating your online assets into your estate plan for a reasonable cost.
Price (one-time)
$149 for estate plan bundle. Promotion: NerdWallet users can save up to $10.
Access to attorney support?
No
What it looks like
Why we like it
GoodTrust stands out for its “Digital Vault” feature, an encrypted online platform for secure storage of any online asset, including social media accounts, subscriptions and online banking information. You can add a trusted contact to any account on an item-by-item basis and provide detailed instructions, such as how to memorialize your Facebook account or where to transfer your Venmo balance.
GoodTrust offers key estate planning documents for a reasonable fee compared to other estate planning services. The service includes customer support via email ticket and live chat during the will-making process.
Trust & Will: Best for ease of use
Trust & Will
4.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account factors such as pricing, ease of use, breadth of offerings, customer service options and more.
Price (one-time)
Will: one-time fee of $199 per individual or $299 for couples. Trust: one-time fee of $499 per individual or $599 for couples.
Price (annual)
$19 annual membership fee.
Access to attorney support?
Yes
We like it because
Trust & Will stands out for its quick and easy-to-use process.
Trust & Will
4.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account factors such as pricing, ease of use, breadth of offerings, customer service options and more.
We like it because
Trust & Will stands out for its quick and easy-to-use process.
Price (one-time)
Will: one-time fee of $199 per individual or $299 for couples. Trust: one-time fee of $499 per individual or $599 for couples.
Price (annual)
$19 annual membership fee.
Access to attorney support?
Yes
What it looks like
Why we like it
Trust & Will stands out for its quick and easy-to-use process. The online will maker service includes HIPAA authorization, living will and power of attorney documents. You can download your documents, but all documents also ship free for first-time users with state-specific notarization instructions.
The Trust & Will website also includes a library of educational content to help users understand estate planning, and unlimited attorney support is available for $200 per year.
Rocket Lawyer: Best customer service
Rocket Lawyer
4.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account factors such as pricing, ease of use, breadth of offerings, customer service options and more.
Price (one-time)
Free will template.
Price (annual)
$39.99 monthly access fee for changes and legal support.
Access to attorney support?
Yes
We like it because
Rocket Lawyer stands out for its customer service, which includes the option to contact a lawyer for legal assistance via phone, email or online chat.
Rocket Lawyer
4.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account factors such as pricing, ease of use, breadth of offerings, customer service options and more.
We like it because
Rocket Lawyer stands out for its customer service, which includes the option to contact a lawyer for legal assistance via phone, email or online chat.
Price (one-time)
Free will template.
Price (annual)
$39.99 monthly access fee for changes and legal support.
Access to attorney support?
Yes
What it looks like
Why we like it
Rocket Lawyer stands out for its customer service, which includes the option to contact a lawyer for legal assistance via phone, email or online chat. This service is included in Rocket Lawyer’s $39.99 monthly fee, which gives you access to all estate planning documents on the platform.
Otherwise, you can fill out the company’s free will template. The seven-day free trial is a great way to take advantage of the upgraded customer service, but you’ll have to pay to make updates after the trial ends.
LegalZoom: Best state-specific legal advice
LegalZoom
3.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account factors such as pricing, ease of use, breadth of offerings, customer service options and more.
Price (one-time)
Will: $199 for Basic, $299 for Premium with attorney assist. Trust: $499 for Basic, $599 for Premium with attorney assist.
Price (annual)
$199 per year for attorney assistance after the first year.
Access to attorney support?
Yes
We like it because
LegalZoom’s online will maker, like its other legal services, uses flat-fee pricing and offers attorney assistance for an added fee.
LegalZoom
3.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account factors such as pricing, ease of use, breadth of offerings, customer service options and more.
We like it because
LegalZoom’s online will maker, like its other legal services, uses flat-fee pricing and offers attorney assistance for an added fee.
Price (one-time)
Will: $199 for Basic, $299 for Premium with attorney assist. Trust: $499 for Basic, $599 for Premium with attorney assist.
Price (annual)
$199 per year for attorney assistance after the first year.
Access to attorney support?
Yes
What it looks like
Why we like it
LegalZoom’s online will maker, like its other legal services, uses flat-fee pricing and offers attorney assistance for an added fee. The company has independent attorneys available in all 50 states who can help make sure your documents comply with your state’s laws.
You can craft an online will starting at $199, which includes a power of attorney designation form and health care directives.
Do Your Own Will: Best free will software
Do Your Own Will
4.5
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account factors such as pricing, ease of use, breadth of offerings, customer service options and more.
Access to attorney support?
No
We like it because
Do Your Own Will offers wills, living wills and power of attorney documents for download as PDFs and Word documents.
Do Your Own Will
4.5
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account factors such as pricing, ease of use, breadth of offerings, customer service options and more.
We like it because
Do Your Own Will offers wills, living wills and power of attorney documents for download as PDFs and Word documents.
Access to attorney support?
No
What it looks like
Why we like it
Do Your Own Will offers wills, living wills and power of attorney documents for download as PDFs and Word documents. You can select your state and fill in basic information to craft a basic will at no cost. This service doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of other online will makers, and you may need to double-check the legal standards for your state, but it’s simple, functional and free.
Fabric by Gerber Life: Best online will maker for young families
Fabric by Gerber Life
3.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account factors such as pricing, ease of use, breadth of offerings, customer service options and more.
Access to attorney support?
No
We like it because
Fabric by Gerber Life offers a free online will maker catered to families with young children.
Fabric by Gerber Life
3.0
NerdWallet rating
NerdWallet’s ratings are determined by our editorial team. The scoring formula takes into account factors such as pricing, ease of use, breadth of offerings, customer service options and more.
We like it because
Fabric by Gerber Life offers a free online will maker catered to families with young children.
Access to attorney support?
No
What it looks like
Why we like it
Fabric by Gerber Life offers a free online will maker catered to families with young children. Fabric’s will template isn’t state-specific, though the website does provide instructions to make your will legally binding in your state. The process is fairly quick and offers an easy way to appoint guardians and beneficiaries, with the option to sign up for life insurance through the platform as well.
What other services does each will maker offer?
Financial power of attorney |
||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker |
Included in Plus and All-Access plans. |
Health care power of attorney and living will are included in all plans. |
Living trust is included in Plus and All-Access plans. |
|
Durable financial power of attorney included in will-based estate plan. |
Advance health care directive included in will-based estate plan. |
Revocable living trust is included. |
||
General power of attorney is included in Will plan. |
HIPAA authorization, living will and power of attorney are included in Will plan. |
Living trust plan starting at $599 includes a trust, medical directives and a pour-over will. |
Special warranty deed transfer service is available for $265 per deed. |
|
Free durable and general power of attorney templates. |
Free living will and medical power of attorney templates. |
Free living trust template. |
Free quitclaim deed template. |
|
Included in Estate Plan Bundle. |
Living will is included in Estate Plan Bundle; no medical power of attorney. |
Living trust is available for $249. |
Deed transfer service starts at $249. |
|
Free general power of attorney template. |
Free health care power of attorney and living will templates. |
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Are online wills legit?
Online wills can be legally binding if they’re specific to your state and properly notarized. Notarization requirements can vary from state to state; in some, you may need only two witnesses to sign and won’t need an attorney. Also, make sure to use a reputable, well-reviewed online will maker if you’re going the do-it-yourself route.
Other ways to write a will
Download a template
Many websites have free and low-priced will templates available for download. You can find templates specific to your state and estate situation, though more specific forms may cost extra.
A template is a decent starter option if you can’t invest in a more comprehensive effort, but make sure the template meets your needs and state legal requirements.
Hire an attorney or estate tax professional
Hiring a professional can help ensure that you’re protected in specific situations you may have concerns about, including special child care provisions, business issues or a blended family with multiple heirs.
Hybrid approach
You can start writing your will yourself and then ask an attorney any lingering questions. By starting the process, you’ll have answered or anticipated most questions a legal adviser would have and be able to discuss any concerns.
Your fees might also be lower because you’ll have done much of the prep work before consulting an attorney. However, even a partial lawyer’s fee is more expensive than other will-writing methods, and working with a professional can be time-consuming and require multiple appointments.
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