Why Use an Online Will-Making Service?
Creating a last will and testament is one of the most important legal documents you will ever sign. It determines who inherits your assets, who will care for your minor children, and how your final affairs will be handled. Yet more than half of American adults do not have a will. The primary reasons are cost, complexity, and procrastination. Online will-making services have emerged as an affordable and convenient alternative to hiring an estate planning attorney, with prices ranging from free to a few hundred dollars.
These services use guided interviews to walk you through the process of creating legally valid wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents. While they are not a substitute for complex estate planning involving large estates, business interests, or blended families, they are an excellent option for the majority of people with straightforward financial situations.
In this comparison, we evaluate five leading services: Trust & Will, LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, Nolo, and US Legal Forms. We examine costs, features, ease of use, customer support, and state-specific compliance to help you choose the right service for your needs.
Trust & Will: Best Overall for Modern Estate Planning
Trust & Will has quickly become one of the most popular online estate planning platforms since its launch in 2017. The service offers a modern, user-friendly interface and covers the full range of estate planning documents including wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Trust & Will is designed specifically for people who want a digital-first experience with minimal friction.
Pricing: Trust & Will offers two pricing tiers. The Will Plan starts at $89 per individual or $129 per couple, which includes a last will and testament, financial power of attorney, and healthcare directive. The Trust Plan starts at $199 per individual or $299 per couple and includes a revocable living trust plus all the Will Plan documents. Document storage and updates are included for the first year.
Key features: The platform stands out for its clean interface, step-by-step guidance, and built-in document storage. Trust & Will also offers a dedicated mobile app, which is rare among estate planning services. The service is available in all 50 states and provides state-specific forms that comply with local laws. Customer support is available via email and chat, and the company offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Best for: Individuals and couples who want a modern, digital-first experience with both will and trust options. The Trust Plan is particularly good value for the comprehensive coverage it provides.
LegalZoom: Most Established and Trusted Brand
Founded in 2001, LegalZoom is the most well-known online legal service provider. The company has helped millions of customers create wills and other legal documents over its two decades in business. LegalZoom's will-making service benefits from the company's extensive experience and nationwide network of attorney partners who can provide advice when needed.
Pricing: LegalZoom's Last Will package starts at $89 for the basic version, but most customers end up paying $139 or more after adding recommended upgrades. The Estate Plan Bundle, which includes a will, living trust, healthcare directive, and financial power of attorney, costs $249. LegalZoom also charges an annual document storage fee of $19.99 unless you purchase a bundle.
Key features: LegalZoom offers the most comprehensive attorney network among online services. For an additional fee, you can speak with an independent attorney in your state who can review your documents and answer questions. The platform also provides a thorough questionnaire that covers complex family situations, including providing for children with special needs, leaving assets to charities, and managing business interests.
Best for: Customers who want the reassurance of a well-established brand and optional attorney review. LegalZoom is also a good choice for those with slightly more complex estate planning needs.
Consumer Note: A 2025 survey by Consumer Reports found that LegalZoom scored highest among online legal services for customer satisfaction, with 87% of respondents saying they would recommend the service to others. However, reviewers noted that LegalZoom's upsells can make the final cost significantly higher than the advertised base price.
Rocket Lawyer: Best for Ongoing Legal Needs
Rocket Lawyer operates on a subscription-based model that provides access to a full library of legal documents beyond just estate planning. For a single monthly or annual fee, members can create wills, trusts, powers of attorney, business contracts, rental agreements, and dozens of other legal documents. This makes Rocket Lawyer the best value if you anticipate needing multiple legal documents over time.
Pricing: Rocket Lawyer offers a free 7-day trial (credit card required), after which the membership costs $39.99 per month or $239.88 per year. A Last Will created through the subscription costs nothing extra beyond the membership fee. Non-members can create a will for $99.99. Document storage and online access are included with the membership.
Key features: The standout feature is the subscription model, which provides access to hundreds of legal documents for one flat fee. Rocket Lawyer also offers a free attorney consultation for members on any legal issue, which can be valuable for estate planning questions. The platform's interview process uses plain language explanations and provides helpful tips throughout.
Best for: Individuals and families who need multiple legal documents or who want ongoing access to legal forms and attorney advice. The subscription model can be very cost-effective compared to paying per document.
Nolo: Best for DIY Documentation
Nolo has been publishing legal self-help books and software for over 50 years. The company's online will-making service, Quicken WillMaker & Trust, is one of the most comprehensive DIY options available. Unlike the other services on this list, Nolo's product is downloadable software rather than a purely web-based service, though a web version is also available.
Pricing: Quicken WillMaker & Trust 2026 costs $99.99 for the downloadable software, which includes a will, living trust, healthcare directive, financial power of attorney, and dozens of additional legal forms. This is a one-time purchase with no subscription fees. Nolo also offers a web-based subscription option at $149 per year.
Key features: Nolo's software provides extensive legal explanations and guidance, drawing on the company's decades of legal publishing expertise. The downloadable software works offline and includes lifetime updates within the version year. The program covers all 50 states and provides detailed state-specific instructions. Nolo's legal guides and articles are also available for free on their website.
Best for: People who prefer a one-time purchase over a subscription and who value extensive legal explanations and guidance. Nolo is also ideal for those who want to work offline.
US Legal Forms: Best for State-Specific Forms
US Legal Forms has been providing legal document forms since 1998. With over 85,000 state-specific legal forms, it offers the widest selection of any service on this list. However, it takes a more form-based approach rather than the guided interview style used by the other services, which may be less user-friendly for first-time users.
Pricing: A standard Last Will and Testament form costs $29.95 on US Legal Forms. However, most states require the will to be notarized and witnessed according to specific rules, and additional forms such as self-proving affidavits are sold separately. A more complete estate planning package costs between $49.95 and $89.95 depending on your state.
Key features: The primary advantage of US Legal Forms is its massive library of state-specific forms. The forms are drafted by attorneys and regularly updated to reflect changes in state law. The service also provides detailed form descriptions and instructions. US Legal Forms does not offer guided interviews or attorney consultations, so you are essentially filling out PDF forms yourself.
Best for: People who are comfortable filling out legal forms independently and who want the lowest possible price for a basic will. US Legal Forms is also useful for specific state forms not available through other services.
Comparison at a Glance
- Trust & Will: $89-$299 — Best overall, modern interface, full estate planning suite, mobile app
- LegalZoom: $89-$249 — Most established, attorney network, good for complex situations
- Rocket Lawyer: $39.99/month or $99.99 per will — Best subscription value, attorney consultations included
- Nolo: $99.99 one-time — Best DIY, extensive legal guides, works offline
- US Legal Forms: $29.95-$89.95 — Lowest price, widest form selection, no guided interview
How to Choose the Right Service
Selecting the right online will-making service depends on your specific needs and comfort level. Here are some guidelines to help you decide:
- If your estate is straightforward (you own a home, have a retirement account, and want to name guardians for minor children), Trust & Will offers the best balance of affordability and ease of use. The guided interview covers all essential questions without being overwhelming.
- If you have a blended family, a business, or significant assets, consider LegalZoom for access to attorney review. While no online service can fully replace customized attorney work for complex estates, LegalZoom's attorney network provides useful guidance.
- If you want to minimize costs and plan to create other legal documents, Rocket Lawyer's subscription model is hard to beat. You can create a will, a power of attorney, and a lease agreement all for one monthly fee.
- If you value deep legal explanations and want to understand every detail, go with Nolo. The educational content draws on decades of legal publishing and helps you make informed decisions.
- If you just need a basic form and are comfortable with legal terminology, US Legal Forms is the cheapest option.
Important Considerations Before Creating Your Will
Before using any online will-making service, keep these important points in mind:
- State law compliance: Each state has its own requirements for valid wills, including execution formalities such as witness requirements and notarization. All the services listed above provide state-specific forms, but you must follow the execution instructions carefully.
- Notarization: Some states require notarization for a will to be valid, while others only require witnesses. Self-proving affidavits (which are notarized) can simplify probate later. Check your state's requirements.
- Updates: Estate planning is not a one-time event. You should review your will whenever you experience major life changes such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or significant changes in assets.
- Complex situations: If you have a blended family, a special needs child, a business, assets in multiple states, or potential estate tax liability, consult an attorney rather than relying solely on an online service.
- Storage and access: Make sure your will is stored safely and that your executor knows where to find it. Many online services offer document storage, but you should also keep a physical copy.
Key Statistic: According to a 2026 survey by Caring.com, only 34% of Americans have a will. Among those who do, 42% used an online service, up from 28% in 2022. The trend toward digital estate planning is accelerating, driven by affordability and convenience.
Key Takeaways
- Online will-making services are affordable — prices range from $30 to $300 depending on the service and documents included
- Trust & Will is the best all-around choice for most people with straightforward estates
- LegalZoom offers the most comprehensive attorney network for those who want professional review
- Rocket Lawyer's subscription model provides excellent value if you need multiple legal documents
- Nolo is the best DIY option with extensive educational content and offline access
- Always consult an attorney for complex estate planning involving blended families, businesses, or significant assets
Creating a will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and ensure your wishes are carried out. These online services make the process accessible, affordable, and convenient. Choose the one that fits your needs and take action today.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult a licensed attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.