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A will is an important part of a basic estate plan, and making one may be easier than you think. Online will-maker software programs allow you to create a will on your own, often for less than what you might pay an estate planning attorney for the same service. But which is the best online will maker, and how do you determine which program to use? If you are ready to make a will, there are some of the best online will makers available now.
Working with a financial advisor as you create or modify an estate plan can save you time and help you avoid mistakes.
1. U.S. Legal Wills
Cost: $49.95+
If you are married, you can set up a joint will, but it might make more sense for each of you to have your own will. That, however, can mean double the cost for drafting them. With U.S. Legal Wills, spouses can take advantage of a discount when creating multiple wills.
This service is easy to use, even if you are not a legal expert. In addition to creating a will, you can also create power of attorney forms, a living will, an expatriate will and a Life Locker, which stores critical information to be passed on to your loved ones after you pass away.
Each form has its own costs, and you do get a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can also store your documents online with unlimited updates for one year for free.
2. Quicken
Cost: $109 – $219
A living trust is something you may consider adding to your estate plan if you want to name a trustee to manage certain assets on behalf of your beneficiaries. Nolo’s Quicken Willmaker & Trust program allows you to create a last will and testament, as well as a living trust, in a single package.
The software allows you to create more than two dozen forms, including:
- Durable power of attorney
- Healthcare directive (living will and power of attorney)
- Revocable living trust
- Will
This online will maker uses an interview format to help you create a customized estate plan that includes a trust. If you are unsure which estate planning documents you need, there is a short quiz to help you determine what to include.
3. LegalZoom
Cost: $119 – $439
LegalZoom shares some similarities with Rocket Lawyer in that you can get access to professional legal advice for a fee. LegalZoom also allows you to create a number of will-making and estate planning documents, including:
- Last will and testament
- Living will
- Pet protection agreement
- Financial power of attorney
- Healthcare power of attorney
You can also use LegalZoom for other financial planning needs, such as creating residential leases if you own a rental property or forming an LLC if you plan to start a business. Those services have their own fees separate from those for estate planning.
4. Ethos
Cost: $149 or $349
Ethos is best known as a life insurance provider, but it is quickly gaining attention in the estate planning space, thanks to its seamless integration of will-making tools with financial protection. For individuals and families looking to pair essential planning documents with life insurance, Ethos offers a streamlined solution that brings both under one digital roof.
What sets Ethos apart is its focus on simplicity and speed. Users can create a legally valid will in as little as 20 minutes, all online and at no cost. The process is designed to be straightforward; just answer a few questions about your assets, beneficiaries and final wishes. Ethos will then generate a customized will you can download, print and sign. There is no upselling, no confusing legal language and no subscription required.
5. Rocket Lawyer
Cost: $39.99 monthly or $239.88 annually
Rocket Lawyer offers a free seven-day trial in which you can give the will-making software a test run. During this trial period, you can create up to three legal documents and utilize document management tools.
If you decide to continue with Rocket Lawyer after the trial period, you can do so for a monthly or annual fee. There are two plans you can choose from, depending on how much support you need. RocketLegal covers the basics, but RocketLegal+ includes live access to attorneys, including document review, at no extra fee, while RocketLegal members will have to pay extra for each service.
Easy to use, Rocket Lawyer guides you through the will-making process using an interview format, covering all the most important bases for drafting a legal will.
6. FreeWill
Cost: Free
If charitable giving is a part of your estate plan, FreeWill may be a good fit for creating a will online. This software is offered for free through the support of various nonprofit organizations.
It allows you to draft a will in as little as 20 minutes, with special provisions for donating or leaving assets to your favorite charities. You can also use FreeWill to create an advance health care directive and a durable financial power of attorney.
7. Mama Bear Legal Forms
Cost: $79 – $249
Mama Bear Legal Forms offers a straightforward approach to estate planning for families. Designed with parents and families in mind, this platform specializes in helping users create legally binding wills, powers of attorney and healthcare directives—without the high cost of an attorney or the overwhelm of doing it alone.
The platform’s biggest strength lies in its simplicity. Mama Bear walks you through the will creation process with an easy-to-follow, question-based interface that takes most users less than 20 minutes to complete. The final documents are state-specific and ready for download, printing and signing.
8. Trust & Will
Cost: $109 – $599
If you have children or an older special needs dependent, that can influence how you approach estate planning. Trust & Will offers solutions for families, including wills, trusts and guardianship documents.
Trust & Will costs a bit more compared to some of the other online will-making software programs out there. However, it may be a solid investment if you want a comprehensive estate plan that covers several different scenarios that could impact your family.
For example, if you have minor children, you should name a legal guardian to manage their care if something happens to you. A trust could be used to manage any assets you leave behind on their behalf until they are old enough to receive their inheritance.
9. GoodTrust
Cost: $149
GoodTrust is a modern digital estate planning platform that goes beyond traditional wills by focusing on both your physical and digital legacy. In today’s world, where much of our lives are online, from bank accounts to social media, GoodTrust offers a unique approach that helps you manage not just who gets your assets but what happens to your digital footprint, as well.
The platform allows users to create legally valid wills, advance healthcare directives and durable powers of attorney, all with a guided, user-friendly process. However, what really sets GoodTrust apart is its digital estate planning services through Digital Vault. This tool allows you to securely store login credentials, manage online accounts and even assign a digital executor to carry out your wishes for everything from email to social media after you are gone.
Bottom Line
Choosing the best online will maker may require a little research into costs, features and benefits. The best online will makers mentioned here are standouts in the industry based on the range, quality and value of their products. However, it can also be helpful to read reviews from other customers help you decide which will-making program is right for you.
Tips for Estate Planning
- Ask a financial advisor for help with your estate planning so you can secure your family’s future. Finding a financial advisor doesn’t have to be hard. SmartAsset’s free tool matches you with vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can have a free introductory call with your advisor matches to decide which one you feel is right for you. If you’re ready to find an advisor who can help you achieve your financial goals, get started now.
- Consider talking to an estate planning attorney if you think you have needs that go beyond making a simple will. For example, if you think you could benefit from establishing a specialized trust or you want to create a legacy of wealth for your children, an estate planning expert can offer valuable insight.
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