The Best Online Will Services of 2024

A will is an essential document for anyone who wishes to dictate how their possessions should be handled once they are gone. But, Caring.com’s 2024 Estate Planning and Wills Study found that only 33.1% of adults have a will. 

Creating a will may sound intimidating, but it’s much easier than most people realize. There are now numerous online will maker services that charge customers far less than a lawyer would while still providing legally valid documents. 

If you’re interested in creating an online will but you aren’t sure how to evaluate the many companies that offer such services, this guide can help. In it, you’ll find our list of the best online will creation services of 2024. You’ll also find a helpful Buyer’s Guide that will walk you through the steps of the shopping process.

How We Chose the Best Online Will Services

Caring.com considered 15 companies while creating this guide, evaluating each in consultation with knowledgeable experts. Together, we selected 10 companies that set themselves apart by having a well-defined and reliable business model, offering excellent customer service and support, and being upfront about their fees and legal limitations. We made these determinations based on the three key metrics outlined below.

Educational Materials 

• We chose to only review online will services that offer free educational materials about estate planning. 
• Online educational resources may be in different formats such as blogs, help centers, and learning centers.
• Taking the time to explain unfamiliar concepts and terms associated with wills signals that a company cares about its customers.

Transparency

• We made sure to only include companies on our list that clearly state how they make a profit.
• It’s important that companies clarify their business model, whether they’re profiting from advertising or charging fees for services.

Honest Sales Tactics

• We were careful to select companies that make sensible, conservative claims about their products and that were upfront about the fact that their services may not be for everyone. 
• Most websites explicitly state that they are not law firms and that some people do need to see a lawyer, particularly if their estates are complicated. 
• Honesty about the legal status of a business is important.

The 10 Best Online Will Services of 2024

*All costs are rounded to the nearest dollar
**Apple may issue an app refund in limited cases. 

GoodTrust

Best Information Protection

GoodTrust was founded in Palo Alto, California at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in April 2020. The idea for GoodTrust came to CEO and founder Rikard Steiber when he was asked to help preserve the online accounts and content of a friend who had recently passed away. This led him to the discovery that most people don’t have any idea what happens to their online possessions – including crypto holdings, email messages, social media postings, and more – once they are gone. Steiber launched GoodTrust with the goal of empowering people to protect their digital legacies, in addition to providing important documents for estate planning and end-of-life directives.

With his background in technology, Steiber understands the importance of protecting his online company and its customers. GoodTrust uses advanced AES-256 encryption for all data stored in the GoodTrust database and any documents uploaded to GoodTrust servers. This is the same method of security used by the U.S. National Security Agency to protect top-secret information. In other words, hacking into the GoodTrust network would be exceptionally difficult and is highly unlikely. 

The Pros and Cons of GoodTrust Services

Trust & Will

Best Refund Policy

Trust & Will sets itself apart thanks to its clear, consumer-friendly refund policy. Since documents cannot be “returned” in any real sense, companies like this cannot recoup costs when they give a refund. Many companies simply don’t give refunds at all, while others have very strict policies. We found Trust & Will’s refund policy to be one of the most simply worded as well as the most generous. If you’re not 100% satisfied with your purchase, Trust & Will offers refunds within the first 30 days of purchase.

Trust & Will Online Will Creation Services

*If attorney support was purchased in addition to a will, refunds for this support are subject to certain restrictions.

The Pros and Cons of Trust & Will Services

Freewill

Best for Planned Charitable Contributions

Freewill was initially created with the unique goal of connecting people with charities via legacy giving, that is, planned posthumous gifts. Currently the company has partnerships with over 600 different nonprofits. Through the creation of Freewill documents, seniors and others have promised more than $4.7 billion to a variety of good causes. Freewill doesn’t require its users to make donations, but it makes donating easy and helps many nonprofit organizations. Freewill is a great service for those who are thinking about making a donation through their will.

Freewill Online Will Creation Services

The Pros and Cons of Freewill Services

Willing

Best Discounts

Willing is notable for its frequently-available discounts. Although its regular prices fall in the mid- to high-end range when compared to other companies, consumers can usually find deals that will reduce the cost by 40% or more. Willing frequently partners with another tech company, Groupon, to offer these deals. Customers who are able to do a little extra searching for these discounts will often be able to use Willing at a very competitive cost.

Willing Online Will Creation Services 

The Pros and Cons of Willing Services 

Do Your Own Will (DYOW)

Best Free Option

Do Your Own Wills provides 100% of its services free to users. Many other companies claim to offer similar free services but ultimately still charge fees for printing, revision privileges, or for some other reason that is not immediately obvious. This company stands apart from many others on our list because it keeps everything truly free and because it offers its services in a very simple, easy-to-use format. Do Your Own Will gives Americans easy access to not only wills but also to other crucial estate and end-of-life planning documents.

DYOW Online Will Creation Services

The Pros and Cons of Do Your Own Will Services (DYOW)

Tomorrow, an Ethos Technologies Company

Best Rated App-Based Service

Inspired to make estate planning easier for other families by providing better tools, Tomorrow’s co-founders built it in 2016 as an app that could help families coordinate and explore their options. Its services are accessible through normal web browsers and with an easy-to-use mobile application (app). Those who are comfortable using smartphones will appreciate the convenience and portability of using this app during the will-creation process. Available in the Apple Store, it has been reviewed thousands of times, scoring better than similar apps by other companies.

Tomorrow (an Ethos Technologies Company) Online Will Creation Services

*Apple may issue an app refund in limited cases.

The Pros and Cons of Tomorrow (an Ethos Technologies Company) Services

US Legal Wills

Best Rated Web-Based Service

US Legal Wills routinely receives extremely positive ratings online, and it currently has four-star or better ratings across major review sites and social platforms. Seniors looking for a site with a well-established reputation will be happy to know that customer reviews on Facebook (4.9/5), Google (5/5), and the Better Business Bureau (5/5) are overwhelmingly positive, with customers frequently praising the simplicity and affordability of the service.

US Legal Wills Online Will Creation Services

The Pros and Cons of US Legal Wills Services

Rocket Lawyer

Best Free Trial

Rocket Lawyer stands out among the paid services on our list because it offers a generous free trial. With Rocket Lawyer, you can take a full week to create your will, refine it, and decide if it’s right for you. You can also have your will completely free if you print it before the trial ends and then cancel the trial. Many people are happy enough with their membership to continue paying for the service when the free trial ends, however. Rocket Lawyer’s seven-day free trial enables customers to choose what’s right for them. 

Rocket Lawyer Online Will Creation Services

*Issues refunds only for the most recent charge to your card or bank account due to failure of services.

The Pros and Cons of Rocket Lawyer Services

LegalZoom

Most Extra Services

LegalZoom stands out due to the extremely wide array of services it offers to consumers. Seniors who need to create a will for themselves may often also need some expert advice or a variety of other documents for their business or personal life. LegalZoom has it all on one website. For the customer who wants options, LegalZoom can be a very convenient choice.

LegalZoom Online Will Creation Services

*The Basic Last Will and Comprehensive Last Will plans offer 30 days of free revisions after purchase, while the Estate Plan Bundle includes a year of free revisions after purchase.

**For just a will, refunds cannot be given because documents are completed and your order is placed along with your payment. For bundle purchases, refunds can be given if customers have not yet created the documents.

Pros and Cons of LegalZoom Services

Nolo

Best for Industry Experience

With a history reaching all the way back to 1971, Nolo is by far the most experienced source for online legal help that we have seen. Throughout its long company history, Nolo has demonstrated its care for its customers and its dedication to keeping up with the times by offering innovative legal solutions. Individuals who are looking for a company that has a well-established reputation will enjoy using Nolo’s programs.

Nolo Online Will Creation Services

*The $60 online will allows one year of unlimited access and revisions. The $100 Willmaker and Trust 2021 software allows free changes and revisions anytime after purchase.

Pros and Cons of Nolo Services

Buyer’s Guide 

The following steps will help you ask the right questions and compare the services offered by different online will companies. These steps do not constitute legal advice; they merely provide general information for consumers.

Step 1: Check for Legal Trouble Spots

Making your own will online is a promising, cost-effective option, but it’s wise to evaluate your situation for potential legal problems before proceeding. The first step to considering an online will is accepting that it has limitations.

You May Want to Avoid an Online Will If You Have:

• A special needs or minor dependent
• An intention to disinherit someone 
• A complicated or contentious family
• Large or complex assets that will be subject to estate tax  
• A business that you’d like to pass down
• Residency in the state of Louisiana 
• A suspicion that someone you know will try to contest your will’s validity

For a variety of reasons, the above situations present legal challenges and opportunities to make mistakes that could be costly for your intended heirs (losing them either time or a portion of the estate). Online software may or may not be able to adequately address all of the potential issues involved. If one of the above applies to you but you’d like to proceed with an online will, you’ll want to conduct in-depth research on how to avoid legal problems that could arise when you’re gone. However, if none of the above are the case for you, then it’s likely that an online will can meet your needs fairly easily. 

Step 2: Compare the Capabilities of Several Online Will Services

If you only look at one or two websites, you may miss the possibilities that are available. Likewise, if you only evaluate companies on one criterion, you may not get the full picture.  Compare the following aspects of three or more companies before comparing the overall costs.

Four Parts of Online Will Creation Services to Compare:

1. Revision Policies: Is there a way to revise your will in the future that’s provided with this service? For how long can you revise it? Alternatively, will you need to create an entirely new will if you need to alter something? Most people want to make revisions over the years as their circumstances change. Consider whether you’d prefer to make a new document or change an existing one.  
2. Refund Policies: If you’re looking at companies that are not free, find out if they have a refund policy. Long-term refund policies are uncommon, but some companies offer refunds within the first 30 days of your purchase. Make sure you know how likely you are (or aren’t) to get your money back if you become unhappy with the document you have created. 
3. Sample Documents: Most companies provide sample documents that show the basic wording of their wills. While you probably aren’t a lawyer, you can definitely get some sense of the quality of a document by reading the sample provided. Beware of sites that offer documents that are obviously flawed on a grammatical level. If possible, open sample documents up side by side to see the difference between them. 
4. Bonus Features: Most companies offer something that’s a little extra, whether it’s other legal documents (power of attorney is a common one), a contract that allows you to consult with attorneys as needed, or the option of having the company print the document and ship it to you. Consider whether any of these extra features are important to you. Look carefully at the fine print to find any limitations, especially concerning attorney consultations. 

Step 3: Compare Costs Among Several Companies 

Once you’ve compared features and discovered a few different options that could work for you, it’s time to further narrow your search by comparing costs. An online will can cost anything from $0 to over $100. Below we detail the different fees that you could be charged. 

Potential Costs of Online Wills:

• Document Creation Fee: Some companies offer wills 100% free because they profit through advertising. Other companies allow you to create the document for free, only charging to actually print it. This allows you to test the service before committing to a purchase. Still, other companies charge you a flat fee upfront that includes all costs related to the creation of the document. 
• Online Storage and Revisions: Occasionally companies offer free lifetime storage and unlimited revisions and reprints of the document that you create. However, it’s more common that they charge fees for online storage and revisions. Monthly or annual fees are most common, but some companies also offer fees for a specific number of years or for the lifetime of the will’s creator. The range of monthly fees that we have seen is approximately $3-$40. Lifetime access fees are a rare option but can be less than $150.
• Attorney Consultations: Some online will creation platforms partner with legal firms to provide legal advice as opposed to just document creation software. If the option of calling or emailing a lawyer is offered by the company, the cost may be covered by the same membership fee that also covers document storage. Read the terms of service carefully. 

Step 4: Read Reviews for Clues to Company Performance 

In the era of internet shopping, it’s become common for customers to leave online reviews for businesses that they’ve interacted with in the past. These reviews can be a valuable tool for comparing the company’s advertising claims to its actual performance. 

Where to Find Reviews

You’ll probably be able to see at least a few reviews on the company’s own website, but you’ll want to look at other review sites as well. All of the review sites below use a 1-5 star rating system and allow customers to leave notes. They all also allow the company to respond to reviews publicly. Many companies only have an active profile on one or two of these websites.

Check for Company Profiles on the Following Websites: 

• The Better Business Bureau (BBB): This is one of the oldest review sites on the internet. Note that the BBB gives companies a letter grade (A+, for example) based on its own metrics, which are separate from the customers’ star ratings.  
• Trustpilot: Trustpilot is a review site that allows anyone to post reviews, and it also helps companies to reach out to current and former customers to ask for reviews. On Trustpilot’s own website you can see all reviews, but note that if you see a Trustpilot box embedded in another website it may only be showing the positive reviews.  
• Google Business Profiles: Sometimes when you type a business name into Google’s search engine, a profile of the business that includes contact information and reviews will appear in a box on the right side of your screen. If this profile does not immediately appear, you may more easily find it by including the city name or the street address of the company’s headquarters.
• Facebook: Some businesses allow customers to leave 1-5 star ratings on their Facebook profile. If a business has a Facebook page but does not have a star rating, that likely means that the business has deactivated that feature on its profile. 

How to Evaluate Customer Reviews Critically

Most review sites attempt to find and delete fraudulent reviews. You’ll occasionally see reviews that may have been created by computer “bots” or by people who are paid to lie or exaggerate, negatively or positively. Rather than taking every review at face value, look for trends. Read company responses when they are provided to gauge how the company handles criticism. Whenever possible, try to compare the claims that a customer is making to the product description, and disregard comments that demonstrate the customer clearly didn’t understand the product. If you do find a piece of negative feedback that is really concerning to you, you may wish to call the company for clarification on policy, pricing, or whatever issue is at hand. In some cases, a more detailed internet search could confirm or disprove the customer’s claim as well.

Step 5: Create, Sign, and Communicate About Your Will 

Once you’ve made your final selection based on company features, cost, and any considerations that reading reviews brought up, it’s time to make your will. The will creation website that you select should guide you with questions and legal options. However, it’s usually a good idea to also look up legal rules specific to your state as well. Most companies provide relevant educational materials for free.

Before you begin, keep in mind that if you’re making wills as a couple, you’ll be creating two “mirror” wills that echo and confirm one another’s wishes. Joint wills are usually not advised or offered by online services since they can lead to potential legal problems.

Signing and Making the Will Legally Binding

Once you’ve created and printed your will, follow the steps to make it legal in your state. This can vary somewhat, but in many places this means signing it in the presence of two witnesses. Many people also have their will notarized, though this is often not technically required. The software you use should give you guidance on the signing process, but if the guidance lacks specificity you’ll want to look up the laws for your state. 

Sharing Information on Your Will

Different families talk about their wills in different ways, but at a minimum you’ll want to make sure that a few people in your family know where to find it when you are gone. Many online programs even facilitate this process by making suggestions for how to communicate with others about your will, but you ultimately need to decide what’s best for you.

Estate Planning 101

The first step in estate planning is to understand what your estate encompasses. Your estate includes everything you own that has value, minus any unpaid debts or expenses, and is a measure of your net worth. Land or real estate holdings, cash, collectibles, and other tangible and intangible assets would be included as part of an estate. Individuals who want to decide how their estate will be managed or distributed if they should become incapacitated or pass away can create an estate plan with several important and legally binding documents.  

These documents may include a will and a revocable living trust to ensure loved ones are provided for upon the estate owner’s death. They may also include durable power of attorney and advanced health care directive documents so estate owners receive assistance with their finances from someone they trust and know their health care desires will be honored towards the end of their lives. Without these documents, estates will be passed on according to state laws and individuals will have no say in who will handle their finances or if they undergo medical life-sustaining procedures.        

This guide will help you understand the estate planning process and determine how estate planning may benefit you and your loved ones. It will clarify what factors you should consider, the documents you can include, and the costs you may incur. Further, it will provide guidance on how you should create your will based on your unique circumstances.   

Questions to Consider when Creating an Estate Plan

When creating an estate plan, there will be many decisions you need to make. Don’t rush the process, be open to changing your mind, and know that you can update documents when necessary. Here is a list of questions you should ask yourself as you begin.

• Who will inherit your assets after your death? Without a will, most state laws will give shares of your estate to your spouse, children, or other blood relatives. If you want to decide who gets what or want different people to receive assets, you will need to state this in your will.

• If you have minor children, who do you trust to take care of them? If you should die, your will is your opportunity to name a guardian for your minor children. Failure to do this means a judge will decide who they live with. 

• What do you want your children to have and who should oversee their property? Creating a trust for your kids will ensure they receive certain assets according to your instructions and the trustee you name will manage it.

• Have you updated your already-named beneficiaries? Not all assets will be passed on through your will. Determine if the people you named as beneficiaries for any payable-on-death savings or brokerage accounts, retirement accounts, or life insurance policies are still the individuals you wish to receive those benefits. 

• Who do you want to manage your assets and handle your bills should you become incapacitated? This person will be named in your durable power of attorney document and should be trustworthy and capable of keeping your finances in order. It is possible to name co-trustees such as a relative and a financial advisor.

• What medical procedures do you want and who do you trust to ensure that medical professionals follow your wishes? A living will allows you to state procedures you do and do not want to have performed as you near the end of your life. In a healthcare power of attorney (POA) document, you will appoint someone to advocate on your behalf and ensure your wishes are followed. Consider also naming a backup.

• How complicated is your estate? Do you own a business or care for a disabled child? These and other scenarios may necessitate professional assistance. 

• What is your budget? Wills and other legal documents may be available online for free or at a one-time cost of less than $100. Alternately, hiring a lawyer may cost thousands of dollars. 

Basic Estate Planning Documents

There are many different terms relating to estate planning that may be confusing to people not familiar with them. The following table breaks down the purpose of five basic, yet critical estate planning documents.

Estate Planning Costs

Estate planning costs vary depending on many factors. Among these are the complexity of the plan and the type of assistance needed.  

Hiring an Attorney vs. Online Estate Planning

Online wills can be created for free or may cost more than $100 and online estate plans may also be free or more than $600. While general customer support is often provided, legal help typically isn’t. Some companies do provide access to legal assistance, but this may be limited as well as require additional payment.

Some people with complex estates cannot complete their documents online and will need to pay a legal professional to do it for them. Attorneys can charge $150 to $200 for simple documents and up to $350 per hour for preparing a complex estate plan, resulting in fees of multiple thousands of dollars. 

Estate Planning Fees

Online platforms may charge no fees, flat fees, monthly ongoing fees, or annual or lifetime membership fees. They may or may not provide access to lawyers as part of a paid plan or for an additional fee. Alternatively, going the traditional route and hiring lawyers who complete all documents on behalf of their customers usually comes with costs that follow one of two rate structures. Potential costs for each approach are provided below.

Types of Online Estate Planning Fees

Types of Attorney Fees

How to Write a Will

There are different ways to create a legally binding will, and the method you should choose depends on various factors. Those who have simple estates and the ability to research and adhere to all requirements may be able to successfully write their will without assistance. Others with simple estates, but who want guidance and support, can use an online platform with resources such as educational materials, step-by-step wizards, and knowledgeable customer service representatives. However, people with complicated finances typically need an attorney to ensure document accuracy and that an estate plan is sufficiently comprehensive. Below are steps you should take for will creation based on the approach that you decide is best.

Write Your Own Will

This do-it-yourself approach works well for those with limited assets or property and who are confident no one will contest their will in court. Individuals who have a small estate and no family but who don’t want their belongings to go to the state may also easily create their own will to give their assets to friends or charities. Here are steps you should take to create your own will successfully.

Research State Requirements and Find Documents

Every state has its own rules and regulations that must be followed for a will to be legally valid. Justia, a company that provides free access to legal information, explains requirements and procedures for creating wills in all 50 states and has accompanying documents on its website. 

Select Witnesses

Most states require two witnesses, either to watch while the will is signed or to be told that the will is valid. If you have determined that you need witnesses for your specific state, decide who your witnesses are and make sure they understand what to expect.

Locate A Notary Public

Some states require signing an affidavit in the presence of a notary public to avoid witnesses having to later testify that a will is valid. The National Notary Association explains how to find a notary public near you as well as the different notary services available. 

Use Online Will Services

There are several online platforms available that provide estate planning documents and services. Follow the steps below to find a company that best meets your needs.

Narrow Down Your Options

Our above guide recommends the top 10 online will services and is intended to help narrow down the many available options. To assist you further, these are compared by cost, revision policies, refund availability, and other factors. Decide what you are willing to spend, if you predict needing to make changes, and whether or not you want the possibility of a refund if you are dissatisfied with services.

Explore Forms, Documents, and Supportive Services

Always visit a company’s website before making a final selection. Most company templates and forms are designed to be easy to use and understand. Still, you should look through their online educational resources, at any preview of services, and inquire about customer service assistance. Also, take advantage of free trials. Determine whether you will have the support you need to create documents using the resources provided.   

Select Witnesses and Locate a Notary Public

While online will services typically either offer state-specific documents or documents that are valid in all states (except Louisiana in some cases), state laws must still be followed to ensure they are legally binding once made. Read about these laws, select witnesses if needed, and find a notary public if a signed affidavit will help your witnesses avoid testifying in court. 

Hire Lawyers to Create Documents

People who have estates that are not simple or straightforward or believe that their wills could be contested in court may choose to hire a legal professional. In these cases, lawyers plan and create all documents for them.

Determine Your Needs

While most attorneys can draft wills, trusts, and power of attorney documents, only some may be specialists in elder law for those with concerns related to Medicaid or long-term care. Similarly, those with assets held overseas may need an attorney with international estate planning expertise, and those with legal interests in multiple states may require attorneys licensed in multiple locations.   

Find the Right Lawyer

Ask those you know for attorney recommendations, check sites with peer review ratings, and confirm an attorney’s state bar registration status. Find out if attorneys offer free consultations or if you will be required to pay and if any time limitations apply. Also ask what their fee plans and rates will be and if there are any additional charges you should expect. Then inquire about what documents they will need to get started. 

Select Witnesses and Locate a Notary Public

The laws in your state also apply to wills drafted by legal professionals. Read about these laws, select witnesses if required, and locate a notary public for a signed affidavit to avoid witnesses being required to testify that your will is valid.

Free Resources for Estate Planning

Low-income individuals and their families can receive free assistance during the estate planning process. The following table lists available resources that can help – all at no extra cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to More Frequently Asked Questions About Online Will Services

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