Your Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Will Maker Software in 2024

Making the Right Choice: Understanding Online Will Maker Software

Creating your final wishes doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive. The best will maker software simplifies estate planning by allowing you to draft legally binding documents from home—without hiring a traditional attorney. If you’re wondering whether online solutions can match attorney-prepared documents, the answer is yes, provided you follow the proper execution steps.

The key to selecting reliable will maker software lies in evaluating four critical dimensions: upfront costs, legal enforceability in your state, ease of use, and the company’s track record. Let’s walk through what matters most when comparing services.

What You Must Know Before Choosing Will Maker Software

Do You Actually Need a Will?

Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy or elderly. Research indicates that while roughly one-third of adults have completed a will, four in ten who haven’t created one believe their assets are too modest to warrant planning. However, experts suggest adults should establish estate documents before reaching 35.

Here’s the reality: if you own property, money, or any asset you want directed to specific people, you need a will. If you have children, a will becomes essential—it lets you name guardians and designate trustees to manage funds until your children reach adulthood, preventing family disputes over custody and control.

Beyond asset distribution, best will maker software typically includes options for:

• Medical power of attorney: Authorizes someone to make healthcare decisions if you become unable to do so
• Financial power of attorney: Allows another person to manage finances if illness or incapacity prevents you from acting

Even if you lack significant assets, these powers of attorney documents often prove more valuable than a will itself, as they address immediate incapacity scenarios.

When a Will Alone Isn’t Sufficient

In specific situations, relying solely on a will creates problems. Consider someone in California who owns a home but only has a basic will. Upon death, the estate enters probate—a court process that can stretch 1-2 years and cost tens of thousands. In this case, adding a revocable living trust to the will maker software output prevents probate and protects assets.

You likely need more than just a will if you:

• Have minor children or dependents with special needs
• Own real estate or business interests
• Possess $75,000-$150,000+ in non-retirement assets

Conversely, you might skip a formal will if you have no dependents and want state intestate succession laws to determine asset distribution (typically: spouse first, then parents, then siblings).

Understanding Online Will Maker Software vs. DIY Alternatives

The appeal of best will maker software is obvious—costs range from free trials to under $600 annually, compared to attorney hourly rates of $100 to thousands. However, not all budget options deliver quality results.

While office supply stores sell DIY estate kits starting at $5, these generic forms ignore critical circumstances. A properly drafted will requires language that addresses:

• Children with substance abuse or financial irresponsibility issues
• Dependents with special needs who rely on government benefits
• Guardianship preferences specific to your family dynamics

Generic templates miss these nuances. Additionally, poorly drafted documents create a false sense of security—they may fail to accomplish your intentions, leading to family conflicts and expensive litigation later.

The safest approach: use will maker software for document generation, then pay an attorney a modest fee for review. Many estate planning lawyers offer free or low-cost consultations to assess your specific situation and recommend appropriate solutions.

Pricing Models in Will Maker Software: What You’ll Actually Spend

Online services use varying pricing structures, making direct comparison essential:

Subscription models charge monthly or annual fees. While convenient for updates, yearly subscriptions accumulate costs—sometimes matching traditional attorney fees over several years. Avoid yearly subscription plans unless an estate planning attorney reviews your documents annually.

Pay-per-document options let you purchase individual forms without committing to ongoing access. This works for straightforward situations where you need a will and power of attorney.

Tiered memberships offer basic, standard, and premium packages, each adding features or professional review services.

The Best Will Maker Software Options Reviewed

LawDepot: Flexible Pricing, Comprehensive Documents

Pricing: Free 7-day trial; $7.50-$119 per document; monthly ($8.99-$12.99); annual ($107.88-$155.88)

Included: Wills, trusts, guardianship forms, medical powers of attorney, business documents

Standout feature: $10,000 legal damages guarantee if the company’s errors create legal problems with your documents

LawDepot positions itself as a DIY-friendly platform offering multiple pricing entry points. The annual One-Year Pro license ($107.88-$155.88) grants unlimited document access with yearly auto-renewal; cancellation carries no penalties. Customer support operates weekdays 8am-7pm ET via phone, email, and live chat. Educational resources curated by in-house lawyers help users understand each document type. The company leans toward independent document creation, though support staff provides guidance.

LegalZoom: State-Specific Customization with Attorney Network

Pricing: $35-$279 range; will ($99), financial power of attorney ($39), living will ($39), living trust ($399)

Included: State-customized forms; access to 50-state attorney network; optional phone consultations and document review

Standout feature: Flat-fee pricing with no hidden costs; available on iPhone and Android apps

LegalZoom maintains licensed attorneys across all 50 states who verify forms comply with local inheritance laws. Users answer targeted questionnaires to receive customized documents or consult attorneys for guidance. The company markets zero hidden fees and transparent flat pricing. Beyond wills and trusts, LegalZoom serves entrepreneurs—handling business formation (C-corp, S-corp, LLC, nonprofit), licenses, permits, trademark registration, and copyright protection. Creative professionals (musicians, writers) access specialized legal guidance. For complex situations, LZ Legal Services pairs you with local counsel.

Nolo: Downloadable Software for Complete Estate Planning

Pricing: Three plans—$109 (Starter), $149 (Plus), $149 (All Access including Everplans annual subscription)

Included: Wills, living trusts, healthcare directives, financial powers of attorney, letters to heirs; Windows and Mac software

Standout feature: Free attorney matching through 30,000+ lawyer network; responses typically within 1-2 hours after submitting your legal issue

Nolo bundles estate documents into three tiers. The Starter package ($109) covers wills, health directives, and final expense planning. Plus and All Access ($149 each) add comprehensive solutions—trusts, powers of attorney, heir letters, and downloadable Windows/Mac versions. All Access includes a year of Everplans, a digital tool for organizing and storing documents. Beyond software, Nolo operates one of the web’s largest consumer-friendly legal libraries. The free attorney match service connects you with vetted lawyers for follow-up guidance.

Rocket Lawyer: Subscription-Based with Professional Add-Ons

Pricing: Rocket Legal ($39.99/month billed monthly); Rocket Legal+ ($19.99/month billed annually)

Included: Wills, trusts, guardianship, medical powers of attorney, business documents; iPhone app with e-signature; secure document storage

Standout feature: Rocket Legal+ adds tax preparation, business registration, trademark filing, and registered agent service at discounted rates

Rocket Lawyer emphasizes software ease-of-use via self-guided questionnaires directing you to needed documents. Both subscription tiers offer similar base features; the annual plan ($19.99/month) unlocks partner discounts and half-priced “Legal Pro” consultations. Additional services include tax filing (Tax Pro), business registration, trademark applications (minus USPTO fees), and registered agent representation. The mobile app enables electronic contract signatures and secure cloud storage. Note: subscriptions auto-renew with automatic payment deduction.

Trust & Will: Premium Service with Annual Reviews

Pricing: Individual will ($199) or trust ($499); couples add $100 per document; updates $19 (wills) or $39 (trusts) after year one; $12 yearly for unlimited updates

Included: State-specific legal documents; HIPAA authorizations; living wills; powers of attorney; certification of trust; expert review before delivery; online storage

Standout feature: First-year updates included; optional $12 yearly subscriptions provide unlimited updates and attorney reviews

Trust & Will positions itself as mid-premium, providing state-tailored documents prepared by a legal team. Individual pricing: will ($199) or trust ($499); couples pay an additional $100 per document. Documents receive expert review before delivery and remain accessible online for updates. Year-one updates are included; subsequent modifications cost $19 (wills) or $39 (trusts). The optional $12 annual plan grants unlimited changes and yearly professional reviews. The company clearly states it provides legal forms and information only—it is not a law firm and cannot replace attorney guidance on complex estate matters.

Essential Information Required for Will Maker Software

To generate accurate documents, best will maker software requires you to compile:

Your assets: Deeds to real estate, business ownership certificates, vehicle titles, bank statements, investment portfolios, jewelry and art valuations

Your debts: Outstanding loans, mortgages, credit card balances, and other liabilities

Your beneficiaries: Full legal names, complete addresses, phone numbers, Social Security numbers, birthdates, and certified birth certificates for each person or organization receiving assets

Guardians (if applicable): Designate trustworthy individuals to care for minor children or manage funds for dependents with special needs

Gathering this information upfront streamlines the document-generation process.

Critical Execution Requirements: Making Your Documents Legally Valid

Online will maker software produces documents, but execution determines legal validity. Minimum requirements across most states:

• Testamentary capacity: You must be of sound mind when creating the will
• Signature and date: Your signature and creation date must appear on the document
• Notarization: A notary public must witness and authenticate your signature
• Witnesses: Depending on your state, one or more witnesses (typically age 14+) must sign the will

Some states permit handwritten wills (holographic wills) if witnessed and notarized. Oral wills (nuncupative wills) are rare; they require the testator to know death is imminent and have three witnesses over 14. Written wills always supersede oral versions.

Understanding Probate and Why Some Avoid It

When you pass away, your will enters probate court, which authenticates the document and ensures assets distribute per your wishes. During this process, estate assets and debts freeze temporarily. The American Bar Association reports average probate timelines of 6-9 months; costs depend on state law and estate size, typically running $1,500 but potentially higher if the will is contested or invalid. AARP notes probate expenses can escalate significantly.

This is why many people pair wills with revocable living trusts—trusts bypass probate entirely, passing assets directly to beneficiaries without court involvement, avoiding court and attorney fees.

Trusts vs. Wills: When to Use Each

A trust designates a trustee (third party) to manage and distribute your estate to beneficiaries upon death. Unlike wills, trusts offer exclusive advantages:

• Bypass probate entirely
• Eliminate court and attorney fees
• Protect assets from creditors
• Keep beneficiary information private

The tradeoff: trusts typically cost more to establish and maintain. They suit complex estates but may be overkill for straightforward situations.

How to Select the Right Will Maker Software: Decision Framework

Step 1: Assess your complexity level Simple situations (modest assets, clear heirs, no special circumstances) suit best will maker software. Complex estates involving business interests, blended families, or special needs planning benefit from attorney consultation.

Step 2: Consult locally first Ask friends, family, or professional networks for estate planner recommendations in your area. Most offer free or low-cost initial consultations where they explain state-specific laws, assess your needs, and discuss pricing and process timelines.

Step 3: Compare pricing structures Identify whether subscription models, pay-per-document fees, or tiered memberships align with your budget and update frequency expectations.

Step 4: Verify state compliance Confirm the will maker software service customizes documents to your state’s inheritance and probate laws. State requirements vary significantly—what’s valid in one state may not be recognized in another.

Step 5: Evaluate support quality Check whether the service offers accessible customer support (phone, chat, email), educational resources, and responsive help. Online learning centers and legal libraries indicate service quality.

Step 6: Research company reputation Review independent ratings, recent news coverage, and any legal actions. Avoid services with recent class-action lawsuits alleging deceptive consumer practices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wills and Estate Planning

What is a last will and testament?

A will is a legal document specifying how your assets distribute after death. It names an executor or administrator to handle final bills and implement your wishes. If you have minor children, the will designates guardians. Without a will, state intestate succession laws determine distribution (typically spouse, then parents, then siblings).

What happens during probate?

Probate validates your will in court, authenticates it, and oversees asset distribution while temporarily freezing all estate assets, debts, and claims. Average duration: 6-9 months. Costs vary by state and estate size, typically $1,500+. If your will is invalid or contested, costs escalate. If no will exists or the executor declines service, beneficiaries petition for a letter of administration—granting them executor-equivalent rights.

Can I create a valid will myself and have it notarized?

Yes—many states recognize holographic (handwritten) wills if they meet specific requirements. Some states offer advance directive forms for financial and healthcare powers of attorney that you can complete, sign, and later have witnessed or notarized. Research your state’s specific rules before proceeding.

What’s the difference between a will and a trust?

Wills direct asset distribution after death and undergo probate. Trusts transfer assets to beneficiaries without probate, offer privacy, and protect assets from creditors. Trusts typically cost more but suit complex estates. Simpler situations often use wills alone.

Conclusion: Choosing Best Will Maker Software for Your Situation

Online will maker software delivers legitimate, legally enforceable documents when properly executed—matching attorney-drafted documents in validity. The best choice depends on your estate complexity, budget, state location, and need for ongoing updates.

For straightforward situations, platforms like LawDepot, LegalZoom, Nolo, Rocket Lawyer, and Trust & Will provide accessible alternatives to expensive attorneys. For complex estates involving special circumstances, family complications, or significant assets, pairing will maker software with attorney review ensures comprehensive protection.

Regardless of which service you choose, prioritize proper execution: secure notarization, gather required witnesses, and verify state-specific compliance. Estate planning today protects your loved ones tomorrow and prevents costly disputes down the road.