Article
Best Will Writing Services in 2026
Compare the best online will writing services for 2026. Our experts reviewed LegalZoom, Trust & Will, FreeWill, Nolo, and more to help you create a legally valid will quickly and affordably.
Creating a legally valid will is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and assets. Online will writing services have made estate planning more accessible and affordable than ever, allowing you to create professional-quality legal documents from home in less than an hour.
Our team analyzed the leading will writing services, comparing pricing, features, ease of use, and legal validity. Here are the 10 best will writing services for 2026.
Quick Comparison
| Service | Best For | Pricing | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. LegalZoom | Best Overall Will Writing Service | $99-$249 | ★4.8/5 |
| 2. Trust & Will | Best for Ease of Use | $199 individual, $299 couple | ★4.7/5 |
| 3. FreeWill | Best Free Will Writing Service | Free | ★4.6/5 |
| 4. Nolo Quicken WillMaker | Best Value for Money | $109-$219 | ★4.7/5 |
| 5. Rocket Lawyer | Best for Ongoing Legal Needs | $39.99/month or $239.88/year | ★4.5/5 |
| 6. GoodTrust | Best for Digital Assets | $149 one-time | ★4.6/5 |
| 7. Willing | Best for Simple Estates | Free basic will | ★4.4/5 |
| 8. LawDepot | Best for Custom Templates | $39.95 one-time | ★4.3/5 |
| 9. USLegalWills | Best Budget Option | $39 basic, $69 complete | ★4.2/5 |
| 10. Total Legal | Best Membership Value | $39.99/month membership | ★4.1/5 |
Our Top Picks in Detail
LegalZoom
LegalZoom offers the most comprehensive will writing service with transparent pricing and optional attorney assistance. While it takes longer to complete than competitors, the Premium plan includes valuable attorney review and unlimited legal consultations for one year, making it ideal for those who want professional oversight.
Pros
- ✓Comprehensive estate planning packages
- ✓Attorney review available with Premium plan
- ✓Transparent, upfront pricing
- ✓30-day money-back guarantee
- ✓One year of free revisions (Premium)
- ✓Unlimited 30-minute attorney calls (Premium)
- ✓Available in all 50 states
Cons
- ✗Takes longer to complete (40+ minutes average)
- ✗Premium plan auto-renews at $199/year
- ✗$19.95 fee per update without Premium
Trust & Will
Trust & Will delivers the easiest will creation experience with its streamlined interface and guided process. Founded in 2017, it combines modern design with legal expertise, allowing most users to complete their will in under an hour with clear step-by-step prompts and state-specific documents.
Pros
- ✓Intuitive question-and-answer format
- ✓Completes in under one hour
- ✓State-specific legal documents
- ✓First year of updates free
- ✓Optional attorney line review available
- ✓Valid in all 50 states (trusts except Louisiana)
- ✓Modern, user-friendly interface
Cons
- ✗Updates cost $19/year after first year
- ✗Attorney access limited in some states
- ✗Higher base price than some competitors
FreeWill
FreeWill makes estate planning accessible to everyone with a completely free, expertly-designed will creation platform. Funded by charitable organizations, it allows users to create legally valid wills in just 20 minutes with unlimited free updates, making it perfect for straightforward estate planning needs.
Pros
- ✓Completely free service
- ✓20-minute completion time
- ✓Unlimited updates and printing
- ✓Valid in all 50 states
- ✓Created by estate planning experts
- ✓Funded by 700+ nonprofit organizations
- ✓Includes charitable giving guidance
Cons
- ✗No attorney access or review
- ✗Best suited for simple estates
- ✗Limited to basic will features
Nolo Quicken WillMaker
Nolo's Quicken WillMaker & Trust provides exceptional value with a one-time software purchase that includes wills, trusts, and 35+ legal documents. As America's #1 estate planning software with over 1.7 million customers, it offers offline privacy and unlimited will creation for household members.
Pros
- ✓One-time software purchase
- ✓Create unlimited wills for household
- ✓Includes living trust creation
- ✓35+ legal documents included
- ✓Works offline for privacy
- ✓Trusted by 1.7 million customers
- ✓30-day money-back guarantee
Cons
- ✗Software interface may seem dated
- ✗Online access renewal costs $39.99/year
- ✗Not available in Louisiana
- ✗No attorney support included
Rocket Lawyer
Rocket Lawyer functions as a complete legal toolkit rather than just a will maker, offering unlimited document creation and attorney access with a subscription model. It's ideal for those who need ongoing legal services beyond estate planning, including business formation and contract creation.
Pros
- ✓7-day free trial
- ✓Attorney access included (Premium)
- ✓Unlimited document creation
- ✓Works in all 50 states
- ✓Document review by attorneys
- ✓Business legal documents available
- ✓Create LLCs and corporations
Cons
- ✗Subscription-based pricing model
- ✗Interface can be confusing for beginners
- ✗Ongoing monthly fees
GoodTrust
GoodTrust stands out with its innovative Digital Vault feature, allowing secure storage and management of online accounts, passwords, and digital assets. At $149 one-time fee including will, trust, and directives for the whole family, it's the best choice for managing both physical and digital estates.
Pros
- ✓Digital Vault for online accounts
- ✓All-in-one will, trust, and directives
- ✓Completed in 6 minutes average
- ✓Valid in all 50 states
- ✓Family plan at no extra fee
- ✓20-day money-back guarantee
- ✓Digital executor assignment
Cons
- ✗No attorney support available
- ✗Documents not state-specific
- ✗Limited to one-year access
Willing
Willing offers a straightforward, no-frills approach to will creation with a free basic option. While it lacks the comprehensive features of premium services, its simplicity and zero-cost entry point make it an excellent choice for those with simple estates and basic planning needs.
Pros
- ✓Free basic will option
- ✓Quick and easy process
- ✓Clean, simple interface
- ✓No hidden fees for basic plan
- ✓Legally valid documents
- ✓Guardian designation included
Cons
- ✗Limited features in free version
- ✗Premium features require payment
- ✗Less comprehensive than competitors
LawDepot
LawDepot provides customizable legal document templates with both one-time purchase and subscription options. While it offers flexibility and a wide variety of forms, the pay-per-document model and limited guidance make it better suited for those comfortable with legal language.
Pros
- ✓Highly customizable templates
- ✓One-time purchase option
- ✓Annual subscription available
- ✓Wide variety of legal forms
- ✓Instant download access
- ✓No attorney review needed
Cons
- ✗Each document requires separate purchase
- ✗Limited guidance during creation
- ✗Less user-friendly than modern competitors
USLegalWills
USLegalWills delivers essential will creation at budget-friendly prices starting at $39. While it lacks the bells and whistles of premium services, it provides all the necessary legal documents with free updates for one year, making it ideal for cost-conscious consumers.
Pros
- ✓Very affordable pricing
- ✓Free updates for one year
- ✓Multiple package options
- ✓Includes advance directives
- ✓Quick document generation
- ✓No subscription required
Cons
- ✗Basic features compared to premium services
- ✗Limited customer support
- ✗Interface feels outdated
Total Legal
Total Legal offers a comprehensive membership model at $39.99/month that includes unlimited legal documents, attorney consultations, and bonus services like identity theft protection. It's best for those who value ongoing legal support and additional protective services beyond just will creation.
Pros
- ✓Unlimited legal documents
- ✓Attorney consultation included
- ✓Will and trust both included
- ✓Identity theft protection
- ✓Credit monitoring services
- ✓Cancel anytime
Cons
- ✗Requires ongoing subscription
- ✗Must maintain membership for access
- ✗Value diminishes if only using once
How We Evaluate Will Writing Services
Our expert team uses a comprehensive methodology to evaluate and compare online will writing services. Here’s what we consider:
Pricing and Value
We analyze the complete cost structure:
- Upfront costs: One-time fees vs. subscription models
- Update fees: Cost to revise your will over time
- Hidden charges: Annual renewals and access fees
- Value proposition: Features included for the price
Ease of Use
We evaluate the user experience:
- Completion time: How long it takes to create your will
- Interface design: Clarity and intuitiveness of the platform
- Guidance provided: Step-by-step instructions and help resources
- Question clarity: How well the service explains legal terms
Legal Validity
We verify compliance and coverage:
- State-specific requirements and customization
- Proper witnessing and notarization guidance
- Legal expert review of document templates
- Coverage across all 50 states
Attorney Access
We assess professional support options:
- Availability of attorney review
- Cost of legal consultations
- Quality of customer service
- Response time and accessibility
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer to write a will?
No, you don’t need a lawyer to create a legally valid will in most cases. Online will writing services provide state-specific templates created by legal experts. However, if you have a complex estate, significant assets, blended family, or special needs dependents, consulting an attorney is advisable.
Are online wills legally valid?
Yes, online wills are legally valid when properly executed according to your state’s requirements. This typically means signing in the presence of two witnesses (who are not beneficiaries) and, in some states, having the document notarized. Services like LegalZoom and Trust & Will provide state-specific instructions to ensure compliance.
How much does a will cost?
Online will writing services range from free (FreeWill) to $249 (LegalZoom Premium). Most quality services cost between $99-$199 for a comprehensive will. Traditional attorney-drafted wills typically cost $300-$1,000 or more, making online services significantly more affordable for straightforward estates.
Can I update my will after it’s created?
Yes, all reputable will writing services allow updates. Some include free updates for a limited time (like Trust & Will’s first year free), while others charge per update (LegalZoom’s $19.95 fee) or require a subscription (Rocket Lawyer). FreeWill offers unlimited free updates forever.
What’s included in a basic will package?
Most basic will packages include: last will and testament, healthcare directive (living will), financial power of attorney, and HIPAA authorization. Premium packages may add living trusts, guardianship documents, pet directives, and attorney review services.
How long does it take to create a will online?
Completion times vary by service: FreeWill averages 20 minutes, GoodTrust about 6 minutes, Trust & Will under an hour, and LegalZoom about 40 minutes. The time depends on the complexity of your estate and how prepared you are with information about assets and beneficiaries.
What happens if I don’t have a will?
If you die without a will (intestate), state law determines how your assets are distributed, which may not align with your wishes. The court will appoint an administrator, and your estate may face higher costs and longer settlement times. Having a will ensures your wishes are honored and simplifies the process for loved ones.