Quick Overview
- 1#1: Quicken WillMaker & Trust - Comprehensive desktop software for creating customized wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents.
- 2#2: Trust & Will - Online platform offering attorney-reviewed wills, trusts, and guardianship documents for easy DIY estate planning.
- 3#3: Fabric by Gerber Life - User-friendly online service for building wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations with family-focused features.
- 4#4: FreeWill - Free online tool for creating basic wills and estate planning documents with options to upgrade for more features.
- 5#5: GoodTrust - Digital estate planning service that manages online accounts, wills, and end-of-life instructions securely.
- 6#6: LegalZoom - On-demand legal document service providing customizable estate planning forms like wills and trusts with attorney support.
- 7#7: Rocket Lawyer - Subscription-based platform for generating and customizing estate planning documents with on-call attorney advice.
- 8#8: Wealth.com - AI-powered estate planning platform for creating trusts, wills, and financial directives with collaborative tools.
- 9#9: Everplans - Digital life and estate planning vault for organizing important documents, contacts, and end-of-life wishes.
- 10#10: MamaBear LegalForms - Affordable downloadable legal forms for DIY wills, powers of attorney, and basic estate planning needs.
Tools were ranked based on a thorough evaluation of features (including document customization and advanced directives), quality (such as attorney reviews and secure storage), ease of use, and overall value, ensuring recommendations align with varied user needs.
Comparison Table
Understanding the right DIY estate planning software is key, and this comparison table highlights top options—from Quicken WillMaker & Trust and Trust & Will to FreeWill and GoodTrust—so readers can compare features like ease of use, cost, and document customization. Packed with details on what each tool offers, the table helps identify the best fit, whether for basic wills, complex trusts, or digital asset organization, ensuring informed choices.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quicken WillMaker & Trust Comprehensive desktop software for creating customized wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents. | specialized | 9.6/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 2 | Trust & Will Online platform offering attorney-reviewed wills, trusts, and guardianship documents for easy DIY estate planning. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 3 | Fabric by Gerber Life User-friendly online service for building wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations with family-focused features. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | FreeWill Free online tool for creating basic wills and estate planning documents with options to upgrade for more features. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 5 | GoodTrust Digital estate planning service that manages online accounts, wills, and end-of-life instructions securely. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.0/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 6 | LegalZoom On-demand legal document service providing customizable estate planning forms like wills and trusts with attorney support. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 7 | Rocket Lawyer Subscription-based platform for generating and customizing estate planning documents with on-call attorney advice. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 8 | Wealth.com AI-powered estate planning platform for creating trusts, wills, and financial directives with collaborative tools. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 9 | Everplans Digital life and estate planning vault for organizing important documents, contacts, and end-of-life wishes. | specialized | 7.1/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 10 | MamaBear LegalForms Affordable downloadable legal forms for DIY wills, powers of attorney, and basic estate planning needs. | specialized | 6.2/10 | 5.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.7/10 |
Comprehensive desktop software for creating customized wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents.
Online platform offering attorney-reviewed wills, trusts, and guardianship documents for easy DIY estate planning.
User-friendly online service for building wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations with family-focused features.
Free online tool for creating basic wills and estate planning documents with options to upgrade for more features.
Digital estate planning service that manages online accounts, wills, and end-of-life instructions securely.
On-demand legal document service providing customizable estate planning forms like wills and trusts with attorney support.
Subscription-based platform for generating and customizing estate planning documents with on-call attorney advice.
AI-powered estate planning platform for creating trusts, wills, and financial directives with collaborative tools.
Digital life and estate planning vault for organizing important documents, contacts, and end-of-life wishes.
Affordable downloadable legal forms for DIY wills, powers of attorney, and basic estate planning needs.
Quicken WillMaker & Trust
specializedComprehensive desktop software for creating customized wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents.
Full revocable living trust creation with property schedules to avoid probate, unmatched in most DIY competitors
Quicken WillMaker & Trust is a leading DIY estate planning software that enables users to create a wide array of legally binding documents, including wills, revocable living trusts, durable powers of attorney, health care directives, and executor's checklists. It features a step-by-step interview process customized to each user's state laws, ensuring compliance and validity without needing an attorney. Updated annually by legal experts, it supports unlimited documents for individuals, couples, and families, making comprehensive estate planning accessible and affordable.
Pros
- Comprehensive library of 40+ state-specific documents including trusts and powers of attorney
- Intuitive interview-based guidance suitable for non-lawyers
- One-time purchase with annual updates and unlimited document creation
Cons
- Can feel overwhelming for very complex estates requiring customization
- Desktop-only (Windows/Mac) with no mobile app
- Requires some time investment for thorough completion
Best For
Individuals and families seeking professional-quality, state-compliant estate planning documents affordably without attorney fees.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $129 (Essentials) to $149 (Plus), includes a full year of free updates.
Trust & Will
specializedOnline platform offering attorney-reviewed wills, trusts, and guardianship documents for easy DIY estate planning.
Revocable living trust creation with automated funding instructions, rare in DIY tools
Trust & Will is an online DIY estate planning platform that guides users through creating state-specific wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and guardianship documents via an intuitive questionnaire. It supports individuals, couples, and families with customizable plans that include digital asset management and pet care provisions. The service prioritizes affordability and accessibility, with optional attorney reviews and updates to keep documents current.
Pros
- Comprehensive suite of estate planning documents including trusts
- Highly intuitive step-by-step interface with progress saving
- State-specific customization and unlimited updates for 30 days post-purchase
Cons
- Higher cost for trust-based plans compared to basic wills
- Limited support for very complex estates requiring extensive customization
- Online-only access with no downloadable software option
Best For
Individuals and families wanting professional-grade estate planning documents affordably without needing a lawyer.
Pricing
Individual will-based plans start at $199; trust-based at $599; couples/families from $299-$699, one-time fees with 30-day money-back guarantee.
Fabric by Gerber Life
specializedUser-friendly online service for building wills, trusts, and beneficiary designations with family-focused features.
Free, family-focused estate planning bundle integrated with instant life insurance quotes
Fabric by Gerber Life is an online platform offering DIY estate planning tools tailored for families, allowing users to create wills, designate guardians, powers of attorney, and HIPAA releases through a guided, questionnaire-based process. It integrates seamlessly with life insurance options from Gerber Life, making it easy to bundle financial protection with legal documents. The service emphasizes simplicity and speed, generating state-specific, attorney-reviewed documents without requiring in-person consultations.
Pros
- Completely free for core estate planning documents
- Intuitive mobile-first interface with quick setup
- Attorney-reviewed and state-specific customization
Cons
- Limited to basic documents (no advanced trusts or complex scenarios)
- Only available in 48 states (excludes a few)
- Heavy focus on upselling life insurance products
Best For
Busy parents and young families seeking free, simple estate planning basics without complex needs.
Pricing
Free for all core estate planning tools; optional paid notary services or insurance policies.
FreeWill
specializedFree online tool for creating basic wills and estate planning documents with options to upgrade for more features.
100% free, legally binding Last Will and Testament creation with no hidden fees
FreeWill (freewill.com) is a nonprofit-powered online platform that offers free DIY estate planning tools, primarily focused on creating a last will and testament, durable powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives through a guided questionnaire. It generates state-specific, legally valid documents downloadable for signing and notarization. The service prioritizes accessibility and simplicity, partnering with organizations like the American Red Cross to make basic estate planning available at no cost to users in all 50 U.S. states.
Pros
- Completely free for core documents like wills and directives
- Intuitive step-by-step questionnaire for quick setup
- State-specific customization available in all 50 states
Cons
- Limited options for complex estates or trusts without upgrades
- No built-in attorney review or legal advice
- Requires separate notarization and lacks digital signing
Best For
Individuals or families with simple estates who need a no-cost, straightforward way to draft a basic will and directives without professional help.
Pricing
Free for basic wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives; optional donations or paid add-ons for advanced features like revocable trusts.
GoodTrust
specializedDigital estate planning service that manages online accounts, wills, and end-of-life instructions securely.
Digital Vault with automated Legacy Contacts and posthumous message delivery
GoodTrust is a DIY estate planning platform that enables users to create customizable wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives online, with state-specific, attorney-reviewed documents. It stands out with its Digital Vault for securely storing and managing digital assets like passwords, crypto, and social media accounts. Additionally, it offers unique features like Legacy Contacts for platform transfers and a Message Vault for posthumous messages to loved ones.
Pros
- Innovative digital asset management and Legacy Vault
- Intuitive, modern interface with guided workflows
- Attorney-reviewed documents compliant with state laws
Cons
- Subscription model required for full access and ongoing storage
- Limited support for highly complex estates or international assets
- One-time document creation may feel overpriced without annual renewal
Best For
Tech-savvy individuals and younger users focused on digital legacies alongside basic estate planning.
Pricing
Basic will starts at $39 one-time; full platform access via annual subscription at $149/year.
LegalZoom
specializedOn-demand legal document service providing customizable estate planning forms like wills and trusts with attorney support.
One-click upgrade to attorney review and advice from a nationwide network
LegalZoom is an online legal services platform that enables DIY estate planning by guiding users through the creation of customized wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives via interactive questionnaires. The service generates state-specific documents ready for e-signing and notarization, with options to bundle multiple documents for comprehensive planning. It stands out by offering seamless upgrades to attorney reviews or consultations for users needing professional oversight.
Pros
- Intuitive step-by-step questionnaire interface
- State-specific customization for legal compliance
- Optional attorney review for peace of mind
Cons
- Higher costs compared to pure DIY software alternatives
- Frequent upsells during the process
- Limited advanced features for complex estates
Best For
Individuals or families wanting simple, guided estate planning with easy access to attorney support without full legal representation.
Pricing
Starts at $99 for a basic will, $199-$599 for bundles including trusts and attorney consultations; subscription plans from $19.99/month.
Rocket Lawyer
specializedSubscription-based platform for generating and customizing estate planning documents with on-call attorney advice.
Included monthly attorney consultations for document review and advice
Rocket Lawyer is an online legal services platform that provides DIY tools for creating estate planning documents such as wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives through guided questionnaires and customizable templates. It combines self-service document generation with access to attorney consultations and reviews for added assurance. While versatile for general legal needs, its estate planning features emphasize affordability and speed for straightforward user scenarios.
Pros
- Unlimited document creation with membership
- On-demand attorney consultations included
- User-friendly guided interview process
Cons
- Subscription model required for full access
- Less depth for complex estates compared to specialists
- Basic templates may need professional customization
Best For
Budget-conscious users needing quick, basic estate planning documents alongside other legal services and occasional attorney advice.
Pricing
Membership at $39.99/month or $239.88/year; free trial available, with per-document options starting at $39.99.
Wealth.com
specializedAI-powered estate planning platform for creating trusts, wills, and financial directives with collaborative tools.
Automated real estate funding deeds that transfer property into the trust across all 50 states
Wealth.com is a DIY estate planning platform that allows users to create customized revocable living trusts, last wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives through an intuitive online process. It provides step-by-step guidance, state-specific legal documents, and tools to fund trusts by transferring assets like real estate. The service emphasizes probate avoidance and includes secure digital storage for completed documents, with optional attorney consultations.
Pros
- Comprehensive trust packages with funding deeds for all 50 states
- High-quality, attorney-reviewed state-specific documents
- User-friendly interface with expert support chat
Cons
- Higher upfront pricing compared to basic will makers
- Limited customization for highly complex estates
- No free basic documents or trial option
Best For
Couples or families with homes and moderate assets seeking a complete trust solution without full attorney costs.
Pricing
Starts at $599 for individual revocable living trust (includes will, POAs, etc.); $899 for couples; $1,299 for families with children.
Everplans
specializedDigital life and estate planning vault for organizing important documents, contacts, and end-of-life wishes.
The secure, shareable digital vault that acts as a central hub for all end-of-life documents and instructions.
Everplans is a digital platform focused on organizing and securely storing estate planning documents, financial information, and end-of-life instructions in a centralized online vault. It offers guided checklists, templates for documenting assets, contacts, and wishes, along with tools for sharing access with family or advisors. While it supports DIY organization, it does not generate legally binding documents like wills or trusts.
Pros
- Secure digital vault for storing and organizing documents
- Comprehensive checklists and guides for estate planning tasks
- Simple sharing options with trusted contacts
Cons
- Lacks tools to create legally binding documents
- Premium features locked behind subscription
- Limited integration with legal or financial services
Best For
Users who already have estate documents and need a secure way to organize and share them with family.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Premium at $75/year or $9.99/month for unlimited vaults and advanced sharing.
MamaBear LegalForms
specializedAffordable downloadable legal forms for DIY wills, powers of attorney, and basic estate planning needs.
Ultra-low-cost, instant access to editable state-specific forms without ongoing fees
MamaBear LegalForms provides a straightforward library of downloadable, state-specific legal forms for DIY estate planning, including wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives. Users purchase and download editable PDF or Word templates to fill out manually without interactive software or guided interviews. It's a no-frills, budget option aimed at simple needs rather than complex estates.
Pros
- Very affordable one-time purchases
- Instant digital downloads
- State-specific customization options
Cons
- No guided questionnaires or automation
- Lacks attorney review or support
- Basic templates prone to user errors
Best For
Budget-savvy individuals with simple estates who are comfortable manually completing legal forms without guidance.
Pricing
Individual forms $19.95–$49.95; bundles up to $99; no subscriptions.
Conclusion
Among the diverse landscape of DIY estate planning software, three tools stood out as exceptional choices. At the top is Quicken WillMaker & Trust, offering a comprehensive, desktop-based solution with customizable wills, trusts, and more. Trust & Will follows with its attorney-reviewed online platform, perfect for ease and accessibility, while Fabric by Gerber Life impresses with user-friendly, family-focused features. Each caters to distinct needs, ensuring there’s a strong option for every user.
Take the first step toward securing your legacy by trying Quicken WillMaker & Trust—its full-featured design sets it apart—or explore Trust & Will or Fabric by Gerber Life if their unique strengths better match your priorities.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.
