Quick Overview
- 1#1: Quicken WillMaker & Trust - Comprehensive desktop software for creating customized wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and estate planning documents compliant with state laws.
- 2#2: WealthCounsel - Professional-grade estate planning platform offering advanced drafting tools, document assembly, and compliance features for attorneys.
- 3#3: WealthDocx - Automated document generation software specialized for wills, trusts, and complex estate planning with clause libraries and customization.
- 4#4: Trust & Will - Online service for generating legally binding wills and trusts with step-by-step guidance and optional attorney review.
- 5#5: LegalZoom - DIY platform providing customizable will templates, estate planning bundles, and access to attorney consultations.
- 6#6: Rocket Lawyer - Subscription-based legal document creator including wills and estate forms with on-demand attorney advice.
- 7#7: FreeWill - Free online tool for drafting basic wills, healthcare directives, and beneficiary designations quickly and securely.
- 8#8: Fabric by Gerber Life - Mobile-first app for creating wills, naming guardians, and managing family estate planning documents.
- 9#9: GoodTrust - Digital estate planning service focusing on wills for online assets, digital legacies, and family protection.
- 10#10: Everplans - Digital vault and planning tool for organizing wills, end-of-life documents, and sharing estate plans with loved ones.
Tools were evaluated based on features (customization, compliance, and supplementary resources), quality (accuracy and legal robustness), ease of use (intuitive design and guidance), and value (cost-effectiveness relative to functionality, balancing accessibility for DIY users and professionals).
Comparison Table
Selecting the right will drafting software requires evaluating features, usability, and suitability for individual needs. This comparison table explores tools like Quicken WillMaker & Trust, WealthCounsel, LegalZoom, and more, making it easy to identify options that align with simple or complex estate planning goals. Readers will gain key insights to match their requirements with the best available software.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quicken WillMaker & Trust Comprehensive desktop software for creating customized wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and estate planning documents compliant with state laws. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 |
| 2 | WealthCounsel Professional-grade estate planning platform offering advanced drafting tools, document assembly, and compliance features for attorneys. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.7/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 3 | WealthDocx Automated document generation software specialized for wills, trusts, and complex estate planning with clause libraries and customization. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 4 | Trust & Will Online service for generating legally binding wills and trusts with step-by-step guidance and optional attorney review. | specialized | 8.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 5 | LegalZoom DIY platform providing customizable will templates, estate planning bundles, and access to attorney consultations. | other | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 6 | Rocket Lawyer Subscription-based legal document creator including wills and estate forms with on-demand attorney advice. | other | 7.4/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.1/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | FreeWill Free online tool for drafting basic wills, healthcare directives, and beneficiary designations quickly and securely. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 6.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 8 | Fabric by Gerber Life Mobile-first app for creating wills, naming guardians, and managing family estate planning documents. | specialized | 7.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | GoodTrust Digital estate planning service focusing on wills for online assets, digital legacies, and family protection. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.8/10 |
| 10 | Everplans Digital vault and planning tool for organizing wills, end-of-life documents, and sharing estate plans with loved ones. | other | 6.5/10 | 5.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 |
Comprehensive desktop software for creating customized wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and estate planning documents compliant with state laws.
Professional-grade estate planning platform offering advanced drafting tools, document assembly, and compliance features for attorneys.
Automated document generation software specialized for wills, trusts, and complex estate planning with clause libraries and customization.
Online service for generating legally binding wills and trusts with step-by-step guidance and optional attorney review.
DIY platform providing customizable will templates, estate planning bundles, and access to attorney consultations.
Subscription-based legal document creator including wills and estate forms with on-demand attorney advice.
Free online tool for drafting basic wills, healthcare directives, and beneficiary designations quickly and securely.
Mobile-first app for creating wills, naming guardians, and managing family estate planning documents.
Digital estate planning service focusing on wills for online assets, digital legacies, and family protection.
Digital vault and planning tool for organizing wills, end-of-life documents, and sharing estate plans with loved ones.
Quicken WillMaker & Trust
specializedComprehensive desktop software for creating customized wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and estate planning documents compliant with state laws.
Full revocable living trust creation with detailed property schedules and successor trustee provisions, enabling probate avoidance
Quicken WillMaker & Trust is a leading DIY estate planning software that enables users to create state-specific wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, and over 35 other legal documents without an attorney. It uses an intuitive step-by-step interview process similar to tax software, ensuring documents are customized to individual needs and compliant with current state laws. Annual updates keep forms legally current, and it includes tools for finalizing, signing, and storing documents securely.
Pros
- Comprehensive library of 35+ attorney-reviewed documents including full revocable living trusts
- State-specific customization with annual legal updates included
- One-time purchase model with unlimited document revisions and tech support
Cons
- Not ideal for highly complex estates requiring custom legal advice
- Desktop-only software (Windows/Mac) with no mobile or cloud access
- Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with legal terminology
Best For
Families and individuals with straightforward estates seeking affordable, professional-grade DIY will and trust drafting.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $129-$199 for the annual edition (e.g., 2024 version), includes free updates until next release and a 60-day money-back guarantee.
WealthCounsel
enterpriseProfessional-grade estate planning platform offering advanced drafting tools, document assembly, and compliance features for attorneys.
WealthDocx clause-based drafting engine with unlimited variations and automatic state law compliance updates
WealthCounsel is a leading estate planning software suite designed specifically for attorneys, featuring WealthDocx for automated drafting of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and other estate documents. It offers a vast library of state-specific clauses, ensuring compliance with varying jurisdictional requirements, and integrates advanced planning tools like the Inheritance Flowchart Tool (IFT) for complex wealth transfer strategies. The platform also includes client portals, practice management features, and ongoing legal updates to support comprehensive estate planning workflows.
Pros
- Extensive state-specific clause library for precise, compliant will and trust drafting
- Advanced tools like IFT for visualizing complex inheritance scenarios
- Seamless integration with client portals and practice management systems
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to the depth of customization options
- High subscription costs may deter solo practitioners or small firms
- Overkill for simple wills, better suited for sophisticated estate plans
Best For
Mid-sized to large estate planning firms handling complex, high-net-worth client matters requiring state-compliant, customizable documents.
Pricing
Subscription-based with tiers starting at approximately $2,500/year per user; enterprise pricing available with add-ons for additional modules.
WealthDocx
specializedAutomated document generation software specialized for wills, trusts, and complex estate planning with clause libraries and customization.
The comprehensive, jurisdiction-specific clause library that auto-assembles into fully customized wills with built-in compliance checks.
WealthDocx is a specialized document automation platform designed for estate planning professionals, enabling the rapid drafting of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and related documents through a vast library of pre-vetted, jurisdiction-specific clauses. Users can assemble customized legal documents by selecting and modifying clauses via an intuitive web-based interface, ensuring compliance and reducing drafting time significantly. It integrates seamlessly with popular CRMs like Wealthbox and Salesforce, making it ideal for wealth advisors and attorneys focused on high-net-worth clients.
Pros
- Extensive library of over 10,000 expert-vetted clauses for wills and estate documents
- Seamless CRM integrations for streamlined workflows
- High customization with version control and collaboration tools
Cons
- Steeper learning curve for clause assembly compared to simpler template tools
- Limited to estate planning; lacks broader legal document support
- Pricing may be high for solo practitioners or small firms
Best For
Estate planning attorneys and wealth advisors who need advanced, compliant will drafting with deep customization for complex client needs.
Pricing
Starts at $99 per user per month (billed annually); Enterprise plans with custom pricing for larger firms.
Trust & Will
specializedOnline service for generating legally binding wills and trusts with step-by-step guidance and optional attorney review.
One-stop online revocable living trust creation alongside wills, democratizing advanced estate planning.
Trust & Will is an online estate planning platform that enables users to create legally binding wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives through a guided, questionnaire-based process. It focuses on simplifying will drafting for individuals and families, ensuring state-specific customization without requiring an attorney for basic needs. The service also offers bundles for comprehensive planning and optional professional reviews for added assurance.
Pros
- Intuitive questionnaire interface for quick document creation
- State-specific templates with automatic updates for law changes
- Affordable bundles including trusts and supporting documents
Cons
- Limited customization for highly complex estates
- Extra fees for attorney reviews or future updates
- No live chat support; relies on email and FAQs
Best For
Tech-savvy individuals and families with straightforward assets seeking affordable, DIY will drafting.
Pricing
Individual wills from $199; trust + will bundles from $599; optional membership for updates at $19/month.
LegalZoom
otherDIY platform providing customizable will templates, estate planning bundles, and access to attorney consultations.
Seamless attorney review and consultation add-on for professional oversight
LegalZoom offers an online will drafting service that guides users through an interactive questionnaire to create customized last wills and testaments tailored to their state's laws. It supports basic estate planning needs, including naming beneficiaries, guardians, and executors, with options to bundle additional documents like powers of attorney. The platform emphasizes affordability and speed for DIY users, with optional attorney review for added assurance.
Pros
- Straightforward questionnaire-based interface
- State-specific customization
- Optional attorney support for validation
Cons
- Limited depth for complex estates
- Frequent upsells during process
- No free version or trial
Best For
Busy individuals with simple estates seeking a quick, affordable DIY will without needing full legal counsel.
Pricing
Basic will: $99; Will + attorney assistance: $179; Bundles with trusts/POA start at $279.
Rocket Lawyer
otherSubscription-based legal document creator including wills and estate forms with on-demand attorney advice.
On-demand attorney advice and document review included in membership
Rocket Lawyer is an online legal services platform that enables users to create customizable wills and other estate planning documents through guided questionnaires and templates. It simplifies the will drafting process by prompting users for key details like beneficiaries, executors, and asset distribution, generating state-specific documents. Beyond basic drafting, it offers attorney review, legal advice, and unlimited document access via membership.
Pros
- Affordable membership for unlimited documents and attorney consultations
- User-friendly questionnaire for quick will creation
- State-specific templates with attorney review options
Cons
- Limited advanced features for complex estates or trusts
- Requires subscription for full access and ongoing use
- Generic templates may need customization for unique situations
Best For
Budget-conscious individuals or families needing simple, straightforward wills with occasional attorney guidance.
Pricing
Free 7-day trial; membership at $39.99/month or $239.88/year for unlimited documents and attorney services.
FreeWill
specializedFree online tool for drafting basic wills, healthcare directives, and beneficiary designations quickly and securely.
Seamless integration of charitable giving directly into the will drafting process
FreeWill is a free online platform that enables users to create basic legally binding wills through a simple, guided questionnaire process. It covers essentials like naming executors, beneficiaries, guardians for minors, and pet care, while also facilitating charitable donations during the process. Designed for accessibility, it partners with nonprofits and supports multiple U.S. states, though it's best suited for straightforward estate planning needs rather than complex scenarios.
Pros
- Completely free for basic will creation
- Intuitive questionnaire interface that's quick to complete
- Built-in support for charitable bequests and nonprofit partnerships
Cons
- Limited customization for complex estates or trusts
- No integrated attorney review or legal advice
- State-specific coverage is good but not exhaustive for all scenarios
Best For
Individuals or families with simple assets seeking a no-cost, user-friendly way to draft a basic will quickly.
Pricing
Free for standard wills; optional donations encouraged, with premium partnerships for advanced planning.
Fabric by Gerber Life
specializedMobile-first app for creating wills, naming guardians, and managing family estate planning documents.
Parent-focused guardian nomination tool with video explanations and family-sharing capabilities
Fabric by Gerber Life is an online estate planning platform that enables users to create customized wills, nominate guardians for children, and generate powers of attorney and other basic documents without consulting a lawyer. It emphasizes simplicity for families, particularly parents, with guided questionnaires and digital storage. The service integrates will drafting with life insurance options from Gerber Life, making it a one-stop shop for basic legacy planning.
Pros
- Intuitive guided process ideal for beginners and parents
- Secure digital storage and easy updates
- Seamless integration with life insurance products
Cons
- Limited customization for complex estates or high-net-worth individuals
- Basic legal templates may not fully address state-specific nuances
- No attorney review or advanced trust options
Best For
Busy parents with young children seeking a quick, affordable way to draft a basic will and nominate guardians.
Pricing
One-time fee of $99 for basic will and documents; $199/year for premium Nest membership with advanced features and insurance perks.
GoodTrust
specializedDigital estate planning service focusing on wills for online assets, digital legacies, and family protection.
Integrated Digital Vault for securely storing and sharing access to digital assets, accounts, and passwords
GoodTrust is an online estate planning platform that enables users to draft wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives through a guided, questionnaire-based process. It includes a secure digital vault for storing digital assets, passwords, and important documents, with options for family collaboration and notifications. The service focuses on simplicity and affordability for straightforward estate needs across multiple U.S. states.
Pros
- Intuitive questionnaire interface for quick document creation
- Secure digital vault for managing online assets and info
- Subscription includes unlimited updates and attorney support
Cons
- Limited handling of complex estates or high-net-worth scenarios
- Customization options are basic compared to attorney-drafted docs
- State coverage not universal, with some restrictions
Best For
Individuals or small families with simple estates seeking affordable, DIY will drafting without needing a lawyer.
Pricing
One-time wills start at $149; subscription $39/month or $149/year for unlimited documents, updates, and support.
Everplans
otherDigital vault and planning tool for organizing wills, end-of-life documents, and sharing estate plans with loved ones.
The secure 'Vital File' vault that automatically notifies and shares your complete plan with family upon your passing.
Everplans is an online platform that serves as a digital vault for organizing and storing end-of-life documents, including wills, advance directives, and financial information. It provides guided questionnaires to help users document their assets, contacts, and instructions, with options to upload existing wills or create basic outlines. While it excels in organization and sharing, it is not a full-featured will drafting tool and recommends professional legal review for complex needs.
Pros
- Secure digital storage and easy organization of estate documents
- Simple guided process for documenting basic will information
- Family sharing features for instant access by designated loved ones
Cons
- Limited will drafting capabilities; no advanced legal templates or customization
- Requires professional attorney review for legally binding documents
- Subscription model needed for full access and updates
Best For
Tech-savvy individuals or families looking to organize and store basic will and end-of-life plans digitally without complex drafting needs.
Pricing
Free basic plan; Premium subscription at $75/year or $9/month for unlimited storage and sharing.
Conclusion
Choosing the right will drafting software involves balancing needs, and Quicken WillMaker & Trust emerges as the top, offering extensive customization and state compliance. WealthCounsel and WealthDocx stand out as strong alternatives, with advanced tools for professionals and complex planning, respectively. Together, these top options provide reliable ways to secure one's estate, each suited to different circumstances.
Take the first step to protect your future—try Quicken WillMaker & Trust today to create a tailored, legal will that fits your life.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.