Quick Overview
- 1#1: Quicken WillMaker & Trust - Desktop software for creating state-specific wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and comprehensive estate planning documents.
- 2#2: Trust & Will - Online platform for generating customized wills, trusts, and estate plans with optional attorney review.
- 3#3: LegalZoom - Online legal service providing DIY wills, trusts, and estate planning with attorney support options.
- 4#4: Rocket Lawyer - Subscription-based service offering on-demand wills, living trusts, and estate planning documents.
- 5#5: FreeWill - Free online tool for creating basic wills and advanced estate plans while supporting charitable causes.
- 6#6: Fabric - Digital estate planning app that includes will creation, guardianship planning, and life insurance integration.
- 7#7: GoodTrust - Platform focused on digital wills for managing online accounts, passwords, and digital assets post-mortem.
- 8#8: Everplans - Digital vault and planning tool for organizing end-of-life documents including wills and instructions.
- 9#9: LawDepot - Online legal form builder providing customizable wills, powers of attorney, and estate planning templates.
- 10#10: U.S. Legal Forms - Extensive library of state-specific legal forms including wills, trusts, and probate documents for download.
Tools were ranked based on a holistic evaluation of features (including trust and power of attorney creation), legal accuracy, user-friendliness, and overall value, resulting in a list that balances simplicity, depth, and practicality for diverse users.
Comparison Table
Selecting the right will preparation software is key to streamlining estate planning, and this comparison table evaluates popular tools like Quicken WillMaker & Trust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, FreeWill, and more. It highlights features, ease of use, cost, and additional benefits, empowering readers to identify the best fit for their specific needs. Whether prioritizing affordability, comprehensive coverage, or user-friendly interfaces, this guide simplifies the decision-making process.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Quicken WillMaker & Trust Desktop software for creating state-specific wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and comprehensive estate planning documents. | specialized | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.4/10 |
| 2 | Trust & Will Online platform for generating customized wills, trusts, and estate plans with optional attorney review. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.1/10 |
| 3 | LegalZoom Online legal service providing DIY wills, trusts, and estate planning with attorney support options. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 4 | Rocket Lawyer Subscription-based service offering on-demand wills, living trusts, and estate planning documents. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.7/10 |
| 5 | FreeWill Free online tool for creating basic wills and advanced estate plans while supporting charitable causes. | specialized | 8.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 10/10 |
| 6 | Fabric Digital estate planning app that includes will creation, guardianship planning, and life insurance integration. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.3/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 7 | GoodTrust Platform focused on digital wills for managing online accounts, passwords, and digital assets post-mortem. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.2/10 |
| 8 | Everplans Digital vault and planning tool for organizing end-of-life documents including wills and instructions. | specialized | 6.2/10 | 5.0/10 | 8.5/10 | 6.5/10 |
| 9 | LawDepot Online legal form builder providing customizable wills, powers of attorney, and estate planning templates. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | U.S. Legal Forms Extensive library of state-specific legal forms including wills, trusts, and probate documents for download. | specialized | 6.8/10 | 6.5/10 | 7.2/10 | 8.0/10 |
Desktop software for creating state-specific wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and comprehensive estate planning documents.
Online platform for generating customized wills, trusts, and estate plans with optional attorney review.
Online legal service providing DIY wills, trusts, and estate planning with attorney support options.
Subscription-based service offering on-demand wills, living trusts, and estate planning documents.
Free online tool for creating basic wills and advanced estate plans while supporting charitable causes.
Digital estate planning app that includes will creation, guardianship planning, and life insurance integration.
Platform focused on digital wills for managing online accounts, passwords, and digital assets post-mortem.
Digital vault and planning tool for organizing end-of-life documents including wills and instructions.
Online legal form builder providing customizable wills, powers of attorney, and estate planning templates.
Extensive library of state-specific legal forms including wills, trusts, and probate documents for download.
Quicken WillMaker & Trust
specializedDesktop software for creating state-specific wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and comprehensive estate planning documents.
Comprehensive executor toolkit with document locators, property inventories, and transfer certificates
Quicken WillMaker & Trust is a leading DIY estate planning software that enables users to create customized wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and over 40 other legal documents. It uses an intuitive interview-style process to generate state-specific forms compliant with all 50 states' laws, reviewed by attorneys. The software also provides tools for executors, final arrangements, and property transfer certificates, making it a complete solution for comprehensive estate planning without hiring a lawyer.
Pros
- Extensive library of 40+ attorney-reviewed, state-specific documents
- One-time purchase with free updates for the first year
- Step-by-step guidance suitable for beginners
Cons
- No live customer support or legal advice consultations
- Steeper learning curve for very complex estates
- Desktop-only (Windows/Mac), no mobile app
Best For
Individuals and families seeking affordable, professional-grade DIY estate planning tools tailored to their state's requirements.
Pricing
One-time purchase at $119 for the 2024 edition, includes free updates through the end of the year.
Trust & Will
specializedOnline platform for generating customized wills, trusts, and estate plans with optional attorney review.
Revocable living trust bundles that bypass probate, fully customizable online
Trust & Will is an online estate planning platform that enables users to create customized wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives through an intuitive questionnaire-based process. It generates state-specific legal documents quickly and affordably, without requiring a lawyer for basic needs. The service also offers optional attorney consultations and a membership for unlimited updates to keep documents current.
Pros
- User-friendly step-by-step interface with progress tracking
- Comprehensive document bundles including wills and trusts
- Membership option for unlimited updates and support
Cons
- Limited customization for highly complex estates
- No in-person consultations included in base plans
- State-specific limitations may require professional review
Best For
Busy families and individuals seeking affordable, straightforward online will and trust creation without complex legal needs.
Pricing
Individual will: $199; Couples will: $299; Full trust bundle: $599-$699; Optional membership: $19/month or $199/year for updates.
LegalZoom
specializedOnline legal service providing DIY wills, trusts, and estate planning with attorney support options.
On-demand attorney review and 30-minute consultation included in premium plans
LegalZoom's Will Preparation service uses an online questionnaire to help users create customized last wills and testaments, along with related estate planning documents like powers of attorney and living wills. It stands out with optional attorney review and support, providing peace of mind for users seeking professional oversight without hiring a full-service lawyer. The platform integrates seamlessly with LegalZoom's broader suite of legal services, making it a one-stop shop for basic estate planning needs.
Pros
- Attorney review and consultation options for added reliability
- Trusted brand with millions of users and strong reputation
- Bundles include multiple estate documents for comprehensive planning
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to pure DIY competitors
- Upselling during the process can feel aggressive
- Processing time longer with attorney involvement
Best For
Individuals seeking attorney-backed will creation without the full cost of traditional legal services.
Pricing
Basic Will: $99; Will with Attorney Support: $199; Estate Planning Bundle: $279+
Rocket Lawyer
specializedSubscription-based service offering on-demand wills, living trusts, and estate planning documents.
Integrated on-call attorney network for real-time legal advice during will preparation
Rocket Lawyer is an online legal platform offering customizable document templates, including wills, powers of attorney, and other estate planning tools. Users can create, edit, and e-sign wills through an intuitive interface, with options for attorney review and consultation. It emphasizes affordability and accessibility for basic legal needs beyond just wills.
Pros
- Unlimited document creation with membership
- On-demand attorney consultations included
- Wide range of legal forms beyond wills
Cons
- Subscription model required for full access
- Less specialized for complex estate planning
- Free version limited to basic templates
Best For
Individuals or small families needing quick, affordable will creation with occasional attorney advice.
Pricing
7-day free trial; $39.99/month or $99.99/year for Rocket Legal membership with unlimited documents and attorney services.
FreeWill
specializedFree online tool for creating basic wills and advanced estate plans while supporting charitable causes.
Seamless charitable giving integration, allowing users to name nonprofits in their will during creation
FreeWill (freewill.com) is a free online platform that enables users to create basic legal wills, advance healthcare directives, and other simple estate planning documents through an interactive questionnaire. It partners with nonprofits and charities to make estate planning accessible without cost, generating state-specific documents that users can download and sign. While ideal for straightforward needs, it lacks advanced features for complex estates or ongoing legal support.
Pros
- Completely free service with no hidden fees
- Intuitive, step-by-step questionnaire for quick setup
- State-specific documents and charity integration options
Cons
- Limited to basic wills and directives; no complex trusts or probate avoidance
- No attorney review or consultation included
- Not suitable for high-net-worth or multi-jurisdictional estates
Best For
Budget-conscious individuals or couples with simple estates seeking a no-cost, hassle-free basic will.
Pricing
Entirely free for all core features, including unlimited document creation and updates.
Fabric
specializedDigital estate planning app that includes will creation, guardianship planning, and life insurance integration.
One-tap integration of will creation with personalized life insurance quotes and policy management
Fabric (meetfabric.com) is a user-friendly mobile app that simplifies will preparation and basic estate planning for individuals and families. It allows users to create legally binding wills, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations through an intuitive guided process with attorney review. The platform uniquely integrates estate planning with life insurance recommendations and financial wellness tools, making it a holistic solution for young adults and parents.
Pros
- Intuitive app-based interface for quick setup
- Attorney-reviewed documents at no extra cost
- Seamless integration with life insurance planning
Cons
- Limited support for complex estates or high-net-worth needs
- Documents only available in select states
- Upsells to insurance products can feel pushy
Best For
Busy young families and professionals needing simple, digital wills alongside basic financial planning.
Pricing
Basic estate plan (will + PoA + HIPAA) starts at $99 for singles or $149 for couples; free basic will option with premium upgrades and optional Fabric+ subscription at $12/month.
GoodTrust
specializedPlatform focused on digital wills for managing online accounts, passwords, and digital assets post-mortem.
Secure digital vault for storing and transferring access to online accounts, passwords, and crypto after death
GoodTrust is an online estate planning platform that enables users to create legally binding wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and HIPAA authorizations through a guided, questionnaire-based process. It stands out with its secure digital vault for storing passwords, financial info, and digital assets, facilitating postmortem management of online accounts and social media. The service partners with notaries for remote online notarization and offers ongoing updates to documents as life changes occur.
Pros
- Intuitive, step-by-step wizard simplifies will creation for non-experts
- Unique digital vault for managing online legacies and accounts
- Includes notary services and state-specific documents at no extra cost
Cons
- Subscription model required for ongoing access and updates
- Lacks personalized attorney review or complex estate customization
- Limited support for multi-state or international assets
Best For
Tech-savvy individuals or young families wanting affordable, digital-first will preparation with postmortem digital asset management.
Pricing
Gold plan at $149/year (or $16/month); Platinum at $249/year; includes documents, vault, and notary; 14-day free trial.
Everplans
specializedDigital vault and planning tool for organizing end-of-life documents including wills and instructions.
Integrated 'Life & Death Plan' dashboard that consolidates all critical documents, instructions, and contacts in one shareable digital vault
Everplans is a digital platform designed to help users organize and centralize end-of-life planning documents, including wills, advance directives, financial accounts, and personal information. It offers guided checklists, secure storage, and tools to prepare a 'Life & Death Plan' that can be shared with loved ones. While excellent for document organization and accessibility, it does not generate or legally draft wills, focusing instead on vault-like storage and planning guidance.
Pros
- Secure digital vault for storing and organizing wills and estate documents
- Comprehensive checklists and guides for end-of-life planning
- Easy sharing and access for family members post-mortem
Cons
- Lacks automated will creation or legal document generation
- Full features require a paid subscription
- Not a substitute for professional legal will preparation services
Best For
Individuals with existing wills who need a centralized, secure hub to store and manage estate planning documents and instructions.
Pricing
Free basic plan for limited use; Premium subscription at $75/year or $9/month for full access and unlimited storage.
LawDepot
specializedOnline legal form builder providing customizable wills, powers of attorney, and estate planning templates.
Multi-jurisdictional templates customized for US states, Canada provinces, UK, and Australia.
LawDepot is an online platform offering customizable legal document templates, including last wills and testaments, generated via interactive questionnaires tailored to specific jurisdictions like the US, Canada, UK, and Australia. It simplifies will preparation for users by guiding them through essential details such as beneficiaries, executors, and asset distribution. Beyond wills, it provides a broad library of over 150 forms for estate planning and other legal needs, allowing quick downloads in PDF format.
Pros
- Affordable pricing for basic documents
- Supports multiple jurisdictions worldwide
- Straightforward questionnaire-based creation
Cons
- Limited depth for complex estates or trusts
- No built-in attorney review or consultation
- Basic templates may require manual tweaks
Best For
Budget-conscious individuals or families with simple assets seeking a quick, jurisdiction-specific basic will without professional legal help.
Pricing
Single documents from $10-$40; annual subscription around $39 for unlimited access to all templates.
U.S. Legal Forms
specializedExtensive library of state-specific legal forms including wills, trusts, and probate documents for download.
Vast library of over 85,000 customizable, state-specific legal forms
U.S. Legal Forms (uslegalforms.com) offers a comprehensive library of over 85,000 downloadable legal documents, including state-specific last will and testament templates for simple will preparation. Users purchase and download fillable PDF forms to complete manually, with options for basic customization but no interactive guided process. It's positioned as an affordable, self-service solution for basic estate planning needs without ongoing software features.
Pros
- Extensive selection of state-specific will forms at low one-time costs
- Instant download and attorney-reviewed templates
- No subscription required for individual purchases
Cons
- Lacks guided interviews or automated assembly tools
- Manual form filling increases risk of errors without support
- No built-in attorney review or e-signing integration
Best For
Budget-conscious DIY users comfortable with manual form completion who need a basic, state-compliant will template.
Pricing
Individual forms from $7.95-$29.95; subscription plans start at $39/month for unlimited access.
Conclusion
Evaluating all options, Quicken WillMaker & Trust stands out as the top choice, celebrated for its detailed state-specific tools and comprehensive estate planning capabilities. Trust & Will and LegalZoom also shine, offering personalized plans and attorney support, respectively, making them strong alternatives for distinct needs. Ultimately, the best software depends on individual priorities, but Quicken WillMaker & Trust leads as the most reliable pick.
Begin securing your legacy by trying Quicken WillMaker & Trust today—take the first step toward a well-organized estate plan that reflects your needs.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.