Quick Overview
- 1#1: WealthCounsel - Comprehensive estate planning platform automating wills, trusts, and tax calculations for legal professionals.
- 2#2: Quicken WillMaker & Trust - Desktop software enabling individuals to create customized wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
- 3#3: Ultimate Estate Planner - Professional tool for estate tax projections, plan illustrations, and client presentations in trusts and wills planning.
- 4#4: HotDocs - Document automation software used by attorneys to generate personalized wills and trust agreements efficiently.
- 5#5: Trust & Will - Online platform for couples and individuals to build state-specific wills and revocable living trusts.
- 6#6: GoodTrust - Digital estate planning service combining wills, trusts, and online asset management tools.
- 7#7: FreeWill - Free online service for creating basic wills and advanced planning documents with nonprofit focus.
- 8#8: LegalZoom - Online legal marketplace providing DIY wills, trusts, and estate planning bundles with attorney options.
- 9#9: Rocket Lawyer - On-demand legal document service offering customizable wills and living trusts via subscription.
- 10#10: EstateExec - Cloud-based tool for probate administration, trust accounting, and estate settlement tracking.
Tools were ranked based on key factors including automation capabilities, customization range (state-specific and personal), user-friendliness, and overall value, ensuring a balanced list of top-performing solutions for both professionals and individuals.
Comparison Table
This comparison table examines a range of Wills And Trust Software, featuring tools like WealthCounsel, Quicken WillMaker & Trust, Ultimate Estate Planner, HotDocs, Trust & Will, and more. It outlines key attributes such as features, ease of use, and cost, aiding readers in selecting the most suitable option for their estate planning goals.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WealthCounsel Comprehensive estate planning platform automating wills, trusts, and tax calculations for legal professionals. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.9/10 | 9.2/10 | 9.0/10 |
| 2 | Quicken WillMaker & Trust Desktop software enabling individuals to create customized wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 3 | Ultimate Estate Planner Professional tool for estate tax projections, plan illustrations, and client presentations in trusts and wills planning. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.0/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 4 | HotDocs Document automation software used by attorneys to generate personalized wills and trust agreements efficiently. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 5 | Trust & Will Online platform for couples and individuals to build state-specific wills and revocable living trusts. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.0/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 6 | GoodTrust Digital estate planning service combining wills, trusts, and online asset management tools. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 8.4/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 7 | FreeWill Free online service for creating basic wills and advanced planning documents with nonprofit focus. | other | 7.8/10 | 7.1/10 | 9.3/10 | 9.7/10 |
| 8 | LegalZoom Online legal marketplace providing DIY wills, trusts, and estate planning bundles with attorney options. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.2/10 | 6.8/10 |
| 9 | Rocket Lawyer On-demand legal document service offering customizable wills and living trusts via subscription. | specialized | 7.4/10 | 7.0/10 | 8.2/10 | 7.3/10 |
| 10 | EstateExec Cloud-based tool for probate administration, trust accounting, and estate settlement tracking. | specialized | 6.8/10 | 5.2/10 | 8.4/10 | 7.1/10 |
Comprehensive estate planning platform automating wills, trusts, and tax calculations for legal professionals.
Desktop software enabling individuals to create customized wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
Professional tool for estate tax projections, plan illustrations, and client presentations in trusts and wills planning.
Document automation software used by attorneys to generate personalized wills and trust agreements efficiently.
Online platform for couples and individuals to build state-specific wills and revocable living trusts.
Digital estate planning service combining wills, trusts, and online asset management tools.
Free online service for creating basic wills and advanced planning documents with nonprofit focus.
Online legal marketplace providing DIY wills, trusts, and estate planning bundles with attorney options.
On-demand legal document service offering customizable wills and living trusts via subscription.
Cloud-based tool for probate administration, trust accounting, and estate settlement tracking.
WealthCounsel
enterpriseComprehensive estate planning platform automating wills, trusts, and tax calculations for legal professionals.
WealthDocx's dynamic clause library with automated state-specific updates and variable-driven personalization
WealthCounsel is a comprehensive estate planning software platform tailored for attorneys, specializing in automated generation of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and related documents via its WealthDocx engine. It features extensive state-specific drafting libraries, matter management, client portals, and compliance tools to streamline workflows and ensure legal accuracy. The platform supports firm-wide collaboration and integrates with billing and practice management systems for end-to-end estate planning.
Pros
- Vast library of state-compliant templates and clauses for wills and trusts
- Advanced document automation with intelligent assembly and customization
- Integrated client portal and e-signing for efficient delivery and execution
Cons
- High subscription cost may deter solo practitioners
- Steep learning curve for new users despite intuitive interface
- Limited flexibility for non-estate planning document types
Best For
Mid-sized to large estate planning law firms needing robust, compliant automation and practice management.
Pricing
Starts at $195/user/month (billed annually), with tiered plans up to enterprise levels including custom support.
Quicken WillMaker & Trust
specializedDesktop software enabling individuals to create customized wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
Complete revocable living trust builder with pour-over will integration, enabling probate avoidance for most assets.
Quicken WillMaker & Trust is a leading DIY estate planning software that enables users to create customized wills, revocable living trusts, durable powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and over 35 other legal documents tailored to all 50 states. It uses an intuitive interview-style process to gather information and generate attorney-reviewed forms without needing professional legal help. Annual editions ensure compliance with the latest state laws, making it suitable for straightforward estate planning needs.
Pros
- Comprehensive library of state-specific estate planning documents including full revocable living trusts
- Step-by-step interview guidance ideal for non-lawyers
- Unlimited document creation and modifications with one purchase
Cons
- Not suitable for complex estates requiring customized legal advice
- Desktop-only software with no cloud access or mobile app
- Annual updates required to stay current with law changes (extra cost)
Best For
Individuals and families with straightforward estates seeking affordable, attorney-reviewed DIY documents.
Pricing
One-time purchase of $149 for the current edition; optional annual updates for $49.
Ultimate Estate Planner
specializedProfessional tool for estate tax projections, plan illustrations, and client presentations in trusts and wills planning.
Intelligent clause selector that auto-assembles documents based on client-specific variables and state laws
Ultimate Estate Planner is a specialized document automation software tailored for estate planning attorneys, enabling the rapid creation of customized wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. It features an extensive library of state-specific clauses and templates, with intelligent assembly tools that incorporate client data to generate compliant documents efficiently. The platform supports complex estate planning scenarios, including dynasty trusts and special needs trusts, while ensuring accuracy and reducing manual drafting time.
Pros
- Vast library of customizable, state-compliant clauses and templates
- Powerful document assembly engine for complex trusts and wills
- Built-in compliance checks and error reduction tools
Cons
- Steep initial learning curve for non-expert users
- Primarily desktop-based with limited cloud collaboration
- Higher cost may deter solo practitioners
Best For
Mid-sized estate planning firms needing advanced automation for high-volume, complex will and trust document production.
Pricing
Starts at $1,495 one-time license fee plus $295 annual maintenance; volume discounts for firms.
HotDocs
enterpriseDocument automation software used by attorneys to generate personalized wills and trust agreements efficiently.
Sophisticated HotDocs Interview system that simulates expert-guided questionnaires to capture nuanced client data for precise document assembly
HotDocs is a powerful document automation platform designed for legal professionals to generate customized wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents from intelligent templates. It uses dynamic interviews to collect client data and applies complex logic to assemble accurate, personalized legal forms. Widely used in law firms, it excels in handling repetitive document workflows with high precision and scalability.
Pros
- Advanced scripting and conditional logic for complex wills and trusts
- Seamless integration with case management systems like Clio and PracticePanther
- Scalable for high-volume document production in firms
Cons
- Steep learning curve for template authoring and customization
- Enterprise-level pricing may not suit solo practitioners
- Requires significant upfront time to build estate planning libraries
Best For
Mid-sized to large law firms specializing in estate planning that handle high document volumes and have IT support for setup.
Pricing
Custom enterprise pricing; cloud subscriptions start around $500-$1,500/month per firm depending on users and volume, with on-premise options available.
Trust & Will
specializedOnline platform for couples and individuals to build state-specific wills and revocable living trusts.
Integrated revocable living trust bundle that avoids probate and includes unlimited updates via Legacy membership
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 process. It generates state-specific documents tailored to individual circumstances, including options for guardianship of minors and pet care. The service focuses on simplicity for straightforward estates, with optional attorney reviews and a digital vault for secure storage and updates.
Pros
- Intuitive questionnaire-based interface for quick setup
- Affordable one-time pricing compared to traditional attorneys
- Comprehensive bundle options covering wills, trusts, and directives
Cons
- Limited support for highly complex or high-asset estates
- No free updates without purchasing Legacy membership
- Basic attorney support requires additional fees
Best For
Busy individuals and families with moderate estates seeking simple, affordable online estate planning without lawyer consultations.
Pricing
Individual will: $199; Trust & Will bundle: $599; Full estate plan: $699; optional Legacy membership for updates at $19/month or $199/year.
GoodTrust
specializedDigital estate planning service combining wills, trusts, and online asset management tools.
Digital time capsule and pet trusts that address emotional and non-traditional legacy planning needs
GoodTrust is an online estate planning platform that enables users to create customized wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives through a guided questionnaire process. It emphasizes modern needs like digital asset management, pet trusts, and emotional planning tools such as letters to loved ones and a digital time capsule. State-specific documents are generated and attorney-reviewed, offering a DIY alternative to traditional lawyers for straightforward estates.
Pros
- Intuitive questionnaire-based interface for quick setup
- Unique coverage for digital assets, pets, and sentimental planning
- Attorney-reviewed, state-specific documents at a fraction of lawyer costs
Cons
- Limited customization for highly complex or high-value estates
- No integrated notary service or live attorney consultations
- Requires users to handle printing, signing, and notarization independently
Best For
Busy individuals or families with straightforward estates who want affordable, modern estate planning without hiring a lawyer.
Pricing
Free basic will; full estate plan (wills, trusts, POAs) for $149 one-time fee.
FreeWill
otherFree online service for creating basic wills and advanced planning documents with nonprofit focus.
100% free creation of legally binding wills with no hidden fees or subscriptions
FreeWill is an online platform that allows users to create basic legally valid wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives for free through an interactive questionnaire. It focuses on simplifying estate planning for individuals without complex needs, generating state-specific documents instantly. While it offers limited trust options via paid upgrades, its core strength lies in accessible, no-cost will creation tied to charitable giving opportunities.
Pros
- Completely free for basic wills and essential documents
- Intuitive questionnaire-based interface for quick setup
- State-specific customization available in all 50 U.S. states
Cons
- Limited advanced features for complex trusts or estates
- No included attorney review or legal advice
- Paid upgrades required for revocable living trusts and extras
Best For
Budget-conscious individuals or families needing a simple, no-frills will without professional legal help.
Pricing
Free for wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare documents; paid plans starting at $199 for revocable living trusts and advanced features.
LegalZoom
specializedOnline legal marketplace providing DIY wills, trusts, and estate planning bundles with attorney options.
Direct access to an independent attorney network for document reviews and live consultations
LegalZoom is an online legal services platform that enables users to create customized wills, living trusts, and other estate planning documents through guided questionnaires and state-specific templates. It offers optional attorney reviews, consultations, and bundles that include powers of attorney and living wills for comprehensive planning. While not exclusively focused on estate planning, it provides a reliable DIY approach backed by a well-known brand.
Pros
- Trusted brand with nationwide recognition and attorney network access
- State-specific documents with optional professional review
- Bundled estate planning packages for convenience
Cons
- Higher pricing than dedicated wills/trusts competitors
- Heavy emphasis on upsells during the process
- Less specialized depth in advanced trust customization
Best For
Busy individuals who want a reputable service with attorney support options for straightforward wills and basic trusts.
Pricing
Basic will starts at $99; living trust at $599; bundles and attorney services range from $199-$1,000+.
Rocket Lawyer
specializedOn-demand legal document service offering customizable wills and living trusts via subscription.
Integrated attorney network for instant document reviews and consultations alongside DIY tools
Rocket Lawyer is an online legal platform offering DIY document creation, legal advice, and attorney connections for various needs, including wills and trusts. It provides step-by-step wizards and customizable templates for drafting basic wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and related estate planning documents. Users can opt for attorney reviews or consultations to ensure accuracy, making it a hybrid solution between self-service and professional help.
Pros
- User-friendly step-by-step document builders for wills and trusts
- Optional attorney document review and on-demand consultations
- Broad library of legal forms beyond just estate planning
Cons
- Limited depth for complex estates or high-net-worth planning
- Full features require ongoing subscription
- Templates may need attorney tweaks for personalization
Best For
Individuals or families needing affordable, straightforward DIY wills and trusts with easy access to attorney backup.
Pricing
Free trial and pay-per-document options; RocketLegal+ membership $39.99/month or $239.88/year for unlimited documents and 1+ attorney consult/month.
EstateExec
specializedCloud-based tool for probate administration, trust accounting, and estate settlement tracking.
Automated tax preparation and IRS-compliant accountings
EstateExec is a cloud-based platform primarily designed for estate settlement and probate administration, helping executors inventory assets, track expenses, manage distributions, and prepare tax filings. While it excels in post-death estate management, it lacks robust tools for creating or drafting wills and trusts, making it less ideal for upfront estate planning. It supports professionals and individuals with detailed reporting and beneficiary communication features.
Pros
- Intuitive interface for non-experts managing probate
- Comprehensive asset tracking and automated reporting
- Secure beneficiary portal for distributions
Cons
- No document generation for wills or trusts
- Per-estate pricing can become expensive for multiple cases
- Limited focus on pre-death planning tools
Best For
Executors and estate attorneys focused on probate administration rather than creating wills and trusts.
Pricing
Free for simple estates under $50K; Pro plans start at $99 per estate or $19/month for unlimited basic access.
Conclusion
Selecting the right wills and trust software hinges on specific needs, but the top tools offer exceptional value. Leading the pack is WealthCounsel, a comprehensive platform for legal professionals, followed by Quicken WillMaker & Trust, which shines for user-friendly customization, and Ultimate Estate Planner, a standout for tax projections and advanced plan illustration. Each provides a unique edge, ensuring there’s a strong fit for diverse users.
Begin securing your estate by exploring WealthCounsel, the top-ranked tool, to find the solution that best aligns with your planning goals.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.