Quick Overview
- 1#1: WealthCounsel - Advanced document assembly and practice management software for estate planning attorneys specializing in wills and trusts.
- 2#2: Quicken WillMaker & Trust - Comprehensive desktop software for consumers to create customized wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and estate documents.
- 3#3: Trust & Will - Online platform offering affordable, attorney-reviewed wills, trusts, and full estate plans with digital storage.
- 4#4: LegalZoom - Provides customizable wills, trusts, and estate planning documents with optional attorney support.
- 5#5: Rocket Lawyer - On-demand legal document creator with wills, trusts, and estate planning tools via subscription access.
- 6#6: HotDocs - Document automation software used by law firms to generate complex wills and trusts efficiently.
- 7#7: FreeWill - Free online will maker with options for trusts and estate planning, partnered with nonprofits.
- 8#8: Fabric - Mobile-first estate planning app for creating wills, trusts, and managing beneficiary designations.
- 9#9: GoodTrust - Focuses on digital legacy planning with wills, trusts, and online asset protection tools.
- 10#10: Everplans - Digital platform for organizing wills, trusts, assets, and end-of-life instructions securely.
Tools were chosen based on feature depth, plan quality, ease of use, and value, ensuring they meet the demands of both legal professionals and individuals seeking reliable, accessible estate planning support.
Comparison Table
Creating wills and trusts can be simplified with the right software, making it easier for individuals to secure their assets and plan for the future. This comparison table explores tools like WealthCounsel, Quicken WillMaker & Trust, Trust & Will, LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, and more, examining key features, costs, and user-friendliness. Readers will gain clear insights to select the best fit for their needs, whether prioritizing simplicity, legal comprehensiveness, or affordability.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WealthCounsel Advanced document assembly and practice management software for estate planning attorneys specializing in wills and trusts. | enterprise | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | 8.6/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 2 | Quicken WillMaker & Trust Comprehensive desktop software for consumers to create customized wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and estate documents. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 | 9.0/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 3 | Trust & Will Online platform offering affordable, attorney-reviewed wills, trusts, and full estate plans with digital storage. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 8.5/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.8/10 |
| 4 | LegalZoom Provides customizable wills, trusts, and estate planning documents with optional attorney support. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 8.2/10 | 8.5/10 | 7.0/10 |
| 5 | Rocket Lawyer On-demand legal document creator with wills, trusts, and estate planning tools via subscription access. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.5/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 6 | HotDocs Document automation software used by law firms to generate complex wills and trusts efficiently. | enterprise | 8.1/10 | 9.2/10 | 6.7/10 | 7.6/10 |
| 7 | FreeWill Free online will maker with options for trusts and estate planning, partnered with nonprofits. | specialized | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.8/10 | 10/10 |
| 8 | Fabric Mobile-first estate planning app for creating wills, trusts, and managing beneficiary designations. | specialized | 7.6/10 | 7.2/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.4/10 |
| 9 | GoodTrust Focuses on digital legacy planning with wills, trusts, and online asset protection tools. | specialized | 8.1/10 | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 10 | Everplans Digital platform for organizing wills, trusts, assets, and end-of-life instructions securely. | other | 7.2/10 | 6.5/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.0/10 |
Advanced document assembly and practice management software for estate planning attorneys specializing in wills and trusts.
Comprehensive desktop software for consumers to create customized wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and estate documents.
Online platform offering affordable, attorney-reviewed wills, trusts, and full estate plans with digital storage.
Provides customizable wills, trusts, and estate planning documents with optional attorney support.
On-demand legal document creator with wills, trusts, and estate planning tools via subscription access.
Document automation software used by law firms to generate complex wills and trusts efficiently.
Free online will maker with options for trusts and estate planning, partnered with nonprofits.
Mobile-first estate planning app for creating wills, trusts, and managing beneficiary designations.
Focuses on digital legacy planning with wills, trusts, and online asset protection tools.
Digital platform for organizing wills, trusts, assets, and end-of-life instructions securely.
WealthCounsel
enterpriseAdvanced document assembly and practice management software for estate planning attorneys specializing in wills and trusts.
WealthDocx's dynamic clause assembly engine with 20,000+ pre-vetted, jurisdiction-specific clauses for unparalleled customization and compliance.
WealthCounsel is a comprehensive estate planning software platform tailored for attorneys handling wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and related documents. It features WealthDocx for automated document assembly using a vast library of over 20,000 customizable clauses, ensuring state-specific compliance and accuracy. The suite also includes Clinics for client onboarding and matter management, plus integrations with billing and practice management tools, making it a full-service solution for wealth transfer planning.
Pros
- Extensive clause library with state-specific variations for precise wills and trusts drafting
- Seamless automation reducing drafting time by up to 70%
- Robust compliance updates and expert support from estate planning specialists
Cons
- Steep learning curve for new users due to advanced customization options
- Higher pricing may deter solo practitioners or small firms
- Limited mobile accessibility compared to some competitors
Best For
Mid-sized to large estate planning law firms seeking enterprise-grade document automation and compliance tools.
Quicken WillMaker & Trust
specializedComprehensive desktop software for consumers to create customized wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and estate documents.
All-in-one estate planning suite with customizable revocable living trusts that avoid probate, complete with transfer-on-death deeds and detailed asset schedules.
Quicken WillMaker & Trust is a comprehensive desktop software solution from Nolo that empowers users to create customized estate planning documents including wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and executor deeds. It features step-by-step interview-style guidance to simplify the process for non-lawyers, with forms attorney-reviewed and tailored to individual state laws. The software supports unlimited updates during the purchase year and is updated annually to comply with legal changes, making it a robust DIY tool for basic to moderately complex estate planning.
Pros
- Generates over 35 state-specific legal documents including full living trusts and wills
- Step-by-step interviews with plain English explanations for easy navigation
- One-time purchase with free updates for a year and high-quality, attorney-reviewed forms
Cons
- Limited support for highly complex estates requiring custom provisions
- Desktop-only (Windows/Mac), no mobile or cloud-based access
- Annual updates recommended for ongoing compliance, adding to long-term cost
Best For
Individuals and families seeking affordable, comprehensive DIY estate planning tools for straightforward wills and trusts without needing a lawyer.
Trust & Will
specializedOnline platform offering affordable, attorney-reviewed wills, trusts, and full estate plans with digital storage.
Accessible online revocable living trust creation, making probate avoidance straightforward for non-lawyers
Trust & Will is an online estate planning platform that enables users to create customized wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, and guardianship documents through guided, interactive questionnaires. It caters to individuals, couples, and families with straightforward estate needs, handling everything from asset distribution to digital legacy planning without requiring a lawyer. State-specific documents are generated instantly upon completion, with options for unlimited updates via membership.
Pros
- Intuitive guided process for quick document creation
- Affordable compared to traditional attorneys
- Comprehensive coverage including trusts and digital assets
Cons
- Limited customization for highly complex estates
- No included attorney consultation in base plans
- Requires user diligence for legal accuracy
Best For
Individuals and couples with moderate estates seeking fast, affordable online wills and trusts without complex legal needs.
LegalZoom
specializedProvides customizable wills, trusts, and estate planning documents with optional attorney support.
On-demand attorney network for document reviews and personalized consultations
LegalZoom offers an online platform for creating customizable wills, living trusts, and other estate planning documents through guided interviews tailored to state-specific laws. Users can generate professional-grade documents quickly and add optional attorney reviews or consultations for added assurance. It integrates estate planning into a broader suite of legal services, making it suitable for those needing multiple document types.
Pros
- State-specific documents with guided setup process
- Access to independent attorneys for reviews and advice
- Reputable brand with comprehensive legal document library
Cons
- Higher pricing compared to pure DIY alternatives
- Frequent upselling to premium attorney services
- Less specialized focus solely on wills and trusts
Best For
Individuals or families wanting reliable estate planning documents with optional professional attorney support from an established provider.
Rocket Lawyer
specializedOn-demand legal document creator with wills, trusts, and estate planning tools via subscription access.
On-demand attorney consultations and document reviews included in membership for personalized guidance
Rocket Lawyer is an online legal services platform that enables users to generate customizable wills, living trusts, and related estate planning documents through interactive questionnaires. It combines DIY tools with optional attorney reviews and consultations for more complex needs. While not exclusively focused on wills and trusts, it provides accessible, attorney-vetted templates for basic to moderate estate planning requirements.
Pros
- User-friendly guided interviews for quick document creation
- Affordable subscription unlocks unlimited documents and attorney access
- Wide library of estate planning forms beyond just wills and trusts
Cons
- Limited depth for highly complex trusts or multi-jurisdictional estates
- Full features require paid membership after free trial
- Templates are somewhat generic compared to specialized estate planning software
Best For
Individuals or families needing simple, cost-effective wills and basic trusts without intricate financial or tax planning.
HotDocs
enterpriseDocument automation software used by law firms to generate complex wills and trusts efficiently.
Sophisticated computation and repeat dialogs that handle intricate trust provisions and asset distributions dynamically
HotDocs is a powerful document automation platform that enables legal professionals to create intelligent templates for wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents using variables, dialogs, and conditional logic. It features an interactive interview system that guides clients through data entry, dynamically adapting questions to generate fully customized, error-free documents. Widely used by law firms, it integrates with practice management systems to streamline high-volume production while ensuring compliance with complex legal requirements.
Pros
- Exceptional customization with advanced scripting and conditional logic ideal for complex wills and trusts
- Interactive interviews reduce data entry errors and improve client experience
- Strong integrations with legal software like Clio and Salesforce
Cons
- Steep learning curve for template authoring requires significant training
- Interface feels dated compared to modern no-code alternatives
- Pricing is enterprise-focused, less ideal for solo practitioners
Best For
Mid-to-large law firms handling high volumes of estate planning documents that need robust automation.
FreeWill
specializedFree online will maker with options for trusts and estate planning, partnered with nonprofits.
Fully free, ad-free will creation integrated with nonprofit partnerships for legacy gifts
FreeWill is an online platform that allows individuals to create basic wills, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designation forms for free through an interactive questionnaire. It emphasizes accessibility and encourages charitable giving by partnering with nonprofits. While suitable for simple estate plans, it lacks advanced trust options and professional legal review.
Pros
- Completely free with no hidden fees
- Intuitive questionnaire-based interface
- Promotes charitable bequests seamlessly
Cons
- Limited to basic documents; no complex trusts
- No attorney review or customization support
- State-specific limitations and exclusions
Best For
Individuals with straightforward estates seeking a quick, cost-free DIY will creation tool.
Fabric
specializedMobile-first estate planning app for creating wills, trusts, and managing beneficiary designations.
Lifetime free updates and revisions to documents, ensuring they remain current with life changes
Fabric (meetfabric.com) is an online estate planning platform designed primarily for consumers, enabling users to create wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives through a guided, questionnaire-based process. It incorporates attorney review for legal accuracy and offers lifetime updates on documents. While user-friendly for families, it focuses on standard estate planning needs rather than complex or high-net-worth scenarios typically handled by professional legal software.
Pros
- Intuitive, step-by-step questionnaire simplifies document creation
- Attorney-reviewed documents with unlimited updates for life
- Strong focus on family-specific planning like guardian nominations
Cons
- Limited customization for complex trusts or multi-jurisdictional estates
- Consumer-oriented, lacking advanced tools for attorneys or firms
- Availability restricted to select states with varying attorney partnerships
Best For
Busy parents and families seeking affordable, straightforward wills and basic trusts without needing a full law firm experience.
GoodTrust
specializedFocuses on digital legacy planning with wills, trusts, and online asset protection tools.
Digital Vault for secure storage and automated transfer of digital assets, accounts, and passwords to beneficiaries.
GoodTrust is an online estate planning platform that allows users to create state-specific wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives through a simple questionnaire process. It emphasizes affordability and accessibility for DIY estate planning without requiring a lawyer. The service also includes a Digital Vault for managing and transferring digital assets like online accounts and cryptocurrencies upon death.
Pros
- Affordable one-time fees for comprehensive document packages
- Intuitive questionnaire interface that's quick and user-friendly
- Unique Digital Vault for handling digital assets and passwords
Cons
- Limited options for highly complex trusts or large estates
- No included attorney review or consultation
- Ongoing updates require membership subscription
Best For
Individuals or small families with straightforward estates seeking a simple, low-cost DIY solution for basic wills and trusts.
Everplans
otherDigital platform for organizing wills, trusts, assets, and end-of-life instructions securely.
Comprehensive digital vault with 30+ organized categories for all end-of-life documents and instructions
Everplans is a secure digital vault platform that helps users organize, store, and share end-of-life documents, including wills, trusts, financial accounts, insurance policies, and personal instructions. It provides structured templates for over 30 categories of vital information, with features like access sharing, update reminders, and mobile app support. While excellent for document management and legacy planning, it does not offer tools for creating or legally drafting wills and trusts.
Pros
- Secure, encrypted storage for wills and trusts
- Intuitive organization with guided checklists
- Easy sharing and collaboration with family or advisors
Cons
- No document creation or legal drafting capabilities
- Full features require paid subscription
- Limited automation or integrations for legal workflows
Best For
Users with existing wills and trusts who need a centralized, secure hub for organization and sharing during estate planning.
Conclusion
Evaluating the top tools reveals WealthCounsel as the leading choice, with advanced features for estate planning attorneys. Close competitors include Quicken WillMaker & Trust, a comprehensive consumer-focused desktop solution, and Trust & Will, an affordable online platform with attorney review—each excelling in specific user needs. Together, the 10 options offer reliable pathways to secure estate plans, catering to various preferences and scenarios.
Take the first step in securing your estate by exploring WealthCounsel, the top-ranked tool, and discover how it streamslines your planning process.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison
Referenced in the comparison table and product reviews above.