Choosing the Best Online Will Maker: A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

The rise of Online Will Makers has revolutionized estate planning, providing an accessible and budget-friendly pathway for individuals to create legally sound wills. For those who might otherwise postpone or forgo this crucial task, online platforms offer a streamlined, convenient alternative to traditional legal services. However, it’s essential to recognize that while online will makers cater to many needs, complex estate situations often necessitate the expertise of an attorney to navigate intricate details, particularly when managing business holdings, substantial assets, or nuanced family dynamics.

Business Insider’s editorial team has rigorously evaluated the landscape of online will makers to pinpoint the top performers for 2025, emphasizing convenience and cost-effectiveness. Here are our curated selections for the best online will makers to assist you in securing your estate planning needs.

Top Online Will Makers in Detail

Leading Platform: Trust & Will

Learn more directly on Trust & Will’s official website.

Trust & Will Trust & Will

Insider’s Rating: ★★★★★ (4.63/5)

✅ Key Advantages: Trust & Will empowers you to provide clarity for your loved ones and establish a lasting legacy. Their user-friendly online platform simplifies estate plan creation and maintenance.

Pricing:

• Individual Plan: $199
• Couples Plan: $299
• Annual Membership: $19 (required after the first year)

Pros:

• ✅ State-specific notarization guidelines for all 50 states, ensuring legal compliance.
• ✅ Competitive initial cost for will creation, supplemented by a nominal $19 annual membership fee for ongoing access and updates.
• ✅ Comprehensive suite of legal documents included within the Will plan, extending beyond just the will itself.

Cons:

• ❌ Unlimited attorney support option carries a significant additional cost.
• ❌ Attorney support services are limited to 38 states and Washington D.C., potentially excluding residents of certain regions.

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User-Friendly Software: Quicken WillMaker & Trust

Explore Quicken WillMaker & Trust on their website.

Quicken Quicken WillMaker & Trust

Insider’s Rating: ★★★★★ (4.45/5)

✅ Key Advantages: Quicken WillMaker & Trust, developed by Nolo, stands as America’s leading estate planning software. Gain immediate access to user-friendly tools to craft your personalized will today. Extend your planning to living trusts, healthcare directives, power of attorney, and more.

Pricing:

• Starting at $109
• Plus Plan: $149
• All Access Plan: $219
• Annual Fee: $39 (after the first year)

Pros:

• ✅ Includes one year of complimentary updates, keeping your documents current with legal changes.
• ✅ Offers a substantial library of up to 35 estate planning documents, catering to diverse needs.
• ✅ Allows inclusion of up to five family members at no extra charge, ideal for family estate planning.

Cons:

• ❌ Does not provide attorney support, which may be a drawback for users seeking legal guidance.
• ❌ Document creation is not available for U.S. territories and Louisiana, limiting accessibility geographically.
• ❌ Does not support joint wills for couples, necessitating individual will creation for each spouse.

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Established Legal Platform: LegalZoom

Visit LegalZoom on their website.

LegalZoom LegalZoom

Insider’s Rating: ★★★★★ (4.58/5)

✅ Key Advantages: Join over 2.1 million estate planning customers who trust LegalZoom to secure their loved ones’ future. Will-based estate plans start at an accessible price of $99.

Pricing:

• Basic Plan: $99 (Individuals), $199 (Couples)
• Premium Plan: $249 (Individuals), $314 (Couples)
• Personal Attorney Plans: $16.59 – $19.84 per month

Pros:

• ✅ Offers low-cost attorney support options for users seeking legal assistance.
• ✅ Provides state-specific wills and legal guidance across all 50 states, ensuring broad accessibility.
• ✅ Extensive legal document library with over 150+ forms, catering to a wide range of legal needs.

Cons:

• ❌ Users have reported frequent upselling attempts within the platform, which can detract from user experience.
• ❌ Standard document processing times are slower compared to competitors, ranging from 5-14 days.

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Trust & Will: Top Pick for Overall Excellence

Trust & Will distinguishes itself as a remarkably user-centric online estate planning platform. It provides state-specific instructions for notarizing DIY wills and trusts, simplifying a process that can often seem daunting. Upon registration, users select between a will-based or trust-based estate plan, tailoring the service to their specific needs.

Documents from Trust & Will are shipped without any extra charge. Purchasing a digital will grants access to critical related documents such as HIPAA authorization, power of attorney, last will and testament, and a living will, all within the initial package cost.

The Will plan, focusing on will-based estate planning, is available for a one-time fee of $199 for individuals and $299 for couples opting for a joint will. Flexible payment options are available, including interest-free installments. After the initial 30 days, maintaining access and update capabilities requires a $19 annual membership fee.

Trust & Will excels in customer support and offers an incredibly streamlined will creation process, making it particularly appealing for first-time estate planners. A general power of attorney is automatically included in the Will plan, further enhancing its value.

For those seeking legal oversight, Trust & Will offers an optional year of unlimited attorney support for an additional $299, on top of the base plan cost. This premium support includes unlimited phone consultations, detailed line-by-line will reviews, legal counsel, and tax law advice. However, it’s important to note that attorney support is currently available in 38 states plus Washington D.C., which may limit access for some users.

Advantages of Trust & Will:

• Templates tailored to state-specific legal requirements for notarization.
• Comprehensive Will Plan includes living will, power of attorney, last will and testament, and HIPAA authorization.
• Accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), indicating a commitment to customer satisfaction and ethical business practices.

Disadvantages of Trust & Will:

• Attorney support is more expensive compared to some competitors, potentially increasing the overall cost for users seeking legal assistance.
• Attorney support services are not available in all U.S. states, limiting access for residents in excluded states.
• Currently lacks a mobile app, which might be a convenience factor for users preferring mobile management.

Quicken WillMaker: Best Suited for Families

Quicken WillMaker, by Nolo, presents itself as downloadable estate planning software that is exceptionally user-friendly, guiding users through the creation of personalized wills, trusts, and up to 35 diverse estate planning documents. While an online version exists, it operates independently from the software, preventing data sharing between the two platforms.

WillMaker’s intelligent system assists users in selecting the most appropriate plan based on their individual circumstances, considering factors such as family status (presence of children, marital status), employment, and eligibility for government benefits.

A significant advantage is the ability to include up to five family members at no additional cost, making it highly economical for family estate planning. However, it notably differs from some competitors by not offering joint wills for spouses; each spouse must create an individual will.

Unlike subscription-based online services, WillMaker is available as a one-time purchase. Following the initial purchase and a complimentary first year of updates, a $39 annual fee is required to maintain the ability to make changes to your documents.

The extent of access to supplementary estate planning documents—including healthcare directives, power of attorney, and final arrangement documents—varies depending on the chosen WillMaker plan: Starter Plan ($109), Plus Plan ($149), or All Access Plan ($219). It’s worth noting that the Starter Plan does not include access to the downloadable software.

Advantages of Quicken WillMaker:

• Provides one year of free updates, ensuring documents remain legally compliant and current.
• Offers a wide array of up to 35 estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, transfer on death deeds, and healthcare directives.
• Allows adding up to five family members at no additional cost, enhancing its value for family planning.
• BBB-accredited, signifying a commitment to reliability and customer trust.

Disadvantages of Quicken WillMaker:

• Lacks attorney support, which could be a limitation for users needing legal clarification or advice.
• Document services are not available to residents of U.S. territories and Louisiana, restricting its geographical reach.
• Does not offer joint wills, potentially adding complexity for couples seeking joint estate planning.
• No dedicated mobile application is available, which might be less convenient for users preferring mobile access.

Fabric by Gerber Life: Most Affordable Option

Fabric by Gerber Life offers an entirely free online will creation service, characterized by a rapid and streamlined process. Users can easily designate guardians for children, specify beneficiaries, and outline funeral arrangements through this platform.

The platform is specifically tailored to meet the needs of young families seeking a quick, simple, and low-cost solution for essential estate planning tasks such as naming beneficiaries, appointing guardians for minor children, and setting funeral preferences.

However, Fabric’s will templates are not state-specific. Users are responsible for verifying their state’s specific legal requirements and securing external notarization to ensure the document is legally enforceable.

Fabric does not support joint wills, nor does it provide attorney support. Furthermore, it lacks access to additional estate planning documents commonly offered by most online will makers, such as living wills, powers of attorney, and revocable living trusts.

A Fabric will template encompasses only a last will and testament. Despite these limitations in scope, Fabric maintains respectable user ratings for its mobile app, with a 3.9/5 rating on Google Play and 4.8/5 in the Apple App Store, indicating user satisfaction with its mobile interface.

Advantages of Fabric:

• Offered completely free of charge, with no subscription or recurring fees.
• Accessible via both web and mobile platforms, enhancing user convenience.
• BBB-accredited, reflecting a commitment to customer trust and service quality.

Disadvantages of Fabric:

• Wills are not state-specific and require users to independently manage notarization, increasing user responsibility and potential for error.
• No attorney support is provided, which might be a significant drawback for users needing legal advice.
• Limited in scope, lacking additional estate planning documents typically included with online will makers, such as living wills or powers of attorney.
• Does not offer joint wills, which may be less convenient for couples.

LegalZoom: Easiest to Use Platform

LegalZoom positions itself as a comprehensive DIY estate planning platform, renowned for its clear pricing, beginner-friendly tutorials, and an intuitive user interface. It extends its legal services to both individuals and couples across all 50 states.

Users can select from two primary plan options: Basic and Premium, allowing for customization based on required service levels.

Direct assistance from LegalZoom’s network of vetted, licensed attorneys is exclusively available with the Premium plan. Additional benefits of the Premium plan include unlimited 30-minute attorney consultations, legal advice extended to family members, and a year of complimentary revisions to estate planning documents.

The Basic plan includes essential documents such as HIPAA authorization, a healthcare directive, a last will and testament, and a power of attorney, along with 30 days of free revision access.

The cost for creating a will through LegalZoom is $99 for the Basic plan ($199 for couples) and $249 for the Premium plan ($314 for couples). LegalZoom also offers personal attorney plans through monthly subscriptions ranging from $16.59 to $19.84, depending on the specific plan features.

Personal Attorney plans provide access to a library of over 150 downloadable legal forms for both business and personal use, annual legal checkups, and family coverage, enhancing the value proposition for ongoing legal needs.

Compared to competitors, LegalZoom stands out for offering broader customer support hours, including weekend availability (7 a.m. to 4 p.m. PT). However, user feedback indicates potential drawbacks such as reports of frequent upselling and slower standard processing times, averaging 5-14 days. Additionally, while “unlimited” attorney support is advertised, it is often interpreted by users as being limited to one call per legal issue, which may not suit those needing extensive or ongoing legal guidance.

LegalZoom’s mobile apps are rated at 4.7/5 on Google Play and 4.5/5 on the Apple App Store, reflecting positive user experiences with mobile accessibility.

Advantages of LegalZoom:

• Offers low-cost attorney support, making legal assistance more accessible.
• Provides state-specific wills and legal advice across all 50 states, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
• Extensive library of over 150 legal documents, catering to diverse legal needs beyond estate planning.
• BBB-accredited, indicating a commitment to business ethics and customer satisfaction.

Disadvantages of LegalZoom:

• Users report frequent upselling attempts, which can negatively impact user experience.
• Standard processing times are slower compared to competitors, potentially delaying document finalization.
• “Unlimited” attorney consultation is often limited to a single call per legal issue, which may not suffice for complex cases.

GoodTrust: Ideal for Integrating Digital Assets

GoodTrust emerges as a straightforward online estate planning platform, specializing in creating personalized wills and trusts, complemented by unlimited customer support available seven days a week. Wills created through GoodTrust are valid across all 50 states.

A standout feature of GoodTrust is its “Smart Digital Vault,” designed to securely store online accounts, digital assets, device access information, and important legal documents. This feature directly addresses the growing need to manage digital estates alongside traditional assets.

GoodTrust uniquely allows users to add their entire family to the platform at no additional charge, promoting collaborative estate planning. However, it does not offer attorney support, which may be a limitation for users with complex financial situations requiring legal expertise.

For a one-time fee of $149, GoodTrust’s Will-Based Estate Plan provides a one-year subscription to their Estate Planning services. This subscription includes unlimited updates to the will during the year, along with supplementary documents such as a funeral directive, pet directive, power of attorney, revocable living trust, and a last will and testament.

After the initial year, maintaining the Estate Planning services membership costs $39 per month. While access to existing wills is retained, updating documents or creating new ones requires an active membership.

Advantages of GoodTrust:

• Features a Smart Digital Vault for managing digital assets, online accounts, device access, and crucial documents, addressing modern estate planning needs.
• Allows users to include family members at no additional cost, facilitating family-inclusive estate planning.

Disadvantages of GoodTrust:

• Does not offer attorney support, which may be a drawback for users needing legal advice or review.
• Offers a more limited set of estate planning documents compared to some competitors, potentially not meeting comprehensive planning needs.
• Lacks a dedicated mobile application, which might be less convenient for users preferring mobile access.
• Not currently BBB-accredited, which might be a consideration for users prioritizing BBB accreditation.

Rocket Lawyer: Best for Comprehensive Attorney Access

Rocket Lawyer distinguishes itself as a user-friendly platform that offers a broad spectrum of legal and estate planning documents tailored for both individuals and small businesses. While direct, one-on-one attorney consultations can be costly through traditional avenues, Rocket Lawyer significantly reduces the financial barrier to professional legal advice.

The platform is notable for its robust customer service, extensive range of available legal documents, and comprehensive protection benefits. Users can create a will at no initial cost by leveraging a seven-day free trial. Following the trial period, a $39.99 monthly membership fee applies. It’s important to note that users are required to provide credit card information to initiate the free trial.

Rocket Lawyer provides free access to templates for durable and general power of attorney, living trust, quitclaim deed, living will, and medical power of attorney, even within the trial period.

Membership benefits include unlimited access to documents for personal and business use, digital document signing capabilities, and access to online legal and tax support, enhancing its value for ongoing legal needs.

The Rocket Legal+ membership, priced at $239.88 annually, encompasses all standard membership perks and adds a 50% discount on Pro Services, such as:

• Attorney Consultations: Regularly priced at $149.99 per consultation, reduced to $74.99 and up with Legal+.
• Tax Preparation and Filing: Starting at $399.99 and up, discounted to $199.99 and up with Legal+.

Rocket Lawyer’s mobile app enjoys high user ratings, with a 4.8/5 on Google Play and 4.9/5 on the Apple App Store, indicating strong user satisfaction with its mobile interface and features.

Advantages of Rocket Lawyer:

• Offers a 7-day free trial, effectively providing a free will if created within the trial period, allowing users to test the service risk-free.
• Provides access to affordable attorney support and one-on-one consultations, bridging the gap between DIY and professional legal services.
• Offers state-specific will templates for all 50 states, ensuring legal compliance across the US.
• BBB-accredited, reflecting a commitment to ethical business practices and customer trust.

Disadvantages of Rocket Lawyer:

• Requires credit card information to initiate the free trial, which may deter some users wary of subscription sign-ups.
• The most advantageous pricing for attorney consultations and services is tied to the Rocket Legal+ subscription, requiring a higher tier of commitment for maximum benefit.

Understanding Online Will Makers

Online will makers are digital tools designed to assist individuals in creating a will without the need for a lawyer. They offer a more accessible and cost-effective approach to estate planning.

By utilizing an online will maker, individuals can generate legally binding estate planning documents at a fraction of the cost associated with hiring an attorney. While a digital will template might not provide the depth of customization and comprehensiveness of a will drafted by an attorney, it serves as an excellent solution for individuals with relatively straightforward estates and uncomplicated financial and family situations.

Matt Palmer, senior product counsel for estate planning at LegalZoom, highlights the critical role of online estate planning platforms: “The online estate planning world serves an important purpose of trying to get more people to complete an estate plan who otherwise wouldn’t do it.” This underscores the significance of these platforms in democratizing access to essential legal planning.

How Online Will Makers Function

Online will makers guide users through a structured process to create their own will, offering an intermediary step between hiring a professional and attempting to draft a will entirely independently.

Sasha Grabenstetter, senior financial planning education consultant at eMoney Advisor, advises on the timing and regularity of will creation and updates: “A will should be written about the same time you accumulate assets, like a car or home, and should be updated every time there is a life event, such as getting married, having children, or losing a family member.” This emphasizes the dynamic nature of estate planning and the need for periodic reviews and updates.

Online will makers typically offer a range of legal documents, including:

• Living Will
• Revocable Living Trust
• Healthcare Directive
• Financial Arrangements documentation
• Durable Financial Power of Attorney
• Letters to Survivors
• Guardianship Designation

An online will holds the same legal validity as one drafted by a lawyer, provided it meets all essential legal requirements. These include proper execution (correct signing and witnessing procedures), absence of errors, and adherence to the specific legal statutes of the state where the will is executed.

Notarization is also a key requirement for wills. Depending on state laws, online notary services may be acceptable. However, not all online will makers offer integrated online notary services.

All U.S. states mandate that wills be presented on paper to be legally recognized. Consequently, online will-making platforms facilitate this by allowing users to download and print their documents or by shipping physical copies directly to their homes, often as a complimentary service.

It is crucial to acknowledge the inherent limitations of online will makers. They cannot fully substitute the specialized expertise, personalized advice, and comprehensive estate planning strategies that lawyers provide. While online platforms are invaluable for many, their digital templates are inherently more restricted than the bespoke services offered by legal professionals.

Recognizing this, many online will-making platforms incorporate attorney support options, either freely or as add-on services. The scope of attorney assistance can vary, potentially limited to a certain number of consultations or requiring additional fees beyond the initial will creation cost.

Advantages of Choosing Online Will Makers

Online will makers offer significant benefits, primarily centered around convenience, accessibility, and affordability, making estate planning more approachable for a broader audience.

Convenience and Accessibility

Online will-making platforms simplify and expedite the will creation process, making estate planning accessible to anyone with internet access. These platforms are designed to be user-friendly and efficient, allowing individuals to start drafting wills or trusts at their convenience, thus eliminating the need for scheduled lawyer appointments.

Typically, the process involves responding to a series of questions about personal details, address, will executor, trusted contacts, and desired bequests. However, the duration of the process may extend for individuals with complex estates or numerous specific instructions.

Matt Palmer from LegalZoom encapsulates common deterrents to estate planning: “There are two big hurdles that make people not want to do estate planning. One, they don’t want to think about their own death. And two, they are intimidated by going into an attorney’s office.” Online platforms effectively address the latter hurdle by offering a less intimidating, self-guided approach.

Cost-Effectiveness Compared to Traditional Legal Services

Online will-making platforms present a considerably more economical alternative to engaging a traditional lawyer, thereby mitigating the burden of legal fees. Engaging an attorney to draft a will can be expensive, with costs potentially reaching thousands of dollars, particularly in cases involving complex financial or familial circumstances. In contrast, online will makers generally charge only a few hundred dollars, making estate planning financially accessible to more people.

While free online will makers exist, it’s important to note that these platforms often come with limitations in terms of features, available services, and customization options. Users should weigh the cost savings against potential restrictions in functionality and support.

Essential Features to Seek in Online Will Makers

When selecting an online will maker, certain key features are crucial to ensure the platform meets your needs and provides a robust estate planning solution.

Customization Options

Beyond basic personalization such as naming beneficiaries and allocating assets, leading online will makers offer a range of customization options, including:

• Executor(s) Designation: Appointing an executor is vital; this individual will be responsible for managing your estate and ensuring your wishes are carried out. Designating multiple executors is advisable as a contingency measure.
• Guardianship for Minor Children: The platform should allow you to name a guardian for minor children, including an alternative guardian, and specify care instructions. You should also be able to exclude individuals from guardianship consideration.
• Pet Guardianship: Some platforms provide specific legal documents for pet care, enabling users to designate guardians, provide care instructions, and even allocate funds for pet care.
• Medical Directives: Essential documents like living wills and healthcare powers of attorney are crucial for outlining your healthcare wishes in situations where you are unable to make decisions yourself, providing clarity and reducing stress for loved ones during critical times.

Security and Privacy Measures

Given the sensitive personal information involved in estate planning, robust security and privacy features are paramount. Online will makers should employ comprehensive measures to protect user accounts, documents, and personal data from breaches.

Top-tier platforms typically implement continuous security monitoring, adhere to stringent data protection regulations, and utilize encryption and two-factor authentication to safeguard user information.

A transparent privacy policy is also essential, detailing how the platform collects and uses personal data. Users should carefully review the privacy policy to understand data handling practices, especially regarding data sharing with third parties, to ensure comfort with the platform’s data ethics.

Customer Support Availability

Reliable and accessible customer support is a critical component of a quality online will-making platform, particularly given the sensitive nature of estate planning. Legal documents can be complex, and users may require assistance to navigate terminology or platform features.

Effective customer support should be available through multiple channels (phone, email, live chat), ideally 24/7, and be responsive and proactive in resolving user queries and issues. The quality of customer support directly impacts user confidence and the overall experience with the platform.

Potential Drawbacks of Online Will Makers

Despite their many advantages, online will makers also present certain limitations that users should be aware of.

Limited Scope of Legal Advice

While online will makers streamline estate planning, they inherently offer limited legal advice. This can pose challenges because the legal validity of a will is contingent on compliance with state-specific regulations.

Notably, not all online will makers provide state-specific templates; some only offer general templates or instructions. This places the onus on the user to ensure their will aligns with state laws. Failure to meet these legal requirements can invalidate a will, potentially leading to complications and legal disputes for beneficiaries.

Platforms that offer attorney support can mitigate some of these risks. However, the extent of attorney access varies and is generally less comprehensive than engaging a private lawyer. For individuals with substantial assets or complex financial situations, these limitations may be particularly relevant.

Risk of Incomplete Documentation

Online wills are often marketed for their speed, suggesting completion in just minutes. Typically, users answer a questionnaire, and the platform populates a pre-designed template with their information. While efficient for simple estates, this process carries the risk of overlooking essential steps or necessary legal formalities, such as proper notarization. Incomplete documents may not be legally binding, potentially undermining the user’s estate planning objectives.

Sasha Grabenstetter from eMoney Advisor cautions, “One potential drawback of creating a DIY will or estate plan is the possibility of overlooking essential documents or key estate planning processes you may wish to implement.” She emphasizes the value of professional guidance: “Collaborating with an attorney or financial advisor — preferably both — can help ensure that all your goals and values are considered when transferring assets to beneficiaries or heirs. These professionals, particularly those with a holistic approach, will ensure that all tax benefits and trusts are established correctly.”

Who Benefits Most from an Online Will Maker?

Online will makers are particularly well-suited for individuals and families who find traditional lawyer fees prohibitive, possess modest assets, and have straightforward financial and family circumstances. For instance, a younger family with conventional assets like a home and vehicles, and without complex family dynamics, is often an ideal candidate for an online will maker.

Situations Where a Traditional Estate Lawyer is Necessary

Engaging a traditional estate lawyer is advisable in certain complex scenarios:

• Complex Family Dynamics: Online will makers may not adequately address the nuances of blended families, stepchildren, half-siblings, or dependent care needs, especially for individuals with disabilities. A lawyer can tailor estate plans to address these specific family situations comprehensively.
• Complex Assets: Individuals with substantial and varied assets, such as multiple real estate properties, significant investment portfolios, business ownerships, art collections, or collectibles, should consult a lawyer. Legal expertise is crucial to navigate tax implications and ensure proper asset distribution in complex estates.
• Potential for Disputes: If you anticipate potential conflicts or disputes among family members, business partners, or other stakeholders, a lawyer’s guidance is essential. Lawyers can help structure your estate plan to minimize the risk of litigation and ensure your wishes are legally robust and clearly articulated.

Matt Palmer from LegalZoom notes the value of combining online platforms with legal oversight for some users: “Pairing an online platform with attorney review gives people a bit more peace of mind. But for some people that want more hand-holding, the DIY version might not be for them.” This highlights the spectrum of needs and preferences in estate planning, where some require more personalized and hands-on legal assistance.

Online Will Makers: Frequently Asked Questions

What is considered the best online will service available?
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After thorough evaluation, Trust & Will stands out as our top choice for the best online will service. It offers state-specific notarization instructions, affordable subscription options, and comprehensive customer service, making it a well-rounded and reliable option.

In Minnesota, is it mandatory for a will to be notarized to be valid?
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In Minnesota, notarization is not a strict requirement for a will to be legally valid. However, the law does mandate the presence of at least two witnesses during the will’s signing. While notarization is optional, it is often recommended as it can simplify and streamline the probate process, potentially avoiding complications later on.

Is notarization required for a will to be valid in Louisiana?
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Louisiana law presents unique options for will validity. Notarization isn’t universally required. Louisiana recognizes two primary types of wills: notarial wills, which do necessitate a notary, and olographic wills. Olographic wills, conversely, do not require notarization but must be entirely handwritten, dated, and signed by the testator.

Are wills created online considered legally legitimate?
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Yes, online wills are indeed legally legitimate, provided they fully comply with the specific regulations and requirements of the state in which they are executed. This compliance includes adhering to stipulations regarding the required number of witnesses, proper signature protocols, and other state-specific legal formalities.

How reliable are online will-making tools in general?
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The reliability of online will-making tools is generally high, although it can vary depending on the specific platform. Many online will makers are reputable and provide a solid, dependable solution for individuals with simple estate planning needs. They represent a particularly valuable option for those with straightforward estates. However, for individuals with more complex financial or personal circumstances, seeking advice and services from a qualified attorney remains advisable to ensure the will is not only legally sound but also comprehensively addresses their specific wishes and needs.

Our Methodology: How We Assessed the Best Online Will Makers

Our review process for identifying the best online will makers was rigorous and category-focused, comparing platforms against each other in critical areas:

• Fees (20%): We prioritized affordability, examining initial will costs, attorney support fees, and recurring charges (annual or monthly memberships). Platforms with lower overall costs and transparent pricing received higher ratings.
• Access (20%): Accessibility was evaluated based on platform ease of navigation, availability across multiple interfaces (web, mobile), and the accessibility of attorney support. Deductions were applied for limited or non-existent attorney support or restricted interface availability.
• Security (15%): Security measures were assessed to ensure user data protection. Platforms demonstrating robust security protocols, data encryption, and adherence to privacy standards scored higher.
• Ethics (15%): Ethical considerations included transparency in business practices, clarity in terms of service, and user privacy policies. Platforms with clear, ethical operations and user-centric policies were favored.
• Customer Service (15%): The quality and accessibility of customer support were crucial. Platforms offering responsive, multi-channel support (phone, email, chat) and proactive customer service solutions received higher marks.
• State-Level Compliance (15%): We assessed the availability of state-specific will templates for all 50 states. Platforms providing templates for all states received top scores, with deductions for those offering fewer state templates or only written instructions for state compliance. Platforms lacking state specifications received the lowest scores.

Platforms were rated on a scale of 1 to 5 within each category, with overall rankings determined by aggregating these category scores. This comprehensive evaluation method ensures our recommendations are based on a balanced assessment of cost, accessibility, security, ethical practices, customer support, and legal compliance, guiding users to the most effective and reliable online will makers.

Tessa Campbell Tessa Campbell
Investing and Retirement Reporter

Tessa Campbell is an experienced investing and retirement reporter for Business Insider’s personal finance desk. With over two years in personal finance reporting, she has developed deep expertise in various financial topics, from credit cards to retirement savings accounts.

Experience

Tessa currently focuses on investing topics—analyzing complex financial subjects, highlighting lesser-known investment opportunities, and identifying strategies for readers to optimize their financial situations. As a personal finance expert in her 20s, Tessa brings a unique perspective on the impact of time and uncertainty on investment decisions. While she manages Business Insider’s guide on the best investment apps, she advocates for action over perfection in financial portfolios. She believes that starting with small investments and learning from mistakes is crucial in the financial journey.

Expertise: Tessa’s areas of expertise include:

• Credit cards
• Investing apps
• Retirement savings
• Cryptocurrency
• Stock market
• Retail investing

Education: Tessa holds a creative writing degree and a psychology minor from Susquehanna University.

Outside of her financial writing, Tessa enjoys coffee and spending time with her two cats, Keekee and Dumpling. Her coffee preference is currently Kitty Town coffee, blending her love for coffee with her affection for her pets. This choice, sparked by a targeted ad, reflects her personal connection to her work and interests.

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