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Consumer Finance

Best Online Will Maker to Compare Before You Choose

Claire Whitman Claire Whitman / / CONSUMER FINANCE / 9 MINS

The best online will maker is the one that matches your situation, your state rules, and how much guidance you want while keeping costs and updates predictable.

Contents
25 sections


  1. What an online will maker does (and what it may not)


  2. Best online will maker options to compare


  3. How to compare online will makers: a practical checklist


  4. 1) State specific compliance and signing steps


  5. 2) What documents are included beyond the will


  6. 3) Updates, life changes, and ongoing access


  7. 4) Support level: self serve vs guided vs attorney review


  8. 5) Privacy, storage, and sharing


  9. 6) Total cost, not just the headline price


  10. When an online will maker is usually enough (and when it may not be)


  11. Often a good fit


  12. Consider attorney help or a more robust plan if you have any of these


  13. Real money examples: what your will planning budget could look like


  14. Scenario 1: Basic online will setup on a tight budget (Total: $150)


  15. Scenario 2: Two adults planning together with updates (Total: $400)


  16. Scenario 3: More complex needs with attorney review (Total: $1,200)


  17. Timeline decision rules: when to create or update your will


  18. Under 1 year


  19. 1 to 3 years


  20. 3 to 7 years


  21. 7+ years


  22. A step by step process to choose an online will maker


  23. Common mistakes to avoid


  24. Helpful resources for related financial and identity planning


  25. Quick decision matrix: pick the right level of help

Online will makers can be a practical way to create a basic will, especially if your wishes are straightforward and you want a guided, step by step process. But not every platform fits every family. Some focus on speed and low cost, while others add attorney review, more robust estate planning documents, or stronger support for complex situations.

This guide walks you through what to compare, named options you can evaluate, and decision rules you can use to choose confidently.

What an online will maker does (and what it may not)

An online will maker typically helps you:

  • Name beneficiaries for your assets.
  • Name an executor to carry out your wishes.
  • Name guardians for minor children (if applicable).
  • Include basic instructions for personal property and final arrangements.
  • Generate a document you can print and sign according to your state requirements.

Depending on the provider and your state, an online will maker may also offer add ons like a living will (advance directive), healthcare power of attorney, financial power of attorney, or a revocable living trust.

Common gaps to watch for include:

  • Limited support for blended families, special needs planning, or complicated asset structures.
  • State specific signing and witness rules that you must follow exactly.
  • Restrictions on how you can distribute certain assets, such as retirement accounts and life insurance, which often pass by beneficiary designation rather than by will.

Best online will maker options to compare

Best online will maker article image about everyday money decisions
A closer look at best online will maker and what it means for everyday financial decisions.

Below are well known online will makers and estate planning platforms to compare. Availability and features can vary by state, and pricing can change, so verify current costs, what is included, and whether updates are free or require a subscription.

Option Best fit What to compare Main drawback
LegalZoom People who want a recognized brand and add on legal help options Will package vs subscription, attorney guidance availability, update rules Costs can rise with add ons and ongoing plans
Trust & Will Users who want a modern interface and choices between wills and trusts State coverage, trust features, notarization guidance, update pricing Some features may be priced separately
Quicken WillMaker & Trust DIY planners who prefer software style tools and detailed prompts State specific forms, included documents, update cadence, tech support Less hand holding than concierge style services
Rocket Lawyer People who want document access plus the option to consult an attorney Membership cost, document library, attorney Q&A terms, cancellation rules Ongoing membership may cost more than a one time will
FreeWill Budget focused users with straightforward needs What documents are included, state coverage, update process May not cover complex planning needs
Nolo Readers who want strong educational content and DIY legal resources Form completeness, state specificity, update policies, support options May require more self directed decision making

How to compare online will makers: a practical checklist

Use this checklist to compare platforms on the details that matter most in real life.

1) State specific compliance and signing steps

A will is only useful if it is executed correctly. Compare:

  • Does the platform tailor the will to your state?
  • Does it clearly explain witness requirements and notarization rules?
  • Does it support your preferred signing method, such as remote online notarization, if allowed in your state?

If the platform is vague about execution steps, that is a red flag. You want clear instructions you can follow without guessing.

2) What documents are included beyond the will

Many people need more than a will. Compare whether the platform includes:

  • Durable power of attorney (financial decisions)
  • Healthcare power of attorney
  • Living will or advance directive
  • HIPAA authorization (where applicable)
  • Trust options if you need them

Even if you start with a will, having healthcare and financial decision documents can reduce stress for your family during emergencies.

3) Updates, life changes, and ongoing access

Wills often need updates after major life events. Compare:

  • Is it a one time purchase or a subscription?
  • Are updates included, limited, or paid each time?
  • Do you keep access to your documents if you cancel?
  • How easy is it to re download and re print?

Decision rule: if you expect frequent changes in the next 1 to 3 years, a plan with easy updates may be worth comparing against a cheaper one time option.

4) Support level: self serve vs guided vs attorney review

Online will makers vary in how much help you get. Compare:

  • Live chat or phone support hours
  • Attorney review availability and what it covers
  • Whether support helps with state execution steps

Decision rule: if you are unsure about guardianship language, blended family planning, or unequal distributions, prioritize platforms that offer attorney guidance or consider an estate attorney directly.

5) Privacy, storage, and sharing

Estate documents contain sensitive personal information. Compare:

  • How the platform stores your documents and whether you can delete your account
  • Whether you can share access with your executor or family
  • Two factor authentication and account recovery options

6) Total cost, not just the headline price

Online will makers often advertise a low starting price. Compare the full cost by asking:

  • Is the advertised price per person or per household?
  • Are powers of attorney included or extra?
  • Do you pay more for attorney review, printing, or notary services?
  • Is there a subscription that renews automatically?
Cost item to check Questions to ask Why it matters
Base will price One time or recurring? Individual or couple? Sets your long term cost
Updates Free edits? Limited edits? Pay per change? Life changes can make frequent updates necessary
Extra documents Are POA and healthcare directives included? Completes your plan beyond the will
Attorney access Included consults? Extra fee? What is excluded? Can reduce mistakes in complex situations
Notary and witnesses Do you arrange this yourself? Any partner services? Execution errors can cause delays or disputes

When an online will maker is usually enough (and when it may not be)

Often a good fit

  • You want a basic will naming an executor and beneficiaries.
  • Your assets are straightforward, such as a bank account, car, and personal property.
  • You are comfortable following signing instructions carefully.
  • You want to name a guardian for minor children and your situation is not contested.

Consider attorney help or a more robust plan if you have any of these

  • A blended family or you want to leave different amounts to different people.
  • A child or beneficiary with special needs.
  • Business ownership or complex shared property.
  • Concerns about family conflict or someone challenging the will.
  • Real estate in multiple states.

Decision rule: if a mistake could create a large tax bill, disinherit someone unintentionally, or lead to a dispute, paying for professional review may be a reasonable tradeoff.

Real money examples: what your will planning budget could look like

Scenario 1: Basic online will setup on a tight budget (Total: $150)

  • $80 – Online will maker (one time purchase or entry plan)
  • $40 – Notary or witness related costs (if needed in your area)
  • $30 – Document storage and copies (binder, fire resistant pouch, certified copies where relevant)

Scenario 2: Two adults planning together with updates (Total: $400)

  • $250 – Couple plan or two individual wills plus POA documents
  • $100 – Notary and printing costs for both sets of documents
  • $50 – Secure storage and sharing plan (digital vault or encrypted drive setup)

Scenario 3: More complex needs with attorney review (Total: $1,200)

  • $500 – Online platform with trust or advanced documents
  • $600 – Attorney consult or review time for your draft and questions
  • $100 – Execution and storage costs (notary, copies, secure storage)

Decision rule: if you are choosing between paying for updates vs paying for an attorney review, prioritize review when your situation is complex, and prioritize updates when your situation is simple but likely to change soon (marriage, divorce, new child, moving states).

Timeline decision rules: when to create or update your will

Wills are most useful when they reflect your current life. Use this timeline approach to decide what to do next.

Under 1 year

  • Create a will if you have dependents, own property, or want to name an executor.
  • Update if you recently moved to a new state, got married, divorced, or had a child.
  • Verify beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance match your intent.

1 to 3 years

  • Recheck your executor and guardian choices.
  • Review whether you need a trust due to home ownership, privacy goals, or family complexity.
  • Confirm your document storage and that your executor knows where to find the signed original.

3 to 7 years

  • Review major assets and debts and whether your will still fits your net worth and goals.
  • Revisit healthcare directives and powers of attorney.
  • Consider whether you want more detailed personal property instructions.

7+ years

  • Do a full refresh if your family structure, assets, or state laws have changed.
  • Reassess whether a trust based plan is now appropriate.

A step by step process to choose an online will maker

  1. List your must haves. Example: guardianship language, POA documents, easy updates, attorney access.
  2. Shortlist 3 to 5 providers. Use the comparison table above as a starting point.
  3. Check state coverage and execution instructions. Make sure the platform clearly supports your state and explains signing steps.
  4. Compare total cost for 3 years. Include subscriptions, updates, and add ons you are likely to use.
  5. Test the user experience. See if the questions are clear and whether you can preview the document before paying.
  6. Plan your signing day. Line up witnesses and notarization if required. Print the final version and sign exactly as instructed.
  7. Store and share access. Tell your executor where the signed original is and how to access digital copies.

Common mistakes to avoid

  • Not following signing rules. A well written will can still fail if it is not executed properly.
  • Forgetting beneficiary designations. Retirement accounts and life insurance often pass outside the will.
  • Not updating after major life events. Marriage, divorce, new children, and moves can require changes.
  • Choosing an executor without confirming. Ask first and make sure they can handle the responsibility.
  • Storing the will where no one can find it. A safe place is good, but it must be accessible to the right person.

Estate planning often overlaps with identity protection and financial record keeping. These resources can help you organize safely:

Quick decision matrix: pick the right level of help

Your situation Likely starting point What to prioritize
Single, no kids, simple assets Basic online will maker Low cost, clear state instructions, easy updates
Parents with minor children Online will maker with strong guardianship prompts Guardian selection, backup guardians, execution steps
Homeowner, multiple accounts Online will maker plus POA documents Complete document set, storage, beneficiary review
Blended family or unequal distributions Platform with attorney guidance or attorney drafted plan Clarity, conflict reduction, review for state specific risks
Special needs beneficiary or high conflict risk Attorney led estate plan Specialized structures, documentation, long term administration

If you narrow your choice to two platforms, compare them on three tie breakers: how clearly they handle your state signing rules, how updates work over time, and how easy it is to get human help when you have questions.