Most adults don't have a will. The reasons are reasonable — it feels morbid, expensive, and complicated. The 2026 reality: online estate planning software covers 80% of cases competently for $0–$600, vs $1,500–$3,000 with an attorney. The remaining 20% (complex estates, blended families, special needs) genuinely need legal counsel. Here's how to figure out which group you're in and which service fits.
When you can DIY
You can probably DIY if all of these are true:
- Estate value under $5M
- Married with no kids OR single OR married with shared kids
- All assets in one state
- No business succession needs
- No special-needs beneficiaries
- No prior marriages with prior kids
See an attorney if any of these aren't true.
The 5 worth using
| Service |
Best for |
Cost |
| Trust & Will |
Most users |
$159 will, $599 trust |
| FreeWill |
Basic free will |
$0 |
| Wealth.com |
Trust + financial planning |
$20+/mo subscription |
| LegalZoom |
Established brand |
$89–$329 + add-ons |
| Nolo's Quicken WillMaker |
DIY software |
$99 (one-time) |
Best overall — Trust & Will
EDITOR'S PICK
Trust & Will
$159 individual will, $259 couple, $599 revocable living trust, $39 healthcare directive. Attorney-vetted templates valid in all 50 states. Step-by-step guided process, ~30 min for a will. Includes notarization guidance + storage. Live attorney support add-on available.
Visit Trust & Will →
What documents you actually need
Minimum estate plan for an adult:
- Will — names guardians for minor kids, distributes assets
- Healthcare directive (living will) — your medical wishes if incapacitated
- Healthcare power of attorney — who decides for you
- Financial power of attorney — who handles your money if incapacitated
- Beneficiary designations updated on retirement accounts + life insurance (these supersede your will)
Add a revocable living trust if you own a home (avoids probate) or want privacy on inheritance.
What's NOT worth your money
- "Online will" services that aren't attorney-reviewed in your state
- Estate planning attorneys for genuinely simple cases ($1,500+ for what online does for $159)
- Storage fees for documents — keep originals in a safe + scan to encrypted cloud
- Add-ons like "premium update service" — most online services let you update for free or low cost
- One-size-fits-all kits that don't tailor to your state — estate law varies significantly by state
FAQ
Are online wills legally valid?
Yes if properly executed (signed, witnessed, sometimes notarized per state law). The DIY services walk you through state-specific requirements.
Do I need a will if I have nothing?
You probably do — wills aren't just for assets. If you have minor kids, the guardianship designation alone is critical.
Should I get a trust or just a will?
Trust if you own a home (avoids probate, keeps inheritance private). Will-only is fine if your assets are mostly in retirement accounts + checking + minor stuff.
What about pour-over wills?
A pour-over will catches anything not in your trust at death and "pours it over" into the trust. Standard with most trust packages.
How often should I update my estate plan?
Major life events (marriage, divorce, birth, death of beneficiary, big move) trigger a review. Otherwise every 3–5 years.
Will my online will hold up in probate?
Yes if properly executed. Most contests come from procedural errors (missing witness signatures), not the document itself.
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