The Best Will Making Software for Your Estate Planning Needs

Creating a proper estate plan is one of the most important financial decisions you can make, regardless of age or wealth. If you’re considering digital solutions for drafting your will, choosing the right will making software is critical. Online platforms can be just as legally valid as attorney-drafted documents when properly executed, making them an accessible and affordable option for many people.

Why Choosing the Right Will Making Software Matters

The best will making software combines three essential elements: affordability, legal validity, and user-friendly design. According to data from Caring.com, while 32% of adults have created wills, 40% of those without estate plans believe they don’t have enough assets to justify one—a common misconception. Financial professionals emphasize that if you own property, money, or any assets, you need a documented plan for how those assets will be distributed.

Software-based will creation offers a middle ground between expensive attorney services (typically $100 to several thousand dollars per hour) and risky DIY paper templates. The key is ensuring your chosen software adheres to your state’s specific legal requirements, includes proper notarization and witness provisions, and includes comprehensive customer support.

Top Will Making Software Platforms: Features and Price Comparison

LawDepot - Flexible Pricing for Document Variety

LawDepot stands out as best will making software for users who prefer comprehensive customization. The platform offers multiple pricing models: free trials, monthly subscriptions ($8.99 to $12.99), annual plans ($107.88 to $155.88), and pay-per-document options ($7.50 to $119).

Beyond wills, LawDepot’s software covers trusts, guardianship documents, medical powers of attorney, and business paperwork. The platform includes educational resources curated by lawyers, weekday customer support (8 am to 7 pm ET), email assistance, and live chat. A unique feature is their $10,000 legal damages guarantee if company errors cause customer losses.

LegalZoom - State-Specific Legal Compliance

LegalZoom distinguishes itself through its network of independent attorneys across all 50 states who review documents for legal compliance. The will making software offers flat-fee pricing: $99 for wills, $39 for financial powers of attorney, $39 for living wills, and $399 for living trusts. You can use their self-guided questionnaire or request attorney review for additional fees.

Beyond estate planning, this will making software also supports business formation (LLC, C Corp, S Corp structures), intellectual property protection (trademarks, copyrights), and specialized legal advice for entrepreneurs and creative professionals.

Nolo - All-in-One Estate Planning Software

Nolo’s will making software delivers comprehensive estate planning through downloadable packages for Windows and Mac. Three pricing tiers accommodate different needs:

• Starter ($109): Includes will, health directives, and final expense planning
• Plus ($149): Comprehensive solution with powers of attorney and living trusts
• All Access ($149): Plus plan features plus one-year Everplans digital storage subscription

The platform connects users with a network of 30,000+ lawyers through a free attorney matching service, typically responding within 1-2 hours to inquiries.

Trust & Will - Personalized Document Review

Trust & Will’s will making software delivers state-specific documents reviewed by legal experts before delivery. Individual plans start at $199 for wills and $499 for trusts, with couple packages costing $100 more. Updates cost $19 for wills and $39 for trusts (first year included).

For $12 annually, customers receive unlimited updates and yearly expert reviews. The platform delivers revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, HIPAA authorizations, powers of attorney, and certification of trust documents.

Rocket Lawyer - Subscription-Based Legal Solutions

Rocket Lawyer’s will making software combines document creation with broader legal services through flexible subscriptions:

• Rocket Legal: $39.99/month (billed monthly)
• Rocket Legal+: $19.99/month (billed annually, includes tax preparation and business registration)

The platform features a mobile app for iPhone, allowing electronic signatures and secure document storage. A self-guided questionnaire directs users to appropriate legal documents for their situation.

When Do You Need Professional Will Making Software?

Estate planning experts suggest that most adults benefit from documented wills. Life circumstances that make will making software essential include:

• Owning property or assets: Even modest homes or savings accounts require documented distribution plans
• Having minor children: You can designate guardians through your will
• Complex family situations: Blended families, special needs dependents, or concerns about responsible asset management
• Business ownership: Succession planning requires specialized estate documents
• Significant assets: Generally, estates exceeding $75,000 to $150,000 in non-retirement assets warrant comprehensive planning

Consider a will making software solution combined with a revocable living trust if you own real estate. In states like California, an estate without these documents entering probate can require 1-2 years and cost tens of thousands—the revocable living trust avoids this process entirely.

When DIY Will Making Software Might Not Be Sufficient

Best will making software works well for straightforward situations but has limitations:

• Complex family dynamics: Software templates cannot address nuanced situations like children with substance abuse issues, special needs dependents requiring government benefits protection, or irresponsible money management
• False sense of security: Online tools may create legally vulnerable documents that lead to family disputes and costly litigation after your death
• State-specific complications: Probate processes vary dramatically by state, and some situations benefit from attorney guidance

Many online will making services explicitly disclaim that they are law firms or provide legal advice. Before finalizing any estate plan, consider having an attorney review your documents to ensure validity.

Building Your Estate Plan: Key Information Needed

When using will making software, prepare documentation for:

Your Assets:

• Property deeds or real estate titles
• Business ownership documents
• Vehicle titles
• Bank account statements (checking and savings)
• Investment statements (stocks, bonds)
• Jewelry, art, and valuable personal property

Your Debts:

• Mortgage balances
• Outstanding loans
• Credit card balances
• Other financial obligations

Your Beneficiaries and Guardians:

• Full names and current addresses for all heirs
• Social security numbers and dates of birth
• Designated guardians for minor children
• Alternate guardians if primary choices cannot serve

Having this information organized before using will making software streamlines the process and ensures accuracy.

Understanding Estate Planning Fundamentals

The Probate Process

Your completed will must be filed with probate court upon death for validation and asset distribution. During probate, your estate’s assets, debts, and claims are temporarily frozen. According to the American Bar Association, probate typically lasts 6 to 9 months. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) notes that costs generally run up to $1,500, though contested wills or invalid documents increase expenses significantly.

If no will exists or your executor cannot serve, beneficiaries can request a letter of administration from the probate court, granting them distribution authority.

Trusts as Will Making Software Alternatives

A revocable living trust offers an alternative to traditional wills, placing assets under a trustee’s management for your beneficiaries. Unlike wills, trusts:

• Bypass probate entirely
• Eliminate court and attorney fees during distribution
• Protect assets from creditors
• Transfer property directly to named beneficiaries

Trusts typically cost more to establish than will making software solutions but provide significant benefits in complex estate situations.

Valid Will Requirements

For will making software-generated documents to be legally enforceable:

• The testator must be of sound mind when creating the will
• The document must bear the testator’s signature and creation date
• The will must be notarized
• Depending on your state, one or more witnesses must sign

How to Choose the Best Will Making Software for Your Situation

Step 1: Assess Your Estate Complexity Simple estates (under $75,000 in non-retirement assets, no real estate, straightforward beneficiaries) suit best will making software. Complex situations may require attorney consultation.

Step 2: Compare Pricing Structures Calculate total costs including updates. Some platforms charge annual maintenance fees that eventually exceed traditional attorney consultation rates. Senior estate planning attorney Tara Frame recommends avoiding yearly subscription fees unless your plan receives annual expert review from an estate planning specialist.

Step 3: Verify State-Specific Compliance Ensure your chosen will making software specifically addresses your state’s execution requirements, inheritance laws, and probate procedures. State rules vary significantly regarding witness requirements, notarization rules, and probate complexity.

Step 4: Evaluate Customer Support Best will making software provides multiple support channels: phone (weekday hours), email, live chat, and educational resources. Many platforms offer attorney matching services for questions beyond document creation.

Step 5: Research Company Reputation Examine online reviews, recent news coverage, and any legal actions against the company. Avoid platforms with recent class-action lawsuits related to deceptive practices.

Common Questions About Estate Planning and Will Making Software

Q: Can I write my own will and have it notarized? Some states permit holographic wills (handwritten documents). Research your state’s specific requirements. Alternatively, most states offer advance directive forms for basic healthcare and financial power of attorney needs at minimal cost.

Q: What’s the difference between a will and a trust? Wills direct asset distribution and name guardians but require probate court oversight. Trusts bypass probate, avoid attorney and court fees, and provide creditor protection—but typically cost more to establish. Many people use both documents strategically.

Q: Is online will making software as legitimate as attorney-drafted wills? Yes, when executed correctly. Online-generated wills meeting state signature, notarization, and witness requirements are fully legal and enforceable. However, improperly drafted estate plans may trigger family disputes and costly litigation.

Q: How often should I update my will? Update after major life changes: marriage, divorce, children’s birth, significant asset acquisition, or relocation to another state.

Selecting the best will making software depends on your estate’s complexity, budget, and state requirements. Platforms like LawDepot, LegalZoom, Nolo, Rocket Lawyer, and Trust & Will each offer distinct advantages—from flexible pricing to comprehensive attorney support. Assess your specific needs, verify state compliance, and consider professional review before finalizing your estate plan. Starting your will making software process today ensures your loved ones and assets are protected according to your wishes.