Best Online Will Maker: 8 Top-Rated Options Reviewed
Life is filled with important decisions, and deciding how to protect our loved ones and assets for the future is one of them. A will is a crucial document that helps ensure our wishes are followed after we’re gone.
However, creating a will can sometimes feel complicated and overwhelming. That’s where online will makers come into play. These digital platforms have made it easier than ever to draft a secure and clear will from the comfort of our homes.
In this review, we’ll explore eight top-rated online will makers, showcasing their features and illustrating how they streamline the process of safeguarding our wishes for our loved ones.
8 Best Online Will Makers
Below are eight of the top-rated online will makers, each detailed to shed light on their features and benefits, helping you make an informed decision.
- Rocket Lawyer: Best for customizable wills
- Legal Shield: Best for legal plan options
- LegalZoom: Best for wide-ranging legal services
- TrustandWill: Best for targeted estate plans
- DoYourOwnWill: Best for quick will drafting
- Fabric: Best for life insurance integration
- Total Legal: Best for holistic legal solutions
- US Legal Wills: Best for detailed will provisions
What Is The Best Online Will Maker
There are several good options available for online will makers, depending on your specific needs and budget. Some of the top options include:
Rocket Lawyer operates as a digital platform delivering both legal documentation and access to lawyer services. Over time, this platform has consistently garnered respect for presenting clear and easy-to-understand legal aid tailored to individual users and corporate entities.
Key Features
Here are the key features of Rocket Lawyer:
- Online Legal Help Platform: Rocket Lawyer offers assistance with various legal matters through an online platform, ensuring accessibility for users.
- Business Formation: One of their standout services includes assisting with establishing businesses and guiding users through the legal intricacies of starting a venture.
- Legal Document Access: Rocket Lawyer provides a wide array of legal documents that users can access, customize, and download. This includes contracts, wills, business agreements, and more.
- Attorney Services: Beyond just documents, Rocket Lawyer connects users with attorneys for consultations, ensuring they receive professional legal advice tailored to their needs.
Forms Available
Here are some of the specific forms available:
- Bankruptcy Forms: For those facing financial hardships, Rocket Lawyer provides bankruptcy forms to navigate the legal complexities of declaring bankruptcy.
- Passport Forms: Whether renewing a passport or applying for the first time, Rocket Lawyer has the necessary forms to guide individuals through the passport application or renewal process.
- Immigration Forms: For individuals seeking to immigrate or adjust their immigration status, Rocket Lawyer offers a range of forms tailored to various immigration scenarios.
- Common IRS Forms: Rocket Lawyer provides access to common IRS forms to assist with tax-related matters, ensuring users can handle their tax obligations effectively and efficiently.
- Small Business Administration Forms: Entrepreneurs and small business owners can benefit from the Small Business Administration forms available on Rocket Lawyer. These forms aid in various business-related tasks, from starting a business to securing loans and more.
Ease of Use
Rocket Lawyer’s interface is user-friendly, with clear navigation options. Even those unfamiliar with legal jargon can easily find and customize the documents they need, thanks to the platform’s intuitive design and simple instructions.
Pricing & Plans
Rocket Lawyer offers a flexible pricing model suitable for different users’ needs. Those interested in monthly access can avail of their services at $39.99 monthly. Notably, this comes after a trial period, allowing users to test the platform’s capabilities without financial commitment.
There’s a beneficial yearly subscription option for individuals or businesses anticipating prolonged use of Rocket Lawyer’s legal tools and services. By opting for the annual plan at $239.99, users effectively receive a 50% discount compared to the monthly subscription cost over the same period.
>>> Visit Rocket Lawyer Website <<<
Customer Support
Customer support at Rocket Lawyer is known for being responsive and helpful. They provide multiple channels for communication, including email, phone, and live online chat, ensuring that users can get the assistance they require promptly.
Pros
- Comprehensive range of legal documents
- User-friendly interface
- New users can create a free will during the seven-day free trial period
- Reliable customer support
Cons
- Some services might be pricier compared to other online legal platforms
- While they offer many free forms, the most valuable services are behind a paywall
Legal Shield is a renowned platform offering affordable legal services to individuals and businesses. The service has steadily carved a niche, gaining recognition for providing accessible legal solutions without the hefty price tag typically associated with traditional legal services.
Key Features
Some of the key features of LegalShield include:
- Diverse Plan Offerings: LegalShield provides three primary types of prepaid legal plans, ensuring a fit for various specific requirements.
- Unlimited Legal Consultations: Members can seek guidance on endless legal issues using the platform’s extensive network of attorneys.
- Family Inclusion: The legal plans are not limited to the individual; they often extend coverage to family members.
- User-Friendly Scheduling: LegalShield provides an easy-to-use scheduling app for members to book consultations with attorneys seamlessly.
- Customizable Plans: Depending on specific needs, members can tailor their plans for a more personalized experience.
- Shake by LegalShield: Provides instant access to a broad array of free legal forms suitable for small business operations and daily activities.
Forms Available
LegalShield offers a variety of forms to cater to different legal needs. Some of the available forms include:
- Contract Forms: These are essential for establishing agreements between parties, ensuring that all parties involved understand and agree upon terms.
- Will Questionnaire: A tool to help individuals detail their wishes for estate distribution and other end-of-life decisions.
- Estate Planning: Documents related to the planning and management of an individual’s estate, including assets, liabilities, and wishes regarding their distribution upon one’s demise.
- Consumer Rights: Forms that provide consumers with a way to exercise their rights, ensuring they receive the products, services, and treatments they are legally entitled to.
- Business Forms: Necessary for various business-related processes, helping companies remain compliant and formalize various agreements.
Ease of Use
LegalShield is designed for everyday users who need legal help. Their website is easy to use and direct, so users can easily find what they’re looking for. LegalShield offers a mobile app that streamlines access to legal aid anytime, anywhere. Additionally, their expertise in estate planning is notably commendable. Instead of using complex legal jargon, they guide users in a clear, step-by-step manner.
Pricing & Plans
LegalShield offers elder law services through a monthly membership. The Personal Plan, priced at $29.95 per month, allows unlimited consultations with attorneys on estate planning and other elder law matters.
Instead of charging per document, members can draft numerous wills or trusts under this subscription. Members can integrate features like trial defense and legal support for home businesses for additional coverage at an added cost.
>>> Visit Legal Shield Website <<<
Customer Support
LegalShield strongly emphasizes ensuring that its members have swift and efficient support during crucial times. Suppose members face situations where they risk losing their rights, such as being pressured into signing a potentially detrimental document or being detained. In that case, they can promptly reach out for emergency legal assistance.
Pros
- Affordable monthly plans
- Access to a network of skilled attorneys
- The prepaid model means no surprise costs
Cons
- Specific form availability might vary
- It might not replace the depth of a dedicated personal attorney for complex issues
LegalZoom is a renowned online legal service platform that provides individuals and businesses with various legal tools and resources. Its main objective is to simplify the legal process.
LegalZoom offers services ranging from document creation to professional consultations. The company’s reputation has grown significantly over the years, as it’s recognized for bridging the gap between conventional legal services and the digital age, ensuring that legal support is accessible and affordable.
>>> Read Full LegalZoom Review
Key Features
LegalZoom offers a lot of features tailored to meet diverse legal needs.
- Extensive Legal Library: LegalZoom boasts over 150 legal documents that users can easily customize, prepare, and file online.
- Business Formation Services: The platform offers affordable services for those looking to establish a business, streamlining the complexities tied to company formations.
- Estate Planning Documents: LegalZoom provides tools and documents for estate planning, assisting individuals in making critical decisions about assets and future planning.
- Independent Attorney Access: Apart from its self-service tools, LegalZoom provides access to independent attorneys, bridging the gap between online tools and professional legal advice. It is worth noting, however, that while they offer access to attorneys, they are not a law firm and do not furnish legal advice.
Forms Available
LegalZoom offers various legal forms and documents to help individuals and businesses with their legal needs. Here are some of the forms available on LegalZoom:
- Contracts: LegalZoom provides various contract templates, including agreements for employment, business partnerships, and non-disclosure transactions.
- Affidavits: You can find affidavit forms for different purposes, such as affidavits of support, identity verification, or financial disclosure.
- Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs): LegalZoom offers templates for NDAs, essential for protecting confidential information in business dealings.
- Bills of Sale: If you need to buy or sell personal property, you can access bill of sale forms on LegalZoom.
- Estate Planning Documents: LegalZoom provides forms for wills, living wills, financial power of attorney, and other power of attorney documents, helping you plan your estate.
- Real Estate Forms: You can find real estate-related forms like deeds and lease agreements.
- Business Forms: LegalZoom offers forms for various business purposes, including LLC operating agreements and corporate bylaws.
- Family Law Forms: LegalZoom has templates available if you require legal documents related to family matters, such as divorce or child custody.
Ease of Use
LegalZoom places significant emphasis on user experience. The platform aims to make processes efficient and straightforward, enabling users to navigate complex legal tasks easily and clearly.
Pricing & Plans
If you’re exploring options, here are three plans for wills and estate planning:
- Basic Living Will – $39
- Enhanced Living Will – $49
- All-Inclusive Estate Planning – $249
>>> Visit LegalZoom Website <<<
Customer Support
LegalZoom’s customer support stands out in its efficiency and attentiveness. Their team is prompt, knowledgeable, and always ready to assist. Whether one reaches out via phone or their online platform, the response is consistent and considerate. They prioritize their customers’ needs, ensuring that every query is resolved to satisfaction.
Pros
- Broad spectrum of legal services
- Efficient and user-friendly platform
- Availability of attorney consultations
Cons
- Upsells that are excessive
- Turnaround time is slow
- Not the most affordable service available
TrustandWill is a digital platform designed to simplify the legal document creation process, especially in estate planning. With the rise of digital solutions for various services, TrustandWill has earned its reputation by providing an accessible and user-friendly experience for those looking to secure their assets and legacy.
Key Features
- Online Document Creation: TrustandWill provides an interactive platform where users can generate legal documents related to their estate planning needs.
- Guided Process: To ensure accuracy and relevance, the website takes users through a series of questions tailored to their unique circumstances.
- User-Friendly Interface: Designed with user experience in mind, the platform is clean and intuitive, simplifying the estate planning process for users of all technological proficiencies.
- State-Specific Online Wills: Recognizing the variations in estate laws across states, TrustandWill offers wills tailored to individual state regulations to ensure they remain valid and relevant.
- Comprehensive Estate Planning Package: For a set price, users can access a package encompassing essential estate planning documents, including the last will and testament and living will, among others.
Forms Available
- Estate Plan Creation: Users can create, edit, store, and share Trust or Will legal documents.
- Will Preparation Checklist: A comprehensive guide to help individuals prepare for drafting a will. This includes laying out assets, final wishes, and digital assets.
- Self-Proving Wills: TrustandWill offers wills designed to be “self-proving,” ensuring a streamlined probate process.
- Probate Document Checklist: A resourceful checklist for individuals who need to appear in probate court. It guides users in gathering necessary documents in advance.
In addition to these forms and checklists, TrustandWill provides extensive information and services around estate planning to guide individuals in their legal document preparation.
Ease of Use
Trust & Will operates as an online platform dedicated to estate planning. Their service permits users to generate crucial documents, including wills, trusts, and guardianships. Feedback highlights the website as user-friendly and clean.
Pricing & Plans
- Will for $159: A will ensures your possessions are distributed as per your wishes, designates someone to oversee your welfare, and specifies a guardian for your children.
- Trust for $599: A trust does what a will does and more. It keeps things simpler for your family by skipping legal steps after you leave. This can save them time and stress.
- Probate for $999: Probate is about handling things legally when someone passes. With this option, you can make choices that fit your needs. It’s about making a complex process easier.
>>> Visit TrustandWill Website <<<
Customer Support
The customer support of Trust & Will is commendable. They actively ask for positive and negative reviews, indicating their commitment to feedback and improvement. They also prioritize their customers’ concerns, as evidenced by their proactive approach of replying to 100% of negative reviews within a 24-hour period.
Furthermore, the Trust & Will online service has been rated 4.6 out of 5 stars by the Reviews Team of NCOA.org, further underscoring the overall satisfaction with their platform and, presumably, customer service.
Pros
- Online accessibility
- Streamlined document creation
- Positive user reviews
- Simple user experience
Cons
- Considering personal finance intricacies and complex family dynamics, TrustandWill might not be the optimal choice for everyone
- Individuals with a wide range of assets might need a more tailored approach
DoYourOwnWill offers a user-friendly platform accessible via any web browser for straightforward estate planning. It efficiently handles a broader range of scenarios than many might expect. However, those with complex estate issues might seek specialized services.
Key Features
- Online Will-Writing Platform: The website’s primary function is to provide a platform where users can draft their wills online.
- Wide Variety of Will-Related Situations: DoYourOwnWill boasts features catering to an extensive range of will-related scenarios, ensuring users can tailor their wills to various circumstances.
- No Add-On or Premium Features: The platform is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. Getting started doesn’t require any money, and there are no additional premium features that might complicate the process.
- Modern and Functional Website Design: The website’s design is modern and functional, ensuring a smooth user experience.
Forms Available
DoYourOwnWill is an online platform that offers various legal forms for free. Here are some of the forms available:
- Simple Last Will and Testament – The service offers 100% free online simple will forms that users can download or print.
- Durable Power of Attorney – This form assigns an agency to handle specific legal, financial, or health-related decisions on one’s behalf.
- Estate Planning Documents – While the site offers will templates and other estate planning documents for free, it’s essential to note that there’s no guarantee that these documents are legally valid in every state.
- Free Federal Forms – The website lists U.S. Government sites that offer free forms.
- Advanced Healthcare Directive – This form lets you specify your healthcare preferences, such as medical treatments and end-of-life decisions, in advance.
Ease of Use
The DoYourOwnWill platform is easy to use, offering an intuitive and free service. Users find its design organized and straightforward, allowing quick access to relevant forms based on personal needs.
While they collaborate with certain service providers, the experience remains ad-free and user-focused. With clear explanations and extra definitions for those unfamiliar with legal jargon, it stands out as a user-friendly tool for various needs.
Pricing & Plans
Do Your Own Will is completely free. You don’t need to give your credit card information or sign up for any trials. This makes it a popular choice among online will-making tools, as it’s one of the rare options that won’t cost you anything.
>>> Visit DoYourOwnWill Website <<<
Customer Support
Do Your Own Will operates without charging users, so they don’t offer direct support. Even though you can contact them through email or their contact form, remember they’re not legal professionals, so they won’t give legal advice.
Nevertheless, their resourceful website has extensive FAQs and guides, making the will-making process more understandable. Most common inquiries can be resolved using these resources.
Pros
- Free tool without any additional fee
- Design of a contemporary, helpful website
Cons
- Limiting for more difficult circumstances
- No assistance
Fabric represents an integrated platform dedicated to assisting families in streamlining their financial planning processes. Operating as a branch of Gerber Life, Fabric is a beacon for those looking to secure their family’s financial future by providing vital services ranging from life insurance to estate planning tools.
Key Features
The central features of the website include:
- Online Life Insurance: The site offers a comprehensive understanding of online life insurance, detailing different options and helping users decide on suitable coverage.
- Family Financial Tools: These tools are tailored to aid families in planning and securing their financial future.
- Free Wills: Fabric provides an option for users to create legally binding wills without any charge.
- Accessibility via Mobile: Aside from the primary website, certain services and tools of Fabric can also be accessed through their mobile application.
- Transparent Policies: The site has explicitly detailed its terms of use and privacy policy, ensuring users know how their data is used and the guidelines they must adhere to.
Forms Available
- Term Life Insurance Application: This form allows users to apply online for affordable term life insurance. They can choose their desired coverage and policy term, and the application process can be completed in less than 10 minutes.
- Online Life Insurance Application: Generally, insurers on the Fabric website will ask users to fill in an application form for term life insurance coverage. The form will likely require personal and health-related information from the user.
- Online Will Maker: Fabric offers a free online will maker. With this tool, users can create a digital last will and testament, and the site guides on legally binding the document in a short period (about 5 minutes).
Ease of Use
The website and its associated mobile application are designed for simplicity and user-friendliness. The layout is intuitive, making navigation straightforward even for those less familiar with financial planning tools.
Pricing & Plans
Fabric offers term life insurance options beginning at a monthly rate of just $7.86
Customer Support
Fabric boasts a commendable customer service track record, evidenced by its numerous 5-star reviews on Trustpilot and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. Such recognition underlines the website’s commitment to reliability and customer satisfaction.
Pros
- Free wills for your partner and yourself
- Diverse range of financial tools available
- Strong reputation with high user ratings
- User-centric interface design
- Enhanced protection mechanisms
- Outstanding customer assistance
Cons
- Limited accessibility across states
Total Legal is an online platform that empowers individuals to independently create essential legal documents without the necessity of legal representation. It provides easy-to-follow formats catering to various legal requirements, presenting itself as a convenient and user-friendly alternative to traditional methods.
Key Features
Total Legal is a platform that offers several key features tailored to legal document creation:
- Last Will and Testament: Total Legal provides a dedicated tool for creating a Last Will and Testament, ensuring users can create this essential estate planning document online. This tool is catered to each state, allowing users to prepare their wills according to their specific state requirements.
- Multiple Legal Documents: Apart from wills, Total Legal offers the creation of other important legal documents such as power of attorney, living will, and medical power of attorney.
- Self-Service Approach: The platform promotes the ability for users to create their legal documents without the need for a lawyer, showcasing a user-friendly approach to legal documentation.
Forms Available
- Wills and Testaments: Protect your assets and dictate their distribution posthumously.
- Power of Attorney: Entrust someone with the authority to act on your behalf.
- Quitclaim Deed: Transfer property ownership without the extensive legwork of typical property transactions.
Ease of Use
The platform stands out due to its user-centric design. First-time users have reported a smooth experience, with easy navigation and prompt processing being the standout features.
Pricing & Plans
Total Legal offers a Last Will and Testament service priced at $19.95, providing an affordable option for estate planning.
>>> Visit Total Legal Website <<<
Customer Support
Total Legal has garnered positive feedback on platforms like Trustpilot, where it’s rated as “Excellent.” Customers highlight the ease of using the service and its swift responses.
Pros
- Enables independent document preparation
- A wide array of document types is available
- User-friendly interface with quick processing
Cons
- Lack of detailed pricing information upfront
- Limited information on customer support channels
U.S. Legal Wills is a platform that provides individuals with tools to create their legal documents, such as wills, power of attorney, and more. With a commitment to offering a convenient and efficient online solution for estate planning, the website has garnered attention in the digital will-making sector.
Key Features
Here are the main features of the platform:
- Lawyer-Approved Services: U.S. Legal Wills offers services approved by legal professionals, ensuring that the documents are compliant and accurate.
- Comprehensive Document Range: The platform provides a variety of critical legal documents, including American Last Will and Testament, Power of Attorney, and Living Will.
- State-Specific Customization: The services and documents provided are tailored to the specific legal requirements of each U.S. state, ensuring regional compliance.
- Superior to Standard Will Kits: U.S. Legal Wills emphasizes that its online services are better than conventional will kits. This could indicate a more thorough and precise approach to the platform’s document preparation process.
- User-Friendly Interface: The platform promotes ease of use, allowing individuals to navigate, understand, and prepare documents without hassle.
- Long-Standing Reputation: Since 2000, U.S. Legal Wills has been a leading platform in the online preparation of Wills, Living Wills, and Power of Attorney, marking over two decades of trusted service.
Forms Available
While the platform is widely recognized for its will-making capabilities, it also offers:
- Will forms
- Power of Attorney forms
- Living Will forms
Ease of Use
The website’s user-friendly design allows even those unfamiliar with legal jargon to navigate and generate documents seamlessly. Comprehensive guides accompany each form to help users understand the content.
Pricing & Plans
For Individual:
- Last Will and Testament – $39.95 USD
- Premium Last Will and Testament – $69.95 USD
- Complete Estate Plan – $99.95 USD
- Premium Estate Plan – $129.95 USD
For Couple:
- Last Will and Testament – $59.95 USD
- Premium Last Will and Testament – $99.95 USD
- Complete Estate Plan – $149.95 USD
- Premium Estate Plan – $199.95 USD
>>> Visit U.S. Legal Wills Website <<<
Customer Support
An essential aspect of U.S. Legal Wills is its commitment to customer support. The presence of licensed attorneys who review documents suggests that users can access professional advice when needed.
Pros
- Comprehensive range of legal document templates
- Licensed attorney's review ensures quality.
- User-friendly platform
- Allows flexible opt-in choices for membership duration
Cons
- Additional costs for will revisions after a year
- A fee is required to continue online with storage after the first year
What Is An Online Will Maker?
An online will maker serves as a digital assistant for individuals to craft their final testament without physical constraints. This contemporary tool has transformed the estate planning landscape, offering numerous benefits.
People can now draft their wills without stepping out of their homes. This saves time and minimizes the logistical hurdles often associated with traditional legal proceedings. Imagine having the ability to finalize significant legal documents while lounging on your sofa; that’s the level of ease online will makers bring to the table.
Instead of navigating the complexities of legal jargon and procedures on their own, users are supported through every step. Tailored templates and systematic, easy-to-understand directions help individuals make informed decisions. Whether determining the division of assets, designating beneficiaries, or setting up guardianships, the guidance ensures that every aspect is addressed.
Furthermore, cost can be a significant deterrent when considering legal services. However, online will makers often present a more budget-friendly alternative. With options that range from basic free services to more comprehensive paid features, users can select what best fits their financial and legal needs.
However, a word of caution is necessary. While drafting a legal will online simplifies the process, enacting the will, including acquiring the required signatures and witnesses, remains crucial. A digital file alone doesn’t seal its legal standing; one must follow proper protocols to validate the will.
What Are The Four Basic Types Of Wills?
When thinking about the future, it’s crucial to understand the various will options out there. Here’s a breakdown of the four primary will categories that can guide your decisions and ensure that your needs are met.
Simple
A Simple Will, often regarded as the foundational form of estate planning, serves as a legal declaration where an individual stipulates their wishes regarding the distribution of their possessions and assets after their demise. It is a written guideline that simplifies how assets, from financial savings to personal belongings, should be shared among heirs and beneficiaries.
Pros:
- It is ideal for individuals with a straightforward financial situation.
- Enables the appointment of a guardian for minor children.
- Easy to update or change.
Cons:
- Not suitable for intricate estate planning scenarios.
- Without professional advice, one might overlook specific legal requirements.
Testamentary Trust
The Testamentary Trust Will is a distinct estate planning tool that transitions specific assets into a trust when the will’s creator, or testator, passes away. This trust then operates based on predetermined conditions, ensuring assets are managed, nurtured, and eventually passed on to beneficiaries in a manner that aligns with the testator’s original intentions.
Pros:
- Ensures that minors or those incapable of managing assets receive their inheritance in a controlled manner.
- Can set specific conditions on how assets are distributed.
- Assets in the trust can be appreciated, benefiting the beneficiaries.
Cons:
- The trust is subject to the probate process, making asset details public.
- Bestows additional management responsibilities on the trustee.
Joint
A Joint Will stands as a combined testamentary document, typically crafted by two closely linked parties, such as spouses. Its primary objective is to allow both individuals to consolidate their estate planning desires, usually with an emphasis on ensuring the surviving party inherits the assets of the deceased. This shared testament reflects the combined intentions and mutual trust of both creators.
Pros:
- Enables couples to adopt a collective estate planning strategy.
- Fuses the desires of two entities into one document, curbing legal expenses.
- Removes the intricacies tied to maintaining separate wills.
Cons:
- Upon the demise of one party, alterations to the will are prohibited.
- Changes in life circumstances might make the will’s rigidity problematic for the surviving individual.
Living Wills
A Living Will acts as a proactive healthcare directive, permitting individuals to lay out their specific medical preferences for potential future situations where they might be incapacitated or unable to voice their decisions. This document stands as a testament to an individual’s choices concerning medical treatments, interventions, and end-of-life care, ensuring that their health-related values and beliefs are respected even when they can’t communicate them.
Pros:
- Defines precise treatments one desires or wishes to avoid.
- Alleviates decision-making pressure on loved ones during trying times.
- It grants individuals control over their healthcare choices.
Cons:
- Ambiguous instructions might lead to varied interpretations.
- Medical advancements or evolving personal beliefs may require revisions to the document.
Online Will Maker: Pros and Cons
Here’s a simple breakdown of the pros and potential cons of using an online will maker.
Pros Of Doing A Will Online
- At-Home Creation. There’s no need to travel or schedule meetings. You can draft your will comfortably from your home or workplace.
- Ready Access. In moments of need, the electronic version of the will can be swiftly accessed by trusted individuals.
- Enhanced Security. Digital wills, when stored with robust online security protocols, can be more secure than paper versions, which are susceptible to damage or loss.
- Fewer Mistakes. Online platforms typically guide users through the process, reducing the chances of errors or omissions.
- Cost Saving. Often, crafting a will online can be more economical than hiring legal professionals for a traditional will.
Cons Of Doing A Will Online
- Too Generic. Online templates might not address specific or unusual requirements, leading to a lack of personalization.
- Legality Concerns. Without legal oversight, there’s the risk the will may not be compliant with all regional regulations.
- Risk of Hacks. Storing important documents online always carries a risk of data breaches despite security measures.
- Over-Reliance on Templates. Solely relying on templates might lead to missing out on critical aspects of estate planning.
- Limited Legal Guidance. Without interacting with a lawyer, users may not receive advice tailored to their unique situations.
How To Choose The Best Online Will Maker
When choosing the best online will maker, being informed is crucial. Based on our extensive research and consideration, we’ve identified the following key aspects that users should pay attention to:
Features & Ease of Use
When evaluating online will makers, one should prioritize platforms offering comprehensive features tailored to individual needs. An ideal service should provide different types of estate planning documents, not just the basic last will.
Moreover, the platform interface should be user-friendly and intuitive, guiding users seamlessly through the process of drafting a will. Intuitive platforms like Trust & Will have been highlighted for their ease of use.
Value For Money
Cost is a significant consideration. Users should assess the pricing of the service against the features offered. While some platforms seem affordable, they lack essential features.
Others might be pricier but offer comprehensive estate planning tools. Finding a balance is important, ensuring you’re getting good value for your investment.
Customer Service
Effective customer support is pivotal. It’s beneficial if the service provides prompt responses, comprehensive FAQs, and even legal consultation. This ensures any queries or concerns can be swiftly addressed.
Reputation & Reviews
Lastly, always check the reputation of the online will maker. Platforms with consistently positive reviews and recognized by reputable sources can generally be trusted.
Online Will Maker FAQ
Are Online Wills Legit?
Yes, online wills can be legitimate. Their authenticity hinges on their adherence to the specific federal and state laws governing wills. Just as with their handwritten counterparts, online wills are deemed valid when they meet the established legal requirements of a given jurisdiction.
It’s most important for anyone considering an online will to ensure it aligns with the relevant legal criteria. By doing so, they can be confident that the legal system will recognize and respect their final wishes, as outlined in the online will.
What Is The Difference Between A Will And A Simple Will?
A will, sometimes known as a “last will and testament,” is a thorough legal document that spells out how a person wants their belongings and assets to be divided after they’re gone. The individual crafting the will is known as the testator.
On the other hand, a simple will is a more streamlined version that primarily focuses on the inheritance of the testator’s assets and belongings. Although both primarily outline the testator’s wishes for their property distribution after their demise, the distinction lies in the depth and complexity of the document.
The simple will is suitable for individuals with straightforward estate planning needs, whereas a more detailed will might address more intricate scenarios and specifications.
What Is A Deathbed Will?
A deathbed will is a testamentary document created and executed when a person believes they are about to die imminently. Its validity can be challenged, especially if there are concerns about the testator’s mental capacity or undue influence at the time of its creation.
What Are The Pros And Cons Of A Will Versus A Trust?
A will allows individuals to specify how they want their property distributed after death. On the other hand, a trust is a legal entity that holds and distributes assets to beneficiaries based on the terms set by the creator.
Wills go through probate, making them public records, while trusts offer more privacy. Trusts can also provide benefits in terms of tax planning and asset protection. However, they may be more complex and costly to set up compared to wills.
Related
Recap On Best Online Will Maker
Using an online will maker isn’t just about convenience; it’s about empowerment. It grants individuals the autonomy to make informed decisions about their future and assets.
Remember, while our lives are unpredictable, how we choose to prepare for the unforeseen can be done with clarity and intent. Make the right decision today by opting for an online will maker that resonates with your requirements, ensuring peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
Written by : Benjamin Walsh
Published : November 08,2023
Published : November 08,2023
table Of Content
Written by : Benjamin Walsh
Published : November 08,2023
Published : November 08,2023