10 Best Will Writing Software Shortlist
Here's my pick of the 10 best software from the 17 tools reviewed.
As a seasoned legal professional, I know what a daunting task it can be to pen your will and manage your estate. The pressure to get everything right, coupled with the emotional weight it carries, can be overwhelming. That's where will writing software steps in. These tools, designed to assist and guide you in the creation of a legally sound will take the stress and confusion out of the process.
From free options that give you a basic yet legally binding will, to premium choices that offer comprehensive estate management features, there's something for everyone. With this shortlist of 10 best will writing software, I believe you'll find the tool that meets your needs, affording you peace of mind in knowing that your legacy will be handled just as you wish.
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Best Will Writing Software Summary
This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top will writing software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.
| Tool | Best For | Trial Info | Price | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Best for guided will writing with expert assistance | Not available | From £99 (approximately $136, one-time payment) | Website | |
| 2 | Best for multi-category legal document creation | Free trial available | From $39.99/user/month | Website | |
| 3 | Best for trust creation alongside wills | Not available | From $99.99 (one-time payment) | Website | |
| 4 | Best for hassle-free, no-cost will creation | Not available | Free To Use | Website | |
| 5 | Best for incorporating funeral planning into estate management | Free trial available | From $10/user/month (billed annually) | Website | |
| 6 | Best for comprehensive U.S. estate planning | Not available | From $39.95 (one-time fee) | Website | |
| 7 | Best for quick and free online will creation | Not available | Free To Use | Website | |
| 8 | Best for integrated digital legacy planning | Free trial available | From $8/user/month | Website | |
| 9 | Best for intuitive user experience in drafting Wills | Free trial available | From $25/user/month | Website | |
| 10 | Best for comprehensive estate planning solutions | Not available | From $15/user/month (billed annually) | Website |
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CARET Legal
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.5 -
Redactable
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Mitratech TAP Workflow Automation
Visit WebsiteThis is an aggregated rating for this tool including ratings from Crozdesk users and ratings from other sites.4.2
Best Will Writing Software Reviews
Below are my detailed summaries of the best will writing software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.
Which? Wills is a UK-based online tool that specializes in will writing services. The platform is ideal for individuals seeking guidance and professional assistance in creating a will, as it offers step-by-step support throughout the process.
Why I Picked Which? Wills: When it comes to picking tools for this list, the expert guidance provided by Which? Wills in the will writing process caught my eye. The platform stands out with its distinct feature of offering direct access to legal experts for assistance. In my view, this service truly sets it apart, making it the "Best for guided will writing with expert assistance".
What do you get for free?
Which? Wills does not provide a free plan or trial. However, the website offers numerous free resources and advice about will writing and estate planning with estate planning attorney.
Standout features & integrations:
The service provides a guided will making service process, and expert assistance is available to answer any legal questions users may have. However, Which? Wills does not offer any specific integrations with other platforms.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Free resources and advice available on the website
- Step-by-step guidance provided
- Expert assistance during the will-writing process
Cons:
- Pricing might be considered high by some users, particularly as it's a one-off payment.
- Lack of integrations with other platforms
- No free plan or trial available
Rocket Lawyer is a best online will maker legal service providing individuals and businesses like real estate with a broad array of legal documents, from wills to contracts. Given its extensive library across multiple legal categories, it has been identified as the best tool for multi-category legal document creation.
Why I Picked Rocket Lawyer: I opted for Rocket Lawyer because of its substantial range of legal document categories. Compared to other tools, Rocket Lawyer offers not only personal legal documents, like wills and trusts, but also business-related legal documents, which sets it apart. Therefore, I deem it as the "Best for multi-category legal document creation".
What do you get for free?
Rocket Lawyer offers a seven-day free trial, giving users access to all the legal documents and attorney advice. After this trial, users will need to choose a subscription to continue using their services.
Standout features & integrations:
Rocket Lawyer is notable for its extensive range of legal document templates, a simple-to-use platform, and the offer of legal advice from attorneys. As of now, Rocket Lawyer doesn't provide specific integrations with other software or platforms.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- You can also contact customer service by email, online chat, or calling its hotline.
- Simple-to-use platform
- Offers legal advice from attorneys
- Wide variety of legal document categories
Cons:
- Comprehensive services only available through subscription
- Pricing might be high for individual users
- No specific software or platform integrations
Nolo's Quicken WillMaker & Trust is an excellent legal tool dedicated to the DIY drafting of wills and trusts. Its main strength lies in its ability to create both wills and trusts, making it an ideal choice for those wanting a comprehensive approach to estate planning.
Why I Picked Nolo's Quicken WillMaker & Trust: I decided on Nolo's Quicken WillMaker & Trust for this list due to its two-pronged approach to legal document preparation, namely in the realms of wills and trusts. Its capacity to handle these two significant areas of estate planning distinguishes it from other tools. As such, I see it as the "Best for trust creation alongside wills".
What do you get for free?
Nolo's Quicken WillMaker & Trust does not offer a free plan. However, the website has numerous free legal articles and resources to guide individuals in estate planning.
Standout features & integrations:
The software provides an easy-to-follow interview format to generate personalized legal documents. Additionally, it includes a useful legal manual to answer common questions. The tool, however, does not integrate with other platforms or tools.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Free 30-minute consultation on a new legal matter
- Provides a detailed legal manual
- Easy-to-follow interface
- Allows the creation of both wills and trusts
Cons:
- Cost may be high for some users considering it as a one-time payment
- No integrations with other software
- Does not offer a free plan
Free Will is an online tool that simplifies the process of writing a will at no cost. It is designed to help users create a comprehensive, legally valid will without requiring legal expertise or costly lawyer fees.
Why I Picked Free Will: In evaluating different will-creation tools, I was drawn to Free Will for its straightforward and costless approach. I picked this tool due to its clear focus on simplicity, providing an easily navigable interface that allows users to create a will in a short amount of time. The absence of fees makes it unique in this space, hence why I think it's "Best for hassle-free, no-cost will creation".
What do you get for free?
With Free Will, users can create a comprehensive will for free, including elements such as specifying beneficiaries, living will, financial power of attorney, living trust and executors, and outlining wishes for funeral arrangements.
Standout features & integrations:
Free Will offers a streamlined interface for quick will creation, which can be completed in under 20 minutes according to the website. As it is a standalone tool focused on creating wills, it does not offer specific integrations with other platforms.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Comprehensive, legally valid wills can be created
- Fast and easy-to-use interface
- Completely free
Cons:
- Limited customization compared to some paid tools
- Absence of legal advice or assistance
- Lack of integrations with other platforms
Beyond Life is an online tool that not only helps you create your will but also assists with funeral planning. This makes it a comprehensive solution for estate management, ensuring that all the necessary details are covered.
Why I Picked Beyond Life: Choosing Beyond Life for this list was easy for me due to its unique feature of incorporating funeral planning into estate management. This unique proposition differentiates it from many other will creation tools and is why I believe it's the "Best for incorporating funeral planning into estate management".
What do you get for free?
Beyond Life offers a basic free version that allows users to create a simple will and an overview of funeral wishes. The free version has limitations on the level of detail for your funeral plan.
Standout features & integrations:
Beyond Life stands out for its combination of will creation and funeral planning. It also provides a digital vault for storing important documents. However, as a specialist tool, it does not offer integrations with other platforms.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Detailed funeral planning options with the paid plan
- Provides a digital vault for document storage
- Incorporates funeral planning into estate management
Cons:
- Full funeral planning features only available in the paid plan
- No integrations with other platforms
- More expensive than some other options
US Legal Wills is a tool that facilitates the creation of a wide range of estate planning documents for U.S. residents. It is particularly specialized in crafting comprehensive wills, and hence, earns the title of being the best for comprehensive U.S. estate planning.
Why I Picked US Legal Wills: I selected US Legal Wills because it specifically addresses the need for detailed estate planning within the context of U.S. law. The distinctiveness of this tool lies in its focus on a specific aspect of legal document creation, in this case, wills and estate planning. This led me to determine it as the "Best for comprehensive U.S. estate planning".
What do you get for free?
US Legal Wills doesn't provide free plans. However, they offer an "information-only" version of their software, which lets users learn more about estate planning without generating legal documents.
Standout features & integrations:
Key features of US Legal Wills include detailed step-by-step instructions, U.S. law-specific legal templates, and document storage options. However, it does not offer any integrations with other tools or platforms.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers secure document storage
- Provides detailed guidance
- Focuses specifically on wills and estate planning
Cons:
- Pricing may seem high for a one-time document creation
- No integrations with other software or platforms
- No free plan or trial
DoYourOwnWill is an online platform that simplifies will drafting for individuals. It achieves this by guiding users through a series of questions to generate a legally sound document, making it ideal for quick and free online will creation.
Why I Picked DoYourOwnWill: I chose DoYourOwnWill because of its ease of use and efficiency. The tool's streamlined process, which involves a guided question series, sets it apart from many others. It's this simplicity and speed that led me to select it as the best choice for quick and free online will creation.
What do you get for free?
With DoYourOwnWill, the entire process of creating a will is free. Users can generate and download a legally completed document valid will without any costs. However, it does not include legal advice or any additional legal services.
Standout features & integrations:
DoYourOwnWill excels with its user-friendly interface and the simplicity of its will creation process. While it does not provide any notable integrations, the main value of this tool is its ability to create a will without any complications or unnecessary features.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- User-friendly interface
- Simple and quick will creation process
- Completely free to use
Cons:
- Lacks integration with other tools or platforms
- No additional legal services
- Does not provide legal advice
MyWishes stands as a unique tool that integrates will writing with digital legacy planning. It not only assists you in crafting a will but also enables you to outline your digital footprint after you've passed.
Why I Picked MyWishes: I selected MyWishes due to its unique approach to estate planning. The tool's commitment to addressing the increasingly important issue of digital legacy made it an intriguing choice. MyWishes is best for those who understand that a will now encompasses more than physical assets like bank account—it's about managing your digital presence too.
What do you get for free?
MyWishes offers a free version that includes will writing and a basic digital legacy service. This allows users to craft a will and start thinking about their digital footprint without any financial commitment.
Standout features & integrations:
MyWishes shines with features that enable users to document their end-of-life wishes, manage their online accounts, and even record goodbye messages for your loved ones.. Although it doesn't feature the typical integrations with business software, it does connect with major social media platforms to manage digital legacy.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Connects with major social media platforms for digital legacy management
- Free tier available with basic features
- Integrates digital legacy planning with will writing
Cons:
- May be more complex than a simple will writing software
- Advanced features only available on the paid plan
- Limited business software integrations
Arken Legal offers a user-friendly platform for creating professional and legally sound wills. Its streamlined interface and intelligent questionnaire system guide users through the will drafting process effectively.
Why I Picked Arken Legal: Among the various options, Arken Legal caught my attention with its emphasis on a smooth user experience. The tool simplifies the complex process of drafting a will, making it an ideal choice for those new to estate planning. I picked Arken Legal as it aligns with the need for an intuitive interface while retaining the robustness of a legal document creation tool.
What do you get for free?
Arken Legal does not have a free tier, but it does offer a 7-day free trial. This trial allows you to explore its features and user interface without any obligation.
Standout features & integrations:
Arken Legal's standout features include an intelligent fact-finding questionnaire and a secure client portal for effective collaboration. The platform can also integrate with case management software, enhancing its utility for legal professionals.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Integrations with case management software
- Intelligent fact-finding questionnaire
- Intuitive user interface
Cons:
- Lack of wider integrations compared to some competitors
- The pricing might be steep for individual users
- No free tier available
WillSuite is a powerful tool designed to handle all aspects of estate planning and it’s one of my top picks. It provides an all-encompassing platform that not only helps to create legally robust wills but also assists in drafting other legal documents such as Personal Finance, Power of Attorney, Health Care Directive, and Trusts.
Why I Picked WillSuite: In my quest to find the best will writing software, WillSuite stood out due to its sheer comprehensiveness and flexibility. It caters to legal professionals, offering a wide array of document types and intuitive tools. I chose WillSuite as it provides a complete or customized estate plan solution, aligning perfectly with its "best for" tag.
What do you get for free?
While WillSuite does not offer a free version, it provides a demo option. Potential users can request a demo to understand the software's workings and its applicability to their specific requirements.
Standout features & integrations:
WillSuite impresses with its extensive suite of features, including document drafting, client management, and probate tools. The software integrates well with Microsoft Office, streamlining document creation and management. Additionally, it offers seamless data transfer capabilities with third-party CRM systems.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Offers seamless integration with Microsoft Office and third-party CRM systems
- Supports a wide range of document types
- Comprehensive suite of estate planning tools
Cons:
- The extensive suite of features might be overwhelming for users seeking simple will writing solutions
- The pricing could be a barrier for individual users
- No free version available
Other Will Writing Software
Here are some additional will writing software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:
- Total Legal
For complete legal document preparation
- Sure Will Writer
For legal professionals seeking streamlined solutions
- LegalZoom
Good for comprehensive legal assistance beyond wills
- WillMaker
Good for in-depth guidance in will and trust creation
- LegalNature
Good for variety in legal document templates beyond wills
- LawDepot
Good for its easy-to-use step-by-step legal document creation process
- Fabric
Good for integrating life insurance with estate planning
Selection Criteria for Will Writing Software
When choosing the best will writing software for this list, I looked at what really matters in estate planning—tools that are easy to use, legally sound, and built to handle sensitive details with care. To keep things fair and consistent, I used the following evaluation framework:
Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:
- Create and edit wills
- Store documents securely
- Share documents with beneficiaries
- Support legal compliance
- Provide templates for wills
Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:
- Integration with legal databases
- Customizable clauses
- Multilingual support
- Real-time collaboration
- Estate planning calculators
Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:
- Intuitive interface design
- Easy navigation
- Minimal learning curve
- Responsive design for mobile
- Clear instructions and help guides
Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:
- Availability of training videos
- Interactive product tours
- Access to templates
- Live webinars for new users
- Chatbots for instant help
Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:
- 24/7 availability
- Multiple support channels
- Fast response times
- Knowledgeable support staff
- Comprehensive FAQ section
Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:
- Competitive pricing
- Flexible subscription plans
- Free trial availability
- Discounts for long-term use
- Clear refund policy
Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:
- User satisfaction ratings
- Commonly mentioned pros and cons
- Feedback on customer service
- Reports on software reliability
- Ease of use feedback
How to Choose Will Writing Software
It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:
| Factor | What to Consider |
|---|---|
| Scalability | Can the software grow with your needs? Consider future estate planning complexities. Look for tools that can handle increased document volume and complexity. |
| Integrations | Does it connect with tools you already use? Check for compatibility with your current legal software or databases to avoid data silos. |
| Customizability | Can you tailor it to fit your workflows? Ensure you can modify templates and clauses to meet specific legal requirements and client needs. |
| Ease of use | Is it user-friendly for your team? Test the interface for intuitive design and minimal learning curve to reduce training time. |
| Implementation and onboarding | How quickly can you get started? Look for clear onboarding processes, including training materials and support to get your team up and running fast. |
| Cost | Does it fit your budget? Compare pricing plans and check for hidden fees. Consider the value of features versus the cost. |
| Security safeguards | How secure is your data? Verify encryption standards and data protection policies to ensure client confidentiality and compliance with legal standards. |
What Is Will Writing Software?
Will writing software is a tool designed to help individuals and professionals draft and manage wills efficiently. Lawyers, estate planners, and financial advisors generally use these tools to simplify the estate planning process and ensure legal compliance. Document creation, template customization, and secure storage capabilities help with organizing and safeguarding important legal documents. Overall, these tools provide a convenient way to handle estate planning with accuracy and ease.
Features
When selecting will writing software, keep an eye out for the following key features:
- Document creation: Allows users to draft wills and legal documents with ease, saving time and effort.
- Template customization: Offers pre-built templates that can be tailored to fit specific legal needs, enhancing flexibility.
- Secure storage: Provides encrypted storage options to protect sensitive documents, ensuring confidentiality.
- Legal compliance: Ensures documents meet legal standards, reducing the risk of errors and omissions.
- Collaboration tools: Facilitates sharing and collaboration with clients and beneficiaries, improving communication.
- Integration capabilities: Connects with other legal tools and databases, streamlining workflows and data management.
- User-friendly interface: Features an intuitive design that simplifies navigation, making it accessible for all users.
- Multilingual support: Offers language options to cater to a diverse client base, expanding usability.
- Estate planning calculators: Provides tools to calculate estate taxes and distributions, aiding in accurate planning.
- Training resources: Includes tutorials and guides to assist users in getting started quickly and efficiently.
Benefits
Implementing will writing software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:
- Time efficiency: Automates document creation and management, allowing your team to focus on more strategic tasks.
- Accuracy: Ensures compliance with legal standards, minimizing the risk of errors in legal documents.
- Security: Provides encrypted storage for sensitive documents, protecting client information from unauthorized access.
- Collaboration: Facilitates easy sharing and collaboration with clients, improving communication and client relationships.
- Customization: Offers flexible templates that can be tailored to specific needs, enhancing the personalization of services.
- Scalability: Supports growth by accommodating increased document volume and complexity as your business expands.
- User accessibility: Features an intuitive interface that reduces the learning curve, making it easier for all team members to use effectively.
Costs and Pricing
Selecting will writing software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in will writing software solutions:
Plan Comparison Table for Will Writing Software
| Plan Type | Average Price | Common Features |
|---|---|---|
| Free Plan | $0 | Basic document creation, limited storage, and community support. |
| Personal Plan | $5-$25/user/month | Advanced templates, secure storage, and email support. |
| Business Plan | $30-$60/user/month | Custom branding, integration capabilities, and priority support. |
| Enterprise Plan | $70-$120/user/month | Full customization, dedicated account manager, and advanced security features. |
FAQs
Here are some answers to common questions about will writing software:
What are the cons of doing a will online?
Online wills might not comply with specific state laws. For instance, some states require a will to be signed and witnessed correctly. Also, online templates may lack personalization, which can be crucial for unique family situations. Always ensure the tool you’re considering meets your legal needs.
How secure is will writing software?
Security varies by provider, but most reputable will writing software offers encrypted document storage and secure data transfer. This helps protect sensitive personal information and ensures that your documents are accessible only by authorized users.
Can will writing software integrate with other legal tools?
Many will writing software solutions offer integration capabilities with other legal software and databases. This can streamline your workflow by allowing seamless data sharing and reducing the need for manual data entry.
Is training available for new users of will writing software?
Most providers offer training resources such as video tutorials, webinars, and support documentation. These resources help new users understand the software’s features and maximize its potential for their specific needs.
What should I consider when choosing a will writing software?
Consider factors like ease of use, compliance with legal standards, and integration capabilities. Evaluate the cost against the features offered and ensure the software can scale with your needs. Also, check for customer support availability to assist with any issues.
What’s Next:
If you're in the process of researching will writing software, connect with a SoftwareSelect advisor for free recommendations.
You fill out a form and have a quick chat where they get into the specifics of your needs. Then you'll get a shortlist of software to review. They'll even support you through the entire buying process, including price negotiations.
