12 Best Will Writing Software Shortlist
After scrutinizing numerous tools, I've curated the 12 best will writing software to address your unique needs. Dive in, your solution awaits!
- WillSuite - Best for comprehensive estate planning solutions
- Arken Legal - Best for intuitive user experience in drafting Wills
- MyWishes - Best for integrated digital legacy planning
- Sure Will Writer - Best for legal professionals seeking streamlined solutions
- DoYourOwnWill - Best for quick and free online will creation
- Total Legal - Best for complete legal document preparation
- Rocket Lawyer - Best for multi-category legal document creation
- US Legal Wills - Best for comprehensive U.S. estate planning
- Nolo's Quicken WillMaker & Trust - Best for trust creation alongside wills
- Which? Wills - Best for guided will writing with expert assistance
- Free Will - Best for hassle-free, no-cost will creation
- Beyond Life - Best for incorporating funeral planning into estate management
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 12 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.
What is Will Writing Software?
Will writing software is a digital platform that assists individuals in drafting legally sound wills and managing estate planning details. It's typically utilized by both legal professionals seeking efficient ways to handle client needs and individuals who prefer a hands-on approach to managing their legacy.
The software is compatible with both Mac and Windows and often includes tools for asset distribution, beneficiary designation, and even details for final arrangements for pet care and digital asset management. It simplifies the will-writing process, translating complex legal jargon into understandable language while ensuring all legal requirements are met. From straightforward, no-frills applications to comprehensive estate management suites, will-writing software caters to a broad spectrum of needs, making estate planning accessible to everyone.
12 Best Will Writing Software Overview
1. WillSuite - Best for comprehensive estate planning solutions
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.
Pricing:
Pricing begins from $15/user/month (billed annually). It's an investment that delivers a comprehensive solution for estate planning, making it well worth the cost and money back guarantee.
Pros:
- Comprehensive suite of estate planning tools
- Supports a wide range of document types
- Offers seamless integration with Microsoft Office and third-party CRM systems
Cons:
- No free version available
- The pricing could be a barrier for individual users
- The extensive suite of features might be overwhelming for users seeking simple will writing solutions
2. Arken Legal - Best for intuitive user experience in drafting Wills
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.
Pricing:
Arken Legal offers its services starting from $25/user/month. The pricing reflects the tool's focus on providing a comprehensive, intuitive will drafting solution.
Pros:
- Intuitive user interface
- Intelligent fact-finding questionnaire
- Integrations with case management software
Cons:
- No free tier available
- The pricing might be steep for individual users
- Lack of wider integrations compared to some competitors
3. MyWishes - Best for integrated digital legacy planning
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.
Pricing:
The pricing starts from $8/user/month for the premium version which includes advanced digital legacy planning tools.
Pros:
- Integrates digital legacy planning with will writing
- Free tier available with basic features
- Connects with major social media platforms for digital legacy management
Cons:
- Limited business software integrations
- Advanced features only available on the paid plan
- May be more complex than a simple will writing software
4. Sure Will Writer - Best for legal professionals seeking streamlined solutions
Sure Will Writer offers a powerful suite of tools specifically tailored for legal professionals, ensuring a smooth and efficient will writing process. It excels in providing a myriad of legal forms and templates to make will drafting a straightforward task for those in the legal field.
Why I Picked Sure Will Writer:
I included Sure Will Writer in this list due to its specialized focus on serving legal professionals, an area where many other tools fall short. This software stands out with its multitude of legal forms and templates which streamline the will drafting process. That's why I believe it's best for legal professionals looking for a more efficient, tailored solution to will writing.
What do you get for free?
Sure Will Writer does not provide a free version. However, they do offer a demo to potential customers to explore the features and understand the workings of the tool.
Standout features & integrations:
Sure Will Writer includes numerous features like client management, document creation, and comprehensive estate planning. The tool does not focus on third-party integrations, rather, it aims to provide a standalone comprehensive solution for legal professionals.
Pricing:
The pricing for Sure Will Writer starts from $30/user/month.
Pros:
- Tailored for legal professionals
- Offers a wide range of legal forms like the durable power of attorney and other templates
- Includes features for client management and document creation
Cons:
- Lacks a free version or tier
- Limited third-party integrations
- Pricing details are not fully transparent
5. DoYourOwnWill - Best for quick and free online will creation
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.
Pricing:
As a unique offering in the market, DoYourOwnWill is completely free to use. There are no hidden fees or upsells throughout the process, making it an excellent choice for individuals seeking to create a will at no cost.
Pros:
- Completely free to use
- Simple and quick will creation process
- User-friendly interface
Cons:
- Does not provide legal advice
- No additional legal services
- Lacks integration with other tools or platforms
6. Total Legal - Best for complete legal document preparation
Total Legal is a comprehensive platform offering a wide range of legal document preparation services. From wills to power of attorney documents, the tool is designed to cover all your legal needs, positioning it as the best choice for complete legal document preparation.
Why I Picked Total Legal:
I selected Total Legal due to its extensive suite of legal document services. Its diversity of offerings, from will creation to business formation documents, distinguishes it from more narrowly focused tools. This breadth of service makes it my choice for the "best for complete legal document preparation".
What do you get for free?
Total Legal does offer a free trial that provides access to some basic legal forms that complies with your state’s laws. . However, the more comprehensive services and legal document preparations require a subscription.
Standout features & integrations:
Total Legal boasts a broad array of legal document templates, an intuitive interface, and customer support. In terms of integrations, it provides resources like a glossary of legal terms, but doesn't offer any specific software or platform integrations.
Pricing:
Pricing for Total Legal starts at $9.95/user/month, and this covers access to all the documents and services available on the platform. The price is straightforward, with no additional setup or base fees required.
Pros:
- Wide range of legal document services
- Provides resources like a glossary of legal terms
- Customer support
Cons:
- No specific software or platform integrations
- More comprehensive services are behind a paywall
- The interface may be a bit overwhelming for first-time users
7. Rocket Lawyer - Best for multi-category legal document creation
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.
Pricing:
Rocket Lawyer's pricing begins at $39.99/user/month. This price gives you access to all the legal documents, along with legal advice from attorneys.
Pros:
- Wide variety of legal document categories
- Offers legal advice from attorneys
- You can also contact customer service by email, online chat, or calling its hotline.
- Simple-to-use platform
Cons:
- No specific software or platform integrations
- Pricing might be high for individual users
- Comprehensive services only available through subscription
8. US Legal Wills - Best for comprehensive U.S. estate planning
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.
Pricing:
The pricing for US Legal Wills starts from $39.95 for a Last Will and Testament, Revocable Living Trust, and HIPAA Authorization and it's a one-time flat fee, not a subscription.
Pros:
- Focuses specifically on wills and estate planning
- Provides detailed guidance
- Offers secure document storage
Cons:
- No free plan or trial
- No integrations with other software or platforms
- Pricing may seem high for a one-time document creation
9. Nolo's Quicken WillMaker & Trust - Best for trust creation alongside wills
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.
Pricing:
The cost for Nolo's Quicken WillMaker & Trust starts from $99.99 as a one-time payment or you can use your credit card for your transaction.
Pros:
- Allows the creation of both wills and trusts for family members
- Easy-to-follow interface
- Provides a detailed legal manual with an independent attorney and free 30-minute consultation on a new legal matter
Cons:
- Does not offer a free plan
- No integrations with other software
- Cost may be high for some users considering it as a one-time payment
10. Which? Wills - Best for guided will writing with expert assistance
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.
Pricing:
The pricing for Which? Wills starts from £99 (approximately $136), billed as a one-time payment.
Pros:
- Expert assistance during the will-writing process
- Step-by-step guidance provided
- Free resources and advice available on the website
Cons:
- No free plan or trial available
- Lack of integrations with other platforms
- Pricing might be considered high by some users, particularly as it's a one-off payment.
11. Free Will - Best for hassle-free, no-cost will creation
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.
Pricing:
Free Will is completely free. There is no cost associated with creating a will using this tool.
Pros:
- Completely free
- Fast and easy-to-use interface
- Comprehensive, legally valid wills can be created
Cons:
- Lack of integrations with other platforms
- Absence of legal advice or assistance
- Limited customization compared to some paid tools
12. Beyond Life - Best for incorporating funeral planning into estate management
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.
Pricing:
Pricing for Beyond Life starts from $10/user/month, which includes access to the full suite of funeral planning tools. It is billed annually.
Pros:
- Incorporates funeral planning into estate management
- Provides a digital vault for document storage
- Detailed funeral planning options with the paid plan
Cons:
- More expensive than some other options
- No integrations with other platforms
- Full funeral planning features only available in the paid plan
Other Will Writing Software
Below is a list of additional will writing software that I shortlisted, but did not make it to the top 12. Definitely worth checking them out.
- LegalZoom - Good for comprehensive legal assistance beyond wills
- LawDepot - Good for its easy-to-use step-by-step legal document creation process
- LegalNature - Good for variety in legal document templates beyond wills
- Fabric - Good for integrating life insurance with estate planning
- WillMaker - Good for in-depth guidance in will and trust creation
Selection Criteria for Will Writing Software
In my extensive research and personal trial of over 20 different will-making software tools, I found that the most essential aspects vary based on individual needs and circumstances. However, certain common criteria stood out that can be instrumental in making the best choice for will creation and estate planning.
Core Functionality
The basic functions of a good will-making tool should include:
- Ability to create a legally valid will
- Provisions for detailed asset distribution
- Option to nominate executors, guardians for minor children and beneficiaries
- Clauses for specific scenarios such as minor beneficiaries or pet care
- Capacity to revise and update the will
Key Features
When selecting a will-making tool, these are some of the key features to consider:
- Guidance and Assistance: Tools should provide clear instructions and guidance, making the legal jargon easy to understand for anyone. This feature is crucial to help users navigate through the process effortlessly.
- Legally Vetted: The will templates should be prepared or reviewed by legal professionals to ensure their validity.
- State-Specific Clauses: As laws can vary from state to state, the tool should incorporate state-specific legal clauses.
- Safe Storage: A secure online storage option for the finalized will is desirable. It ensures that your documents are safe and accessible when needed.
Usability
The usability of a will-making tool is another crucial aspect to consider:
- Intuitive Interface: The interface should be easy to navigate, allowing you to move back and forth between different sections of the will without losing progress.
- Accessible Customer Support: Having accessible and responsive customer support can help users with any doubts or issues that arise during the will creation process.
- Mobile Compatibility: The ability to use the tool on various devices including smartphones can enhance the user experience.
- Ease of Revision: The tool should make it easy to revise and update the will as circumstances change.
People Also Ask (FAQs)
What are the benefits of using will writing software?
Will writing software offers numerous advantages. First, it provides a cost-effective solution compared to hiring a lawyer. Secondly, it's convenient because it allows you to create your will from the comfort of your home, on your schedule and offers online service.
Thirdly, it often includes guidance and explanations to help you understand complex legal terms and make informed decisions. Fourthly, most tools have provisions for easy revisions and updates. Lastly, secure online storage options keep your document safe and accessible at all times.
How much does will writing software typically cost?
The cost of will writing software varies widely. Some tools are free, while others can cost anywhere from $30 to $200. The price depends on the provider, level of sophistication, the complexity of features, and the degree of legal guidance provided.
What are the pricing models for will writing software?
Most will writing software tools follow a one-time purchase model, where you pay a single fee for access to the service. Some platforms operate on a subscription basis, offering additional services like unlimited updates and secure storage.
What is the typical range of pricing for will writing software?
Will writing software typically starts as low as $30 for basic tools and can go up to $200 for more comprehensive ones with additional features and services.
Which is the cheapest will writing software?
As of now, FreeWill stands out as a no-cost option. It provides a basic but effective tool to draft a simple will.
Which is the most expensive will writing software?
At the higher end of the spectrum, software like LegalZoom can cost up to $200. This higher cost generally includes a range of premium features, such as attorney advice and comprehensive legal support.
Are there any free will writing software options?
Yes, there are free will writing software options available. For example, FreeWill offers a straightforward tool to help you create your will at no cost.
Is paid will writing software better than free ones?
It depends on your specific needs. Free software can be sufficient for creating simple wills, while paid versions typically offer advanced features and legal support. Investing in a paid software might be more beneficial if you have a complex estate or specific wishes.
Other Will Writing Software Reviews
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- Family Law Software
- Legal Case Analysis Software
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Summary
In this guide, we've explored the best will writing software options available, each offering unique benefits to cater to various needs. From guiding you through complex legal jargon to helping you plan for funeral arrangements, these tools offer a range of solutions to make drafting a will more manageable.
Here are three key takeaways to guide your decision-making:
- Understand your needs: Different tools cater to various needs, so it's important to identify what you require from your will writing software. If you have a straightforward estate and no complicated legal issues, a free or low-cost option like FreeWill might suffice. For more complex situations or if you desire legal assistance, investing in a more comprehensive tool like LegalZoom or Beyond Life could be worth it.
- Consider the balance between cost and features: While free tools can be effective for basic will creation, paid options generally provide more comprehensive features, including legal support, unlimited updates, and secure storage. Consider whether these extra features warrant the higher cost based on your personal situation.
- Usability matters: A good will writing software should not only help you draft your will effectively but also be easy to use. Tools with intuitive interfaces, clear instructions, and supportive customer service can make the process smoother and less stressful.
Choosing the right will writing software is a significant step towards planning your estate. By keeping these points in mind, you can find a tool that makes the process manageable and less daunting, giving you peace of mind knowing that your final wishes will be respected.
What Do You Think?
I strive to provide comprehensive and up-to-date information to my readers. However, the world of will writing software is vast and constantly evolving. If you've used a tool that you found useful and it's not on my list, please feel free to share it with me.
Your insights can help me improve my guide and provide valuable recommendations to others seeking help in this important task. I appreciate your contributions to making this resource as valuable and helpful as possible.