5 Best Alternatives to Trust & Will in 2025 (With Pricing & Features)
Thinking about creating a will but not sure Trust & Will is the right fit for you? You’re not alone.
Online wills have become a convenient and popular way to create estate planning documents from home.
This article will help you find the best site for your estate planning needs by comparing top online platforms and their features.
While Trust & Will is a strong option in the online will-making space, there are several other platforms that might suit your needs better—depending on your budget, complexity of estate, and preference for a more personalized experience.
If you’re wondering whether online wills are legit, this article will compare platforms that offer legally valid solutions and help you choose the best fit.
In this post, we break down the top 5 alternatives to Trust & Will based on pricing, customization, legal compliance, and user experience.
Introduction to Estate Planning
Estate planning is all about making sure your wishes are carried out and your loved ones are protected after you’re gone. At its core, estate planning involves organizing and distributing your assets—like your home, savings, investments, and personal belongings—according to your preferences. This process typically includes creating essential estate planning documents such as a will, setting up revocable living trusts, and naming beneficiaries for life insurance policies and retirement accounts. Beneficiary designations are especially important because they ensure that certain assets, like retirement accounts and life insurance policies, are transferred directly to your chosen beneficiaries according to your wishes, outside of your will.
In the past, estate planning often meant multiple visits to an attorney’s office and stacks of paperwork. Today, online estate planning platforms have made it easier than ever to create, update, and manage your estate plans from home. These platforms offer access to attorney assistance, help you set up revocable living trusts, and guide you through the process of preparing all the documents you need to ensure your wishes are honored. Whether you’re just starting out or updating an existing plan, online estate planning can help you take control of your legacy with confidence.
Benefits of Online Estate Planning
Online estate planning has transformed the way people prepare for the future, making it more convenient, affordable, and accessible than ever before. With online estate planning platforms, you can create and update your estate plans at your own pace, without the hassle of scheduling in-person meetings or paying high legal fees. These platforms typically offer a wide range of estate planning documents, including will-based estate plans, power of attorney forms, and healthcare directives—all designed to help you cover every aspect of your wishes.
One of the biggest advantages is the availability of attorney support. Many online estate planning services provide unlimited attorney support, so you can get professional guidance whenever you need it, especially if your estate planning needs are more complex. This means you can ask questions, get advice, and ensure your documents are legally sound—all from the comfort of your home. Whether you’re setting up a power of attorney, drafting healthcare directives, or simply updating your will, online estate planning puts you in control and gives you peace of mind.
Key Features to Look for in Online Estate Planning Platforms
Choosing the right online estate planning platform can make a big difference in how smoothly your will making process goes. Here are some key features to look for:
Customized Will Creation: The platform should allow you to create a will tailored to your unique situation, not just a generic template.
Expert Assistance: Access to an expert—whether through online chat, phone, or email—can be invaluable, especially if you have questions or a complicated estate.
Chat Feature: A dedicated chat feature provides real-time support, enabling you to directly communicate with estate-planning attorneys for immediate answers and guidance during the document preparation process.
State Level Compliance: Estate planning laws vary by state, so it’s crucial that the platform ensures your documents are compliant with your state’s requirements.
By focusing on these features, you’ll be better equipped to choose an estate planning platform that meets your needs and gives you confidence that your wishes will be carried out.
Understanding Trust & Will: What Sets It Apart?
Trust & Will has established itself as a leading online will maker by offering a seamless and comprehensive approach to estate planning. What truly sets Trust & Will apart is its commitment to making the will creation process both simple and legally binding. The platform provides state-specific notarization instructions, ensuring that every document you create is compliant with your state’s laws and requirements. This attention to detail means your estate planning documents—whether it’s a will, trust, or power of attorney—are not only easy to complete but also stand up in court.
Another standout feature is the breadth of estate planning documents available. Trust & Will isn’t just for wills; it’s a one-stop solution for building a complete estate plan, including revocable living trusts and powers of attorney. The platform’s intuitive interface guides you step-by-step, making it accessible even for those new to estate planning. For those who want extra peace of mind, Trust & Will offers unlimited attorney support, so you can get professional guidance whenever you need it. With pricing starting at $199 for an individual will, Trust & Will delivers a balance of affordability, legal compliance, and customer support, making it a top choice for anyone looking to create a legally binding estate plan online.
Why people choose Trust & Will among online will makers
Trust & Will is popular for its clean user interface, ease of use, and straightforward process. For $199 (or $299 for couples), you get a legally valid will with state-specific instructions, online document storage, and a polished digital interface.
Trust & Will does not offer joint wills or a joint will option; each spouse must create their own individual will. While you can duplicate a will for a spouse to maintain consistency, the platform does not offer joint wills as a single document for couples.
But it’s not perfect:
Limited customization for complex estates
There may be an additional fee or additional cost for updates, attorney support, or adding family members. Be aware of potential additional fees for premium features.
Pricing is higher than many competitors
Mixed customer service reviews
Relies heavily on long questionnaires — users are guided through static forms with no real-time feedback or support, which can feel tedious and impersonal.
If you’re looking for more flexibility, lower pricing, or a more personalized touch, here are your best alternatives:
Best Online Will Makers in 2025: Quick Overview
The landscape of online will makers in 2025 is more robust and user-friendly than ever, making estate planning accessible to everyone. The best online will makers—such as Trust & Will, Quicken WillMaker & Trust, and Rocket Lawyer—offer a variety of features designed to simplify the estate planning process. These platforms provide customizable templates for wills, trusts, and power of attorney, ensuring that your estate plans are tailored to your unique needs and legally binding in your state.
User experience is a top priority for these services, with easy-to-navigate interfaces and clear instructions that guide you through each step. Many of the best online will makers also offer attorney support, so you can get expert advice as you create or update your estate plan. State level compliance is another key factor, as these platforms ensure your documents meet the specific legal requirements of your state.
When choosing an online will maker, consider factors like cost, the range of estate planning documents offered, and the quality of customer support. Platforms like Rocket Lawyer stand out for their subscription-based access to a wide array of legal documents, while Quicken WillMaker is ideal for those who prefer a one-time software purchase. By selecting one of the best online will makers, you can create a comprehensive, legally binding estate plan that protects your loved ones and gives you peace of mind for the future.
1. BetterEstate — Best Overall Alternative for Personalization & Affordability
Starting price: Free consultation with try-before-you-buy; $99 one-time for custom will plan
Why it’s better:
AI-powered estate concierge (“Alice”) walks you through your will via an interactive chat
Perfect for people 65+ with large, legible fonts and simple user interface that feels just like texting so you don't need to learn how to navigate an online platform you never used
Pro-level personalization without paying a lawyer
Truly free to try—you only pay if you want to download or print documents
Unlike other tools, it’s not just a questionnaire. It adapts to your inputs, feels conversational, and lets you go deep where needed—or skip ahead where things are simple. This not only helps you create a more customized will but also saves you time.
Where it wins: BetterEstate outperforms Trust & Will for people who want handholding, custom logic, and flexibility. It’s also more cost-effective with no membership upsells.
Ideal for: First-time will creators, seniors, families with multiple beneficiaries, blended family situations, those with minor children, and those who want an experience that feels human, not robotic. BetterEstate is easy to use software for all ages.
2. LegalZoom — Best for Adding Ongoing Legal Support
Starting price: $99 (basic will); $399 (living trust); $199/year for attorney support
LegalZoom includes other estate planning documents and attorney templates, such as living wills, power of attorney forms, and trusts, as part of its offerings.
Pros:
Strong brand reputation
Offers living wills, trusts, POAs
Access to attorney network in all 50 states
Provides attorney advice and legal assistance as part of its legal plan
Cons:
Interface feels outdated
Add-ons add up quickly
$199/year legal plan isn’t optional for many use cases
Entire process is form-based and static — you’re walked through a generic questionnaire with limited ability to get help unless you pay for extra legal services.
Does offer attorney support, but at an extra cost
Verdict: Great for those who want one-off legal consultations or more complex documents like a living trust, but it can get expensive fast. LegalZoom can also assist with setting up an irrevocable trust for advanced estate planning needs. LegalZoom is considered one of the best online will makers for those seeking legal support.
3. Rocket Lawyer — Best Subscription-Based Platform for Ongoing Document Needs
Starting price: $39.99/month or $239.88/year
Pros:
Unlimited access to dozens of legal forms
Easy-to-use interface
Immediate access to legal documents and attorney access for subscribers
Access to attorneys and live chat
Rocket Lawyer's legal services stand out for their user-friendly platform, extensive document templates, and access to attorney support through chat, phone, and email.
Cons:
Expensive if you just need one document
Cancelling the subscription isn’t always straightforward
Core experience is a long questionnaire — no smart assistance or contextual advice, just page after page of forms to complete.
Rocket Lawyer’s platform was developed in collaboration with legal experts to ensure the accuracy and reliability of its legal document templates.
Verdict: Ideal if you’re starting a business or need more than a will (leases, NDAs, POAs, etc.) and want a full suite of legal docs on demand. Rocket Lawyer’s subscription model includes a will based estate plan and other essential documents, making it a comprehensive option for estate planning and legal needs.
4. Quicken WillMaker — Best for Offline, DIY Users Who Want a One-Time Fee
Starting price: $109 to $219 (one-time software download)
Pros:
One-time payment, no upsells
Includes documents for wills, trusts, powers of attorney
Users can print documents for signing and storage
Cons:
May require downloading software to a computer
No customer support for legal questions
Must ensure documents comply with state laws on your own
Built around a static form wizard — you answer long lists of questions with minimal guidance and no help adjusting based on your actual needs.
Quicken WillMaker includes medical directives, medical power, and health care directives as part of its document suite, making it a comprehensive option for estate and healthcare planning.
Verdict: Good for tech-savvy users who want to do it themselves without ever using a subscription or online tool. There is no additional cost for updates, unlike some online platforms. But not ideal for mobile users or those needing state-specific help.
5. FreeWill — Best for Charitable Giving
Starting price: Free
Pros:
100% free
Free online platform that provides free wills for users looking to donate part of their estate
Partners with nonprofits for charitable bequests
Cons:
Limited flexibility/customization
No attorney support or legal review
Heavily encourages charity donations
Entirely form-driven — users go through a set sequence of questions without the option to skip ahead or explore complex edge cases.
Verdict: If you’re on a tight budget or looking to include philanthropy in your estate, FreeWill can be a great entry point—just don’t expect advanced features. FreeWill does not include features for managing digital assets or a digital vault, which are available on some paid platforms.
Estate Planning Platform Comparison
With so many online estate planning platforms available, it’s important to compare your options to find the best fit for your needs. Some platforms, like Trust & Will, offer a comprehensive range of estate planning documents—including wills, trusts, and power of attorney forms—making it easy to create a complete estate plan in one place. Others, such as Rocket Lawyer, stand out for their robust attorney assistance and access to a wide variety of legal documents beyond just estate planning.
Some platforms provide a seven day free trial for new users, allowing you to explore their estate planning tools and services at no cost before committing. Additionally, look for platforms that offer unlimited updates to your estate planning documents during your subscription period, so you can make changes as your circumstances evolve without extra fees.
When comparing estate planning platforms, consider factors like cost, ease of use, and the types of estate planning documents offered. For example, Quicken WillMaker is a great choice for those who prefer a one-time software purchase, while LegalZoom is known for its strong brand and ongoing attorney support. FreeWill, on the other hand, is ideal if you’re looking for a free, straightforward way to create a basic will and support charitable giving.
Ultimately, the best online estate planning platform for you will depend on your specific needs, budget, and the level of attorney assistance you require. Take the time to read reviews, compare features, and explore each platform’s offerings to ensure you create an estate plan that protects your loved ones and honors your wishes.
The Bottom Line
Trust & Will is a solid option, but it’s not one-size-fits-all. If you want:
Human-like guidance without the cost of a lawyer, go with BetterEstate
Trusted brand and legal network, consider LegalZoom
All-you-can-download legal docs, Rocket Lawyer makes sense
A traditional, offline solution, check out Quicken WillMaker
A free basic will for charitable giving, start with FreeWill
Want the best of them all without the price tag? Give BetterEstate a try for free—you'll get a concierge-like experience designed for people who don't want to feel like they're filling out a tax form.
FAQs
Is Trust & Will the best online will service? Not always. While it has a great user interface, many users find it too expensive for what you get, especially when you compare it to more personalized and affordable platforms like BetterEstate. There are many online will makers available, each offering different features and levels of estate planning support. Online wills are legit if they meet all legal requirements, such as proper signatures, witnesses, and compliance with your state's laws.
Can I make a will for free? Yes, platforms like FreeWill let you create basic wills at no cost. BetterEstate also offers a free consultation and only charges when you’re ready to download. You can also go the DIY route if you feel comfortable with the effort and risk of making your own will. Keep in mind, managing online accounts and digital assets is increasingly important, so make sure your will addresses these as well.
Is BetterEstate legit? Yes. BetterEstate offers legally valid wills tailored to your state and reviewed for compliance. They also ship physical copies and include notarization. BetterEstate ensures your documents comply with your state's laws and provides state-specific notarization instructions for proper execution.
Can I update my online will later? Yes. Most services allow updates. BetterEstate includes this in the price; Trust & Will requires a membership. You may need to update your will if your assets distributed or final arrangements change.
What is the probate process and how does it affect my will? The probate process is the legal procedure where a probate court validates your will and oversees the distribution of your assets after death. Having a valid will can help your loved ones avoid a lengthy and costly probate court process, ensuring your assets are distributed according to your wishes. Using a trust, such as a revocable living trust, can help you avoid probate altogether, allowing for a faster and more private transfer of assets.
How do estate taxes and tax benefits affect my estate plan? Estate taxes can significantly impact the value of a large estate passed on to your heirs. Proper estate planning can help you take advantage of tax benefits and minimize estate taxes. Consulting a professional is especially important if you have a large estate or complex assets.
What other documents should I consider for a comprehensive estate plan? In addition to a last will, consider a durable financial power of attorney to manage your financial accounts if you become incapacitated, a healthcare directive or living will to specify your healthcare wishes, and documents outlining your final arrangements. A revocable living trust is also a flexible tool for asset management and can help you avoid probate, making it an essential part of a comprehensive estate plan. These ensure your preferences are clear and legally protected.