Can You Create a Will Online for Free?

Regardless of your income or net worth, having a will can give you the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your wishes will be respected when you pass. Unfortunately, many people fail to ensure that they have a will, which means that their assets will simply be distributed according to state laws upon their death.

A recent Gallup poll shows that fewer than half of American adults have a will, with the likelihood of having a will the lowest among those with a low or modest income. One of the most-cited reasons for not having a will is the high cost of legal services. Nationwide, average hourly attorney fees range from $250 to $350, and most consumers can expect to pay between $300 and $1,000 to have a will drafted by a lawyer.

Fortunately, there are now a number of web-based legal service companies that make drafting a will easy and affordable. These online will services provide consumers with a simple, cost-effective alternative to using a lawyer to create a will.

In this guide, we highlight the three best low-cost online will service companies. We look at the costs, services offered, refund and revision policies, as well as some of the most commonly-asked questions about using a will-writing website.

There are now dozens of online will services, which can make choosing the best one difficult. To help narrow down the choices we’ve selected the top three based on the costs, ease of use, revision and refund policies and user reviews.

Launched in 2015, Willing is a Miami-based online will service that is now owned by Metlife. Known for its user-friendly features, the platform is fully compatible with desktop computers and mobile devices such as smartphones and tablets.

Rates for a basic will on Willing start at $69. Consumers may be able to find discount codes and coupons for up to 40% off Willing’s services through Groupon. Users who need a basic will pay $69, the homeowner plan costs $299, and the ultimate care plan, which includes premium customer support and expedited document delivery, costs $399.

Willing may be a good option for consumers who:

• Need a basic will
• Want access to enhanced customer support while completing their will
• Would like to be able to write and revise their will on all of their digital devices

Willing Online Will Creation Services

Launched in 2000, U.S. Legal Wills is one of the oldest online will companies operating in the United States. The company has now expanded its services to the U.K. and Canada.

U.S. Legal Wills consistently receives top rankings among consumers who appreciate the low costs, free cloud-based document storage on the company’s secure servers, and discounts for spouses and partners. Another unique feature of U.S. Legal Wills is that the company includes legal documents for consumers who hold assets outside the United States.

Pricing for a basic will with U.S. Legal Wills starts at about $40, and that fee includes a 30-day money-back guarantee and unlimited revisions for a year. The company offers a number of optional, add-on services, including an estate plan review by a lawyer for $69.

U.S. Legal Wills may be the best online will company for those who:

• Want the ability to revise their will as many times as they’d like
• Have a spouse or partner who also needs to write a will
• Prefer dealing with an online will company that offers a 30-day money-back guarantee
• Have offshore assets

U.S. Legal Wills Online Will Creation Services

Unlike many other legal services companies that focus strictly on wills. LegalZoom offers a wide range of consumer and commercial web-based legal services ranging from estate planning to business incorporation.

Rates for a basic, state-specific will through LegalZoom start at $89. For an extra $10, consumers can complete a basic will and use Attorney Assist for 14 days, which includes access to LegalZoom’s network of attorneys. Those who want to complete a will, living will (advanced healthcare directive) and financial power of attorney can do so through LegalZoom for $249.

LegalZoom may be a good choice for anyone who:

• Wants a flat-fee will that includes free revisions
• Would like to consult with a lawyer about their will
• Needs to complete a will as well as an advanced healthcare directive and a financial power of attorney

LegalZoom Online Will Creation Services