Side by side
LegalWills vs LegalZoom Estate Planning
Both stand on estate planning software. Which one you can start free with, which one lets you read the code, and what each costs once you pay.
Choose LegalWills if you want online preparation for a Will or related estate documents, with options for legacy messages, records and Keyholders. Its U.S. coverage excludes Louisiana, and documents still require proper printing, signing and witnessing. For complex estate circumstances, the company advises seeking an attorney.
Visit LegalWills
LegalZoom offers questionnaire-based will and trust documents with supporting healthcare and financial forms. Review its service limitations and choose a plan based on whether you need attorney review or a trust.
Visit LegalZoom Estate PlanningThe facts
| LegalWills | LegalZoom Estate Planning | |
|---|---|---|
| Free plan | No | No |
| Open source | No | Not published |
| Runs on | API, Web | Web |
| Lowest paid plan | MyLivingWill™: $19.95, paid once | Basic Will: $99, paid once |
| Plans published | 14 | 4 |
| Maker | Not published | Not published |
| Website | legalwills.com | legalzoom.com |
| On estate planning software | #17 of 24 | #20 of 24 |
LegalWills: what it does well
- MyWill formats a Will for the user’s local jurisdiction.
- Members can designate up to 20 Keyholders.
- Offers funeral wishes, final messages and secure file storage.
- Support is available by email, live chat and toll-free phone.
- Accounts support two-factor authentication.
What to know first
- There is no free plan.
- U.S. legal-document services exclude Louisiana.
- Documents must be printed, signed and witnessed to become legal documents.
- The company advises attorney help for complex estate situations.
LegalZoom Estate Planning: what it does well
- Plans include financial and healthcare documents.
- Wills can nominate guardians for minor children.
- Trust plans include a living trust option.
- Premium plans add attorney review and calls.
- Last wills are stated to be accepted in all 50 states.
What to know first
- No free plan is listed.
- Documents must be printed and signed.
- LegalZoom says it is not a law firm.
- Basic Will costs $99, paid once.
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