Creating a trust used to mean long meetings with lawyers and complicated paperwork. Today, online trust services make the process far more approachable, offering step-by-step guidance and affordable pricing. Whether you want to safeguard assets, provide for loved ones, or simplify estate administration, online trust creation tools give you a practical way to start.
| Company | Recommended For | Price | Key Features | Editor's Rating | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Quicken WillMaker | Best Value for Complete Estate Planning | $109+ | Wills, trusts, POA, healthcare directives, final arrangements | 8.3 | Get Started → |
| Ethos | Best for Bundling with Life Insurance | $149+ | Bundles life insurance with simple will tools | 8.2 | Get Started → |
| Trust & Will | Best Budget Option | $39+ | Wills, trusts, healthcare directives, guardianship, attorney add-ons | 8.5 | Get Started → |
| LegalShield | Best for Ongoing Legal Guidance | $29.95 a month+ | Access to attorneys, membership perks | 7.4 | Get Started → |
| LegalZoom | Best Estate Planning with Attorney Access | $149+ | Wills, trusts, POA, healthcare directives, optional attorney review | 7.8 | Get Started → |
Compare Online Trust & Estate Planning Services
Trust & Will
- Online service created by lawyers
- 30-day refund policy
- Experienced staff available for instant chat Sunday through Friday
- Plans for wills, trusts and guardianships
- Prices range from $39 to $499
- Free printing and shipping
- Customized service through a 10-minutes process
- Frequently asked questions available online
- State-specific and legally valid estate planning
- Attorney consultations available for an additional fee
- Trust&Will Review
Trust & Will is designed for millennials and families who want estate planning to feel approachable. It’s sleek, guided, and offers all the core documents — wills, trusts, healthcare directives, and guardianship designations. The price is higher than that of budget tools, but users love the polished experience.
Quicken Willmaker & Trust
- A trusted brand in do-it-yourself last will & testament software
- Plain English, easy-to-follow instructions for legal document preparation
- Great price for a highly comprehensive package
- Includes estate and financial planning legal forms and more!
- A wide variety of software packages centered around personal and commercial legal forms
- Quicken Willmaker & Trust Review
For $109, Quicken WillMaker gives you a full suite of documents — wills, trusts, POAs, and more. Nolo, a respected legal publisher, backs it. The interface isn’t flashy, but if you want maximum coverage for minimal cost, it’s tough to beat.
LegalZoom Wills
- Prepare a customized last will and testament, starting at $149
- Peace of Mind Review™ proofreads your documents to make sure everything is correct
- Enjoy free revisions of your last will for up to 30 days
- Receive a 30-day trial of the Personal Legal Plan when you buy a Comprehensive will package
- Personal Legal Plan connects you to a nationwide network of vetted attorneys for free 30-minute consultations
- LegalZoom Will Maker Review
LegalZoom has been around for decades and remains the most recognizable name in online legal services. It’s pricier than most competitors, but the ability to add attorney review or ongoing legal plans makes it appealing for anyone who wants professional backup.
Ethos Wills
- 30 Day Free Trial
- 100% online, no appointment necessary
- Documents vetted by expert attorneys
- Free lifetime document edits
- 4.8/5 “Excellent” Trustpilot rating
- Ethos Will Maker Review
Ethos stands out because it blends life insurance with basic estate planning tools. While it isn’t a traditional willmaker, its platform gives younger families a way to handle two major financial planning needs in one place. If you’re just starting to think about protecting your loved ones, Ethos makes the process straightforward and keeps the focus on long-term security.
LegalShield Wills
- 4.5 million people helped
- Lawyers average 22 years of experience
- Under $1 a day for access to a law firm for help
- LegalShield Will Maker Review
LegalShield is a strong fit for anyone who wants more than a one-and-done document generator. With its subscription model, members get access to licensed attorneys who can answer questions, review documents, and provide ongoing support. This makes it especially appealing for people who want the confidence of having professional guidance as their needs change over time.
Why Create a Trust
Creating a trust can be one of the most effective moves in estate planning, as it offers more control and protection than a will alone. Unlike a will, which only goes into effect after death, a trust can manage and distribute your assets while you’re still alive. This means you can outline exactly how and when your property, savings, or investments will be passed on, which is especially helpful if you want to provide for children over time, support a loved one with special needs, or ensure your family avoids costly delays.
Another key reason to establish trust is for privacy. Wills typically go through probate, a public legal process that can be time-consuming and expensive. Trusts, on the other hand, typically allow your assets to transfer outside of probate, keeping your financial matters private and facilitating quicker access for your beneficiaries. For many families, the combination of flexibility, control, and peace of mind makes a trust worth considering — even if their estate isn’t especially complex.
Final Thoughts
Setting up a trust online can provide the right balance of flexibility and security. With services that range from simple DIY platforms to attorney-supported solutions, you can choose the option that best fits your estate planning goals. Taking this step now can save your family stress later and ensure your wishes are carried out smoothly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about comparing will creation services.
A will outlines how assets are distributed after death, while a trust can manage and distribute assets both during your lifetime and after your death.
Yes, as long as the trust is created in compliance with state laws. Some services also offer attorney review for added peace of mind.
Costs vary widely. Bare trusts may start at a few hundred dollars, while more complex packages with legal support can cost more.
Trusts are beneficial for individuals who wish to avoid probate, provide for their children, or manage more complex estates without incurring high attorney fees upfront.
