LegalShield has been around since 1972, long before online willmakers were a thing. It started as a prepaid legal services company and now operates on a subscription model where members pay a flat monthly fee for access to a network of attorneys. Estate planning, including wills, is part of that package. On Reddit, users often compare it to “legal insurance,” with some swearing by it for peace of mind and others saying they never used it enough to justify the cost.
Customer Experience
Reviews are mixed, leaning positive. The Better Business Bureau gives LegalShield an A+ rating, and many members report good experiences with attorney responsiveness. On Reddit, experiences vary depending on the local attorney assigned to the case. One person said, “My lawyer called me back the same day and walked me through everything,” while another complained about slow turnaround. The subscription model is also divisive, with some feeling like they’re wasting money if they don’t use the service regularly.
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Process and Ease of Use
Unlike platforms like Trust & Will or Quicken, LegalShield doesn’t give you DIY software where you fill in blanks. Instead, you sign up for a membership, provide your details, and work directly with an attorney to prepare your will. That makes the process more personalized, but it’s less immediate. One Redditor said, “It felt like old-school lawyer service wrapped in a subscription box,” which sums it up nicely. If you want a will tonight, LegalShield isn’t the fastest option, but if you wish to have an attorney review your documents, it’s one of the most affordable ways to do so.
Costs and Fees
LegalShield runs on a subscription model:
- $29.95/month for the standard personal plan
- Covers a range of services, including wills, legal consultations, and advice on everyday matters
- Small business and family add-ons are available at higher tiers.
That monthly fee can add up if you only want a will, but for people who plan to use other legal services, like contract reviews or ongoing advice, it can be cost-effective. As one Reddit user put it: “If you only want a will, it’s pricey. If you call lawyers a lot, it’s a steal.”
Product Options
Through LegalShield, members can get:
- Last Will & Testament
- Living Will (Advance Directive)
- Power of Attorney
- Attorney review and customization
- Ongoing legal advice through the subscription
The inclusion of attorney review is its standout feature. Unlike other willmakers, you’re not left guessing whether your document is airtight.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The biggest strength is attorney involvement. If you’re not just filling out forms, you’re getting a professional review included. That gives peace of mind, especially for families with more complex estates. Weaknesses include a slower turnaround time compared to DIY apps and ongoing monthly fees that can accumulate if you only need one document.
Comparisons
Compared to Trust & Will or FreeWill, LegalShield appears less modern and user-driven, but offers stronger legal backup. Against LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer, it wins on unlimited attorney consultations but loses on “quick DIY convenience.” It works best for people who like having an attorney “on call” for more than just a will.
Our Rating
We compared LegalShield to the best online will makers. Here’s how it ranked:
- Customer Experience: 7.5 / 10
- Costs & Fees: 7.0 / 10
- Product Options: 8.0 / 10
- Ease of Process: 7.0 / 10
- Overall Score: 7.4 / 10
AssistedKin’s Top 5 Online Will Makers
| Recommended For | Company | Price | Key Features | Editor's Rating | Next Steps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Best for Families | Trust & Will | $159+ | Wills, trusts, healthcare directives, guardianship, attorney add-ons | 8.3 | Make a Will |
| Best for Modern Estate Planning | GoodTrust | $149+ one-time | Will, trust, POA, healthcare directives, funeral planning, digital vault | 8.3 | Make a Will |
| Best for Thorough Offering | Quicken WillMaker | $99/year | Wills, trusts, POA, healthcare directives, final arrangements | 8.3 | Make a Will |
| Best for Attorney Access | LegalZoom | $199+ | Wills, trusts, POA, healthcare directives, optional attorney review | 7.8 | Make a Will |
| Best for Free Starter Wills | FreeWill | $0 | Will, POA, healthcare directive, charitable bequests | 8.3 | Make a Will |
Final Thoughts
LegalShield is ideal for families seeking attorney-drafted wills without incurring traditional hourly rates. It’s not the cheapest or fastest option for a single will, but for anyone who values ongoing legal support, it offers peace of mind at a predictable monthly price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about LegalShield.
The standard personal plan is $29.95/month, which includes wills, attorney consultations, and other legal services.
Yes, every will is reviewed and prepared by a licensed attorney in your state.
If you only need a will, it may be more expensive than using a flat-fee willmaker. It’s a better value if you also use the attorney services.
Turnaround times vary, but many users report getting drafts within a few days after providing their information to the attorney.
It’s best for families who want ongoing access to legal advice, not just estate planning. If you prefer having a lawyer on call, it’s worth considering.
