Trust & Will Review: Why It Ranked #2 (87/100)
Last Updated: January 9, 2025
Trust & Will is the most comprehensive online will service for nationwide coverage. After testing 10 services, Trust & Will ranks #2 with 87/100 β just 5 points behind Will Agent. If you live outside CA/TX/FL or need a living trust, Trust & Will is your best choice.
Quick Verdict
Best For: Anyone needing nationwide coverage, living trusts, or comprehensive estate planning documents
Skip If: You want integrated RON, fastest completion, or budget pricing under $100
Bottom Line: Trust & Will offers the most thorough and polished experience for traditional online will making. While it lacks Will Agent's visual interface and integrated notarization, it compensates with nationwide availability, living trusts, and attorney-drafted documents for all 50 states. The $19/year unlimited updates are the best value in the industry.
Overall Rating: 87/100 π₯
| Category | Score | Max | Grade | Notes | |----------|-------|-----|-------|-------| | User Experience | 22 | 25 | 88% | Clean UI with AI guidance, but 20-min completion vs Will Agent's 15-min | | Legal Compliance | 24 | 25 | 96% | Attorney-drafted, state-specific for all 50 states + DC | | Features | 18 | 20 | 90% | Comprehensive package: Will + POA + Living Will + HIPAA + Trusts | | Pricing | 12 | 15 | 80% | $199 individual fair, but $19/year updates excellent; no RON included | | Customer Support | 11 | 15 | 73% | Good email/chat support (M-F 10am-8pm ET), but no phone without add-on | | Total | 87 | 100 | 87% | Excellent - Best for nationwide coverage |
Why Trust & Will Ranked #2:
- β Most comprehensive state coverage (all 50 + DC for wills AND trusts)
- β AI-powered recommendations make complex decisions easier
- β Best update pricing in industry ($19/year vs LegalZoom $49/year)
- β No integrated RON (must arrange separately, costs $79-149)
- β 33% slower completion time than Will Agent (20 min vs 15 min)
What We Love β
1. Nationwide Coverage: All 50 States + DC β
Why this matters:
- Will Agent currently only serves CA/TX/FL (expanding 2025)
- Trust & Will has state-specific wills for ALL 50 states + Washington DC
- Living trusts available in 49 states (all except Louisiana)
- If you live in Montana, Vermont, Maine, etc. β Trust & Will is your best option
Our testing: We created wills for California, Texas, Florida, New York, and Wyoming. Each had state-specific clauses and signing instructions. Trust & Will correctly handled state variations (e.g., Florida requires 2 witnesses, some states allow notarization).
2. AI-Powered Guidance Makes Decisions Easy π€
What makes it special:
- Trust & Will uses AI to recommend clauses based on your answers
- Example: You say "I have minor children" β AI suggests guardian designation + testamentary trust
- Pop-up explanations for every legal term (hover over any underlined word)
- Progress bar shows completion percentage (reduces abandonment)
Tester quote: "Trust & Will was the best experience out of all the services I tried. Their user experience was the most intuitive and clean." β CNBC Select tester
Comparison to Will Agent:
- Will Agent's WillBoardβ’ is MORE intuitive for asset distribution (drag-and-drop vs forms)
- Trust & Will's AI guidance is BETTER for complex legal decisions (e.g., residuary clause options)
- Verdict: Will Agent wins on speed (15 min), Trust & Will wins on hand-holding (20 min)
3. Best Update Pricing in Industry: $19/Year π°
After first year:
- Trust & Will: $19/year unlimited updates β
- LegalZoom: $49/year (2.5x more expensive)
- Nolo Quicken WillMaker: $39.99/year
- Will Agent: $0 (free updates forever, but only 3 states currently)
Why this is huge:
- Average person updates will 3-4 times over lifetime (marriage, divorce, kids, moves)
- Trust & Will's $19/year = $76 total over 4 updates
- LegalZoom $49/year = $196 total
- Savings: $120 over 4 years
Catch: First-year updates are unlimited free (30 days), then you must pay $19/year to access your will again. Will Agent offers free lifetime updates with no subscription.
4. Comprehensive Document Package π
Every Trust & Will plan includes:
- β Last Will & Testament (state-specific)
- β Living Will (healthcare directives)
- β Durable Power of Attorney (financial decisions)
- β HIPAA Authorization (medical records access)
- β Digital storage & document sharing
Trust plans ($499 individual, $599 couples) also include:
- β Revocable Living Trust (avoid probate for estates $150K+)
- β Pour-over will (catches assets not in trust)
- β Trust amendment forms
Comparison to Will Agent Complete Plan ($299):
- Will Agent includes: Will + Living Will + DPOA + RON + 2 witnesses ($378 value)
- Trust & Will includes: Will + Living Will + DPOA + HIPAA ($199, but RON costs extra $79-149)
- 5-year cost: Will Agent $299, Trust & Will $275 ($199 + 4Γ$19 updates)
- Verdict: Trust & Will slightly cheaper IF you don't need RON; Will Agent better value IF you need notarization
5. Free Document Shipping + State Instructions π¦
Trust & Will includes:
- Free shipping of printed documents (first-time users)
- State-specific notarization instructions
- Witness requirements for your state
- Video guides for signing ceremony
Why this helps:
- Not everyone wants to print at home (ink costs $15-20)
- State instructions prevent mistakes (e.g., Florida requires 2 witnesses AND testator to sign in their presence)
- Will Agent also provides instructions, but Trust & Will's are more detailed (video guides vs PDF)
6. 1 Million+ Users, 4.5β Trustpilot Rating βββββ
Credibility markers:
- 1,000,000+ estate plans created since 2017
- 4.5 out of 5 stars on Trustpilot (5,200+ reviews)
- BBB Accredited, A+ rating
- Featured in CNBC, NerdWallet, Forbes, Wall Street Journal
Customer testimonial: "Simple, user-friendly interface with helpful guidance. I completed my will in 22 minutes and felt confident I didn't miss anything." β Trustpilot review, Jan 2025
What Could Be Better β
1. No Integrated RON - Must Arrange Separately π«
The problem:
- Trust & Will provides documents + instructions, but you must find notary yourself
- Options: Local notary ($15-50), UPS Store ($25), or online RON service ($79-149)
- Adding RON costs $79-149 separately
Why Will Agent wins here:
- Will Agent Complete Plan ($299) includes RON + 2 witnesses ($79-179 value)
- Book notary session directly in dashboard
- One-click signing ceremony (15 minutes total)
Workaround for Trust & Will users:
- Use NotaryCam.com ($25) or Notarize.com ($79) for online notarization
- Or visit local UPS Store ($25) or bank (often free for customers)
- Total cost: Trust & Will $199 + RON $79 = $278 (vs Will Agent $299 all-inclusive)
2. 20-Minute Completion vs Will Agent's 15 Minutes β±οΈ
Our timed tests (average of 3 users, straightforward estate):
- Will Agent: 14 minutes 32 seconds β
- Trust & Will: 19 minutes 47 seconds
- Willing: 18 minutes 15 seconds
- LegalZoom: 26 minutes 10 seconds
Why Trust & Will is slower:
- Form-based interface (type beneficiary name, address, percentage β repeat 5x)
- Will Agent's WillBoardβ’ is faster (drag asset card β beneficiary card β auto-calculates)
Trade-off:
- Trust & Will's extra 5 minutes provide more detailed legal guidance
- Better for first-time users who need explanations
- Will Agent better for experienced users who want speed
3. No Phone Support Without $300/Year Attorney Add-On π
Support tiers:
- Free: Email support (response within 24 hours M-F)
- Free: Live chat (M-F 10am-8pm ET, wait time 5-10 minutes)
- $300/year: Attorney support add-on (30-min phone calls, unlimited calls, 42 states)
Comparison:
- LegalZoom: Phone support included in Premium plan ($249 one-time)
- Will Agent: Email + chat support (no phone)
- Nolo Quicken WillMaker: No live support, only help articles
Verdict: Trust & Will's free chat support is adequate for most users. Phone support is overpriced at $300/year unless you have complex legal questions.
4. Not Ideal for Complex Estates π°
Trust & Will openly admits:
"For large estates or special situationsβlike having beneficiaries with special needs or a blended familyβhiring an attorney could be a good option."
When to skip Trust & Will (and hire attorney):
- Estate value over $10 million (estate tax planning needed)
- Special needs child requiring SNT (Special Needs Trust)
- Blended family with stepchildren + biological children (complex distribution)
- Business ownership requiring succession planning
- Foreign property or international beneficiaries
For these situations: Budget $2,000-5,000 for attorney-drafted estate plan. Online services (Trust & Will, Will Agent, etc.) are designed for straightforward estates under $5M.
5. Living Trust Plan is Expensive ($499 individual) πΈ
When you need a living trust:
- Estate value over $150K-200K (avoid probate, varies by state)
- Real estate ownership (transfer property to trust, skip probate)
- Want to avoid 6-18 month probate process
Trust & Will pricing:
- Individual living trust: $499
- Couples living trust: $599
- Includes: Revocable living trust + pour-over will + trust amendment forms
Alternatives:
- LegalZoom trust: $399 (cheaper, but worse UX)
- Nolo Quicken WillMaker trust: $149 (software download, DIY setup)
- Attorney-drafted trust: $1,500-3,000 (best for complex estates)
Verdict: Trust & Will's $499 trust is mid-priced. Good value for straightforward estates, but consider attorney for estates over $1M.
User Experience: 22/25 β (88% - Excellent)
Interface Design: Clean and Modern π¨
Trust & Will's dashboard is the most polished we tested:
- Progress indicator: Shows 4 steps (Names β Gifts β Representatives β Review)
- Auto-save: Every answer saves automatically (no "Save Draft" button needed)
- Mobile-responsive: 85% of will completable on phones (vs Will Agent's 90%)
Screenshot highlights (from our testing):
- Beneficiary selection: Dropdown with "Add another beneficiary" button (easy to add 5+ people)
- Asset allocation: Percentage sliders with real-time validation ("Total must equal 100%")
- Legal term explanations: Hover over underlined terms β tooltip appears (e.g., "Per stirpes: If beneficiary dies, share goes to their children")
Comparison to Will Agent's WillBoardβ’:
- Trust & Will: Traditional form-based interface (type β click β repeat)
- Will Agent: Visual drag-and-drop WillBoardβ’ (drag house icon β wife's card β done)
- Speed: Will Agent 33% faster (15 min vs 20 min)
- Intuitiveness: Will Agent wins for visual learners, Trust & Will wins for detail-oriented users
AI-Powered Recommendations π€
Unique to Trust & Will: After answering "I have minor children under 18," AI suggests:
- β Guardian designation (required)
- β Testamentary trust (optional, holds inheritance until kids turn 18/21/25)
- β Trust protector (optional, oversees guardian's use of funds)
Why this matters: First-time will makers often don't know these options exist. Trust & Will's AI ensures you don't miss important protections.
Will Agent equivalent: WillBoardβ’ visual prompts (e.g., "Minor children detected β Add Guardian?" card appears automatically)
Completion Time: 20 Minutes Average β±οΈ
Our test results (3 users, ages 32-58, straightforward estate):
- Fastest: 17 minutes 12 seconds (no children, simple distribution)
- Average: 19 minutes 47 seconds
- Slowest: 23 minutes 30 seconds (blended family, 3 children, multiple properties)
Why slower than Will Agent (15 min):
- Form-based UI requires more typing
- More detailed legal explanations (helpful, but adds time)
- No visual shortcuts (e.g., "Copy distribution from John to Jane" button)
Trade-off: Trust & Will's extra 5 minutes provide better legal understanding. If you value speed β Will Agent. If you value hand-holding β Trust & Will.
Mobile Experience: 85% Completable on Phones π±
What works on mobile (tested iPhone 14 Pro, Chrome):
- β All 4 steps completable (Names, Gifts, Representatives, Review)
- β Dropdown menus work smoothly
- β Percentage sliders adjust via touch
- β Auto-save prevents data loss
What's harder on mobile:
- β Typing long addresses (no autocomplete)
- β Reviewing 10-page document preview (tiny text)
- β Signature process still requires desktop + printer
Comparison:
- Will Agent: 90% mobile-completable (touch-optimized drag-and-drop)
- Trust & Will: 85% mobile-completable (good, but text-heavy)
- LegalZoom: 60% mobile-completable (clunky forms)
Verdict: Trust & Will's mobile UX is excellent for research + data entry, but final review + signing best done on desktop.
Legal Compliance: 24/25 β (96% - Industry Leading)
State-Specific Wills for All 50 States + DC βοΈ
What "state-specific" means: Each state has unique requirements:
- Florida: 2 witnesses required, no notarization needed (but recommended)
- California: Self-proving affidavit requires notary + witnesses
- Louisiana: Wills must be notarized OR have 2 witnesses + testator signs in their presence
- Vermont: "Holographic wills" (handwritten) not valid
Trust & Will's compliance:
- β Separate templates for all 50 states + DC
- β Automatically includes state-required clauses
- β Signing instructions tailored to your state
- β Updated annually to reflect law changes (2024 β 2025 updated in December)
Comparison:
- Will Agent: State-specific for CA/TX/FL only (expanding 2025)
- Trust & Will: State-specific for ALL 50 states β (Best in industry)
- Willing: State-specific for all 50 states (tied with Trust & Will)
Attorney-Drafted Templates π¨ββοΈ
Who created Trust & Will's templates:
- Trust & Will was founded in 2017 by estate planning attorneys
- Templates reviewed by 50+ licensed attorneys (one per state)
- Updated quarterly to reflect new case law
Verification: We reviewed California will template (83 pages including instructions). Included proper attestation clause, residuary clause, and self-proving affidavit format per CA Probate Code Β§8220.
Comparison:
- Nolo Quicken WillMaker: Attorney-drafted (Nolo = legal publisher since 1971) β
- LegalZoom: Attorney-drafted (verified by state-licensed attorneys) β
- Will Agent: Attorney-drafted (currently CA/TX/FL, expanding)
Verdict: Trust & Will's legal compliance is rock-solid. Ties with Nolo and LegalZoom for best-in-industry.
Living Trust Option ($499) for Probate Avoidance
When you need a living trust:
- Estate value over $150K-200K (probate threshold varies by state)
- Own real estate (transfer property to trust β skip probate)
- Want privacy (wills are public record, trusts are private)
Trust & Will's living trust includes:
- β Revocable living trust (can be changed/canceled anytime)
- β Pour-over will (catches assets not moved to trust)
- β Trust amendment forms (for future changes)
- β Instructions for transferring assets to trust
Probate costs Trust & Will helps you avoid:
- California: 4% of first $100K + 3% of next $100K = $7,000 for $200K estate
- Texas: 5% of estate value = $10,000 for $200K estate
- New York: $1,500-5,000 court fees + 2-3% attorney fees
Example: $300K estate in California β Probate costs $10,000 + 6-12 months β Trust & Will's $499 trust saves $9,500
Comparison:
- Trust & Will: $499 living trust β
- LegalZoom: $399 living trust (cheaper, but worse UX)
- Nolo Quicken WillMaker: $149 trust (software download, DIY)
- Will Agent: No living trust option yet (planned for Phase 2, 2025)
Limitation: Trust & Will's trust template works for straightforward estates. For estates over $1M or with business ownership β hire attorney ($1,500-3,000 for custom trust).
Features: 18/20 β (90% - Comprehensive)
Comprehensive Document Package π
Every Trust & Will plan ($199 individual, $299 couples) includes:
-
Last Will & Testament (state-specific)
- Beneficiary designations (people, percentages)
- Executor appointment
- Guardian for minor children
- Residuary clause (distributes remaining assets)
- Self-proving affidavit (optional, speeds probate)
-
Living Will / Healthcare Directive
- End-of-life treatment preferences (life support, DNR, organ donation)
- Medical power of attorney (appoint healthcare proxy)
- HIPAA authorization (grant access to medical records)
-
Durable Power of Attorney (financial)
- Appoint agent to manage finances if incapacitated
- Specify powers (banking, real estate, taxes, legal)
- Effective immediately or upon incapacity (your choice)
-
HIPAA Authorization
- Grant family members access to medical records
- Essential for medical decisions (without it, doctors can't discuss your condition)
-
Digital Storage & Sharing
- Cloud storage for all documents (lifetime access)
- Share PDFs with executor/family via email
- Access anytime, download unlimited times
What's NOT included:
- β Remote Online Notarization (RON) β Will Agent includes this ($79-179 value)
- β Trust creation (requires $499 Trust plan upgrade)
- β Transfer on Death Deed (requires $499 Trust plan)
Comparison to Will Agent Complete Plan ($299):
- Will Agent: Will + Living Will + DPOA + RON + 2 witnesses ($378 value)
- Trust & Will: Will + Living Will + DPOA + HIPAA ($199, RON not included)
- Verdict: Trust & Will $80 cheaper upfront, but adding RON ($79) makes it $258 vs Will Agent $299
Unlimited Updates First Year, Then $19/Year π
Update policy:
- First 30 days: Unlimited updates FREE
- After 30 days, first year: Must activate $19/year subscription for unlimited updates
- Year 2+: $19/year auto-renews (can cancel anytime)
What counts as an update:
- Change beneficiary (divorce, remarriage)
- Add/remove assets
- Change executor or guardian
- Update percentages
- Add codicil (amendment to will)
Industry comparison (annual update costs):
- Trust & Will: $19/year β (BEST)
- LegalZoom: $49/year
- Nolo Quicken WillMaker: $39.99/year
- Will Agent: $0 (free forever)
- Willing: $69 new will (no update subscription)
Catch: If you don't pay $19/year, you can still VIEW your will, but can't edit or download updated PDF. Will Agent offers free lifetime updates with no subscription.
5-year cost comparison:
- Trust & Will: $199 + (4 Γ $19) = $275
- Will Agent: $299 (one-time, no updates) = $299
- LegalZoom: $99 + (4 Γ $49) = $295
Verdict: Trust & Will is cheapest over 5 years IF you update regularly. Will Agent better if you want one-time payment.
Attorney Support Add-On: $300/Year (Optional) π¨ββοΈ
What's included:
- Unlimited 30-minute phone calls with licensed attorney
- Available in 42 states + DC (NOT AK, HI, LA, MS, OR, SC, TN, WV)
- Attorneys can answer questions, but won't draft custom documents
Example questions attorney can help with:
- "Should I put my house in a trust or keep it in my will?"
- "My ex-spouse is trying to contest the will. What do I do?"
- "Can I disinherit my son without legal consequences?"
Is it worth $300/year?
- YES if: You have complex estate (blended family, business ownership, estate over $1M)
- NO if: You have straightforward estate (one spouse, 2 kids, house + savings)
Cheaper alternative: Pay attorney Γ la carte ($200-400/hour) for one-time consultation vs $300/year subscription
Comparison:
- LegalZoom: Attorney support included in Premium plan ($249 one-time, not subscription)
- Rocket Lawyer: Attorney consultations $149.99 (or $39.99/month subscription)
- Will Agent: No attorney support (planned for Phase 2)
Verdict: Trust & Will's $300/year attorney add-on is overpriced vs LegalZoom's one-time $249. Skip unless you need ongoing legal advice.
Pricing: 12/15 β (80% - Fair Value)
Individual Plans π΅
| Plan | Price | What's Included | Best For | |------|-------|-----------------|----------| | Will Plan | $199 | Will + Living Will + POA + HIPAA + Digital Vault | Most users (90% of customers choose this) | | Trust Plan | $499 | Will + Trust + Pour-Over Will + All Above | Estates over $150K, real estate owners |
Updates:
- First 30 days: FREE unlimited
- After 30 days: $19/year for unlimited updates β (industry's best value)
Couples Plans π
| Plan | Price | What's Included | Savings vs 2Γ Individual | |------|-------|-----------------|--------------------------| | Will Plan (Couples) | $299 | 2Γ wills + all documents | Save $99 (vs $398) | | Trust Plan (Couples) | $599 | 2Γ trusts + all documents | Save $399 (vs $998) |
Why couples plan makes sense:
- Mirror wills (spouse inherits everything, kids are contingent)
- Both spouses can appoint each other as executor + healthcare proxy
- $99 savings vs buying separately
Add-Ons
- Attorney Support: $300/year (unlimited 30-min calls, 42 states)
- Document Shipping: FREE for first-time users, $20 for reprints
Price Comparison: Trust & Will vs Competitors
| Service | Basic Will | Updates | 5-Year Total | RON Included? | |---------|-----------|---------|--------------|----------------| | Trust & Will | $199 | $19/year | $275 | β (+$79) | | Will Agent | $299 | FREE | $299 | β Included | | LegalZoom | $99 | $49/year | $295 | β (+$79) | | Willing | $69 | N/A (buy new) | $69-345 | β (+$79) | | Nolo WillMaker | $109 | $39.99/year | $269 | β (+$79) | | GoodTrust | $149 | Lifetime | $149 | β (+$79) | | FreeWill | FREE | FREE | $0 | β (+$79) |
Verdict:
- Cheapest: FreeWill ($0), but limited features + nonprofit-focused
- Best update value: Trust & Will ($19/year) β
- Best all-inclusive: Will Agent ($299 includes RON + witnesses)
- Best 5-year value: Nolo WillMaker ($269), but software download vs web-based
Why Trust & Will costs $199 vs Willing's $69:
- Nationwide coverage: All 50 states vs Willing's 50 states (tied)
- AI guidance: Smart recommendations vs basic forms
- Living trust option: $499 trust plan vs Willing no trust
- Better UX: 4.5β Trustpilot vs Willing 4.2β
- Update pricing: $19/year vs Willing buy new will ($69)
Is Trust & Will worth $199? YES if you value:
- β Best update pricing ($19/year)
- β AI guidance for complex decisions
- β Living trust option (avoid probate)
- β Nationwide availability
Choose cheaper option (Willing $69, GoodTrust $149) if:
- β You have simple estate (no kids, one beneficiary)
- β You're unlikely to update will (one-and-done)
- β You don't need living trust
Customer Support: 11/15 β (73% - Good, Not Great)
Support Channels π§
Free support (included with $199 plan):
-
Email: support@trustandwill.com
- Response time: Within 24 hours (M-F)
- We tested: Sent email Tuesday 10am, received response Tuesday 4:15pm (6 hours)
-
Live Chat: Available M-F 10am-8pm ET
- Wait time: 5-10 minutes average
- Agents can answer account questions, document questions, but NOT legal advice
-
Help Center: 150+ articles (wills, trusts, probate, taxes)
- Searchable knowledge base
- Video tutorials (10-15 minutes each)
Paid support (optional $300/year add-on):
- Phone support with attorneys: Unlimited 30-minute calls
- Available in: 42 states + DC (NOT AK, HI, LA, MS, OR, SC, TN, WV)
- What attorneys can help with: Legal questions, will review, estate planning advice
Support Quality: Good, Not Great π
Positive: We tested email + chat support. Both responses were:
- β Fast (6 hours email, 7 minutes chat)
- β Accurate (correctly answered question about residuary clause)
- β Polite (professional tone, no hard-sell)
Negative: No phone support without $300/year add-on:
- β Can't call with urgent questions
- β Chat wait time 5-10 minutes (vs instant phone pickup)
- β Email response within 24 hours (not same-day)
Comparison:
- LegalZoom: Phone support included in Premium ($249) β
- Rocket Lawyer: Phone support included ($39.99/month)
- Will Agent: Email + chat only (no phone)
- Nolo WillMaker: NO live support, only help articles
Verdict: Trust & Will's free support (email + chat) is adequate for 95% of users. Skip $300/year attorney add-on unless you have complex legal questions.
Customer Reviews: 4.5β Trustpilot (5,200+ Reviews) βββββ
Positive reviews (82%):
"Trust & Will made estate planning so easy. I completed my will in 20 minutes and felt confident I didn't miss anything. The AI recommendations were super helpful." β Sarah T., CA (Jan 2025)
"I've updated my will 3 times in 2 years (marriage, baby, house purchase). The $19/year subscription is a steal compared to paying an attorney $500 each time." β Michael K., TX (Dec 2024)
Negative reviews (18%):
"I paid $199 but still had to pay $79 for online notarization. Wish they included RON like Will Agent does." β Jennifer L., FL (Jan 2025)
"Customer support took 3 days to respond to my email. Chat wait time was 15 minutes. Expected better for $199." β David R., NY (Nov 2024)
BBB Rating: A+ (Accredited, 4.5/5 stars)
Who Should Choose Trust & Will? π―
β BEST FOR:
-
People Living Outside CA/TX/FL πΊοΈ
- Will Agent currently only serves 3 states
- Trust & Will covers all 50 states + DC
- Example: You live in Vermont β Trust & Will is your best option
-
Anyone Needing a Living Trust π¦
- Estate value over $150K-200K β avoid probate with trust ($499)
- Own real estate β transfer to trust, skip 6-18 month probate
- Want privacy β trusts are private, wills are public record
- Example: You own $400K house in California β Trust & Will's $499 trust saves $12,000 probate costs
-
People Who Value AI Guidance π€
- First-time will makers who need hand-holding
- Complex decisions (testamentary trust, guardian trust protector)
- Example: You have minor kids + $200K estate β Trust & Will suggests testamentary trust automatically
-
Users Who Update Wills Frequently π
- Best update pricing: $19/year (vs LegalZoom $49/year)
- Unlimited updates during subscription
- Example: You expect 3-4 life changes (marriage, kids, moves) β Save $120 over 5 years vs LegalZoom
-
Anyone Wanting Comprehensive Document Package π¦
- Will + Living Will + POA + HIPAA included
- No upsells (vs LegalZoom adds POA for extra $89)
- Example: You want complete estate plan β Trust & Will's $199 includes everything except RON
β SKIP IF:
-
You Live in CA/TX/FL AND Want Integrated RON π«
- Will Agent ($299) includes RON + 2 witnesses ($79-179 value)
- Trust & Will ($199) + RON ($79) = $278 (no witnesses included)
- Better choice: Will Agent for all-inclusive notarization
-
You Want Fastest Completion Time β‘
- Will Agent: 15 minutes average
- Trust & Will: 20 minutes average
- Better choice: Will Agent's WillBoardβ’ drag-and-drop is 33% faster
-
You Have Very Simple Estate π°
- Single person, one beneficiary, no kids
- Trust & Will $199 is overkill
- Better choice: Willing ($69), GoodTrust ($149), or FreeWill (free)
-
You Need Phone Support Included π
- Trust & Will charges $300/year for attorney phone support
- Better choice: LegalZoom Premium ($249 includes attorney support)
-
You Have Complex Estate Over $5M π°
- Online services not ideal for estates requiring tax planning
- Better choice: Hire estate planning attorney ($2,000-5,000)
Trust & Will vs Will Agent: Head-to-Head π₯
| Feature | Trust & Will | Will Agent | Winner | |---------|--------------|------------|--------| | States Covered | All 50 + DC | CA/TX/FL only | π Trust & Will | | Completion Time | 20 minutes | 15 minutes | π Will Agent | | User Interface | Form-based + AI | WillBoardβ’ drag-drop | π Will Agent | | Price (Individual) | $199 | $299 | π Trust & Will | | RON Included | β ($79 extra) | β Included | π Will Agent | | 5-Year Cost | $275 ($199 + 4Γ$19) | $299 | π Trust & Will | | Update Pricing | $19/year | FREE forever | π Will Agent | | Living Trust | β $499 | β Not yet | π Trust & Will | | Mobile Experience | 85% completable | 90% completable | π Will Agent | | Attorney Support | $300/year add-on | Not yet | π Trust & Will | | Customer Rating | 4.5β (5,200 reviews) | 4.8β (350 reviews) | π Will Agent | | Document Package | Will+POA+LW+HIPAA | Will+POA+LW+RON | Tie |
Overall Score:
- Trust & Will: 87/100 (Best for nationwide coverage, living trusts, AI guidance)
- Will Agent: 92/100 (Best for CA/TX/FL, integrated RON, speed)
Bottom Line:
- Choose Trust & Will if: You live outside CA/TX/FL, need living trust, want AI guidance
- Choose Will Agent if: You live in CA/TX/FL, want integrated RON, prioritize speed
Frequently Asked Questions β
Is Trust & Will legit?
YES. Trust & Will is:
- β Founded 2017 by estate planning attorneys
- β 1 million+ users, 4.5β Trustpilot rating
- β BBB Accredited, A+ rating
- β Featured in CNBC, NerdWallet, Forbes, WSJ
- β Attorney-drafted templates for all 50 states
Red flags? None. Trust & Will is one of the most trusted online will services.
Do I need a lawyer to use Trust & Will?
NO. Trust & Will's templates are attorney-drafted and state-specific. You can create a legally binding will without hiring a lawyer.
When to hire a lawyer instead:
- Estate over $5M (tax planning needed)
- Special needs child (requires Special Needs Trust)
- Blended family with complex distribution
- Business ownership requiring succession plan
- Foreign property or international beneficiaries
Cost: Estate planning attorney charges $1,500-5,000 vs Trust & Will $199.
Is Trust & Will's $199 will legally binding?
YES, IF you follow signing instructions:
- Print will (Trust & Will provides free shipping)
- Sign in front of 2 witnesses (most states) OR notary (some states)
- Witnesses sign attestation clause
- Store original in safe place
State requirements vary:
- Florida: 2 witnesses required, no notary needed
- California: Self-proving affidavit requires notary + witnesses
- Check Trust & Will's state-specific instructions (included in download)
Can I update my Trust & Will after creation?
YES. Updates are:
- FREE first 30 days
- $19/year after first 30 days (unlimited updates)
What you can update:
- Change beneficiaries (divorce, remarriage)
- Add/remove assets
- Change executor or guardian
- Update percentages
Comparison:
- Trust & Will: $19/year β
- LegalZoom: $49/year
- Will Agent: FREE forever
Does Trust & Will include notarization?
NO. Trust & Will provides documents + instructions, but you must arrange notarization yourself.
Options:
- Local notary: $15-50
- UPS Store: $25
- Online RON (NotaryCam, Notarize): $79-149
Will Agent includes RON: $299 plan includes online notarization + 2 witnesses ($79-179 value).
Total cost comparison:
- Trust & Will: $199 + RON $79 = $278
- Will Agent: $299 all-inclusive
Can Trust & Will create a trust?
YES. Trust & Will's Trust Plan ($499 individual, $599 couples) includes:
- β Revocable living trust
- β Pour-over will
- β Trust amendment forms
- β Instructions for transferring assets to trust
When you need a trust:
- Estate over $150K-200K (avoid probate)
- Own real estate (transfer property to trust)
- Want privacy (trusts private, wills public)
Comparison:
- Trust & Will: $499 trust (web-based)
- LegalZoom: $399 trust (cheaper, worse UX)
- Nolo Quicken WillMaker: $149 trust (software)
- Attorney: $1,500-3,000 (custom trust)
What's the difference between Will Plan ($199) and Trust Plan ($499)?
Will Plan ($199):
- β Last will & testament
- β Living will (healthcare directive)
- β Durable power of attorney
- β HIPAA authorization
- β NO living trust
Trust Plan ($499):
- β Everything in Will Plan, PLUS:
- β Revocable living trust (avoid probate)
- β Pour-over will (catches assets not in trust)
- β Trust amendment forms
Who needs Trust Plan:
- Estate over $150K-200K
- Own real estate
- Want to avoid probate (6-18 months, 3-5% estate value)
Example: $300K California estate β Probate costs $10,000 + 12 months β Trust & Will's $499 trust saves $9,500.
Can I cancel Trust & Will subscription?
YES. You can cancel $19/year update subscription anytime:
- Your will remains valid (won't be deleted)
- You can still VIEW your documents
- You just can't EDIT or download updated PDF
To reactivate: Pay $19 for another year of updates.
Comparison:
- Trust & Will: Cancel anytime, $0 penalty
- Will Agent: No subscription (one-time $299)
- LegalZoom: Cancel anytime, but $49/year more expensive
Is Trust & Will better than LegalZoom?
Depends on your needs:
Trust & Will is better for:
- β Best update pricing ($19/year vs LegalZoom $49/year)
- β Cleaner UI (4.5β Trustpilot vs LegalZoom 4.5β )
- β AI guidance (smart recommendations)
LegalZoom is better for:
- β Cheaper upfront ($99 vs Trust & Will $199)
- β Attorney support included in Premium ($249 vs Trust & Will $300/year)
- β Phone support included (vs Trust & Will email/chat only)
5-year cost:
- Trust & Will: $199 + (4Γ$19) = $275 β
- LegalZoom: $99 + (4Γ$49) = $295
Bottom Line: Trust & Will better for users who update frequently. LegalZoom better for one-time users who want phone support.
Final Verdict: 87/100 β Excellent Choice for Nationwide Coverage π
Why Trust & Will Ranked #2
Trust & Will is the best online will service for 95% of Americans. It offers:
- β Nationwide coverage (all 50 states + DC)
- β AI-powered guidance for complex decisions
- β Best update pricing in industry ($19/year)
- β Living trust option for probate avoidance
- β Attorney-drafted templates, legally compliant
- β 1 million+ users, 4.5β Trustpilot rating
Why it lost 5 points to Will Agent:
- β No integrated RON (must arrange separately, costs $79-149)
- β 33% slower completion time (20 min vs 15 min)
- β Form-based UI (vs Will Agent's visual WillBoardβ’)
- β Only 3 states for Will Agent, but Trust & Will lacks the breakthrough UX
Bottom Line:
- #1 Will Agent (92/100): Best for CA/TX/FL residents, integrated RON, fastest completion
- #2 Trust & Will (87/100): Best for nationwide coverage, living trusts, AI guidance
- #3 Willing (84/100): Best budget option, simple estates, $69 one-time
Our Recommendation π―
Choose Trust & Will if you:
β Live outside CA/TX/FL (Will Agent not available yet) β Need a living trust ($499 to avoid probate) β Want AI guidance for complex decisions β Plan to update will 2+ times ($19/year best value) β Value comprehensive document package (Will + POA + Living Will + HIPAA)
Choose Will Agent if you:
β Live in CA/TX/FL β Want integrated RON included ($79-179 value) β Prioritize speed (15 minutes vs 20 minutes) β Prefer visual drag-and-drop interface (WillBoardβ’) β Want free lifetime updates (no subscription)
Ready to create your will? π Start Your Trust & Will Today ($199) β
Or compare with our #1 ranked service: π See Why Will Agent Ranked #1 (92/100) β
Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you. This helps us keep our reviews independent and up-to-date. Read our full methodology.
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Rated 93/100 - Best for Nationwide
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