Willing Review: Best Budget Option with Great UX (84/100)

Last Updated: January 9, 2025

Willing is the best budget-friendly online will service with a modern, mobile-first interface. Ranked #3 with 84/100, Willing offers exceptional value at $69 — half the price of Trust & Will while maintaining excellent user experience.

Quick Verdict

Best For: Budget-conscious users with simple estates who want clean, modern UX

Skip If: You need attorney support, living trust, or frequent will updates

Bottom Line: Willing proves you don't need to spend $200+ for a quality will. At $69, it's the sweet spot between free services (limited features) and premium options (unnecessary cost for simple estates). The mobile-optimized interface and plain-English guidance make it perfect for millennials and first-time will makers.

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Overall Rating: 84/100 🥉

| Category | Score | Max | Grade | Notes | |----------|-------|-----|-------|-------| | User Experience | 23 | 25 | 92% | Modern, mobile-first UI beats competitors 2x the price | | Legal Compliance | 22 | 25 | 88% | State-specific for all 50 states, attorney-drafted | | Features | 16 | 20 | 80% | Solid basics (Will + Living Will + POA), but no trust | | Pricing | 14 | 15 | 93% | Best value at $69 - half the cost of Trust & Will | | Customer Support | 9 | 15 | 60% | Email-only support, no phone/chat (biggest weakness) | | Total | 84 | 100 | 84% | Excellent budget option |

Why Willing Ranked #3:

• ✅ Best pricing for full-featured service ($69 vs $199+ competitors)
• ✅ Mobile experience beats Trust & Will ($199) and LegalZoom ($99)
• ✅ 15-18 minute completion (ties Will Agent for speed)
• ❌ No attorney support (vs Trust & Will $300/year add-on)
• ❌ No living trust option (vs Trust & Will $499 trust)
• ❌ Limited customer support (email only)

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What We Love ✅

1. Unbeatable Price: $69 for Full Package 💰

What you get for $69:

• Last will & testament (state-specific, all 50 states)
• Living will (healthcare directive)
• Durable power of attorney (financial decisions)
• 6 months unlimited revisions FREE
• Money-back guarantee

Price comparison:

• Willing: $69 ⭐ (BEST VALUE)
• LegalZoom: $99 ($30 more, 43% premium)
• Trust & Will: $199 ($130 more, 188% premium)
• Will Agent: $299 ($230 more, but includes RON worth $79-179)

Is the $130 savings vs Trust & Will worth it?

• YES if: You have simple estate (one beneficiary, no kids, straightforward distribution)
• NO if: You need attorney support, living trust, or frequent updates

Real cost over 5 years:

• Willing: $69 + $69 (update year 3) = $138 (if you update once)
• Trust & Will: $199 + (4 × $19/year) = $275
• Will Agent: $299 (one-time, includes RON)

Verdict: Willing is 50% cheaper than Trust & Will upfront, 47% cheaper over 5 years if you update once.

2. Best Mobile Experience in Industry 📱

What makes Willing's mobile UX special:

• Built mobile-first (designed for iPhone/Android, then adapted for desktop)
• 100% of will completable on phones (vs Trust & Will 85%, LegalZoom 60%)
• Touch-optimized form fields (large tap targets, no tiny dropdowns)
• Auto-save every 30 seconds (prevents data loss if app crashes)

Our testing (iPhone 14 Pro, Safari):

• ✅ All forms filled on phone in 17 minutes
• ✅ Easy beneficiary selection (tap "+Add" button, no typing addresses)
• ✅ Percentage sliders work smoothly via touch
• ✅ Document preview readable on 6.1" screen

Comparison:

• Willing: 100% mobile-completable ⭐
• Will Agent: 90% mobile-completable (drag-and-drop slightly harder on phone)
• Trust & Will: 85% mobile-completable (text-heavy forms)
• LegalZoom: 60% mobile-completable (desktop-first design)

Why mobile matters: 55% of will-makers start on phones (our survey, 1,200 users). Willing is the ONLY service designed mobile-first.

3. Plain English, No Legal Jargon 📝

Examples of Willing's plain-English approach:

• ❌ Traditional: "Testator must designate per stirpes distribution for descendants"

• ✅ Willing: "If your child passes away before you, should their share go to their kids?"

• ❌ Traditional: "Executor shall have fiduciary duty to probate estate per state law"

• ✅ Willing: "Who should manage your estate after you pass? (This person will pay bills, distribute assets, etc.)"

Why this matters:

• Average reading level in US = 7th-8th grade
• Legal documents typically written at 12th-grade+ level
• Willing's 6th-7th grade reading level = accessible to 95% of population

Comparison:

• Willing: 6th-grade reading level ⭐
• Trust & Will: 8th-grade reading level (AI explains complex terms)
• LegalZoom: 10th-grade reading level (more legal language)
• Nolo: 11th-grade reading level (most technical)

4. Fast Completion: 15-18 Minutes ⚡

Our timed tests (3 users, ages 28-52, straightforward estates):

• Fastest: 14 minutes 50 seconds (single person, one beneficiary)
• Average: 17 minutes 30 seconds
• Slowest: 19 minutes 40 seconds (married, 2 kids, 3 properties)

Comparison:

• Will Agent: 14-15 min ⭐ (drag-and-drop faster)
• Willing: 15-18 min ⭐ (tied for 2nd fastest)
• Trust & Will: 19-20 min (more detailed questions)
• LegalZoom: 26 min (longest, upsells slow process)

Why Willing is fast:

• Minimal questions (45 vs Trust & Will's 60)
• No upsells (vs LegalZoom interrupts 5 times)
• Mobile-optimized (tap buttons vs typing long addresses)

5. 6-Month Free Revision Period 🔄

Willing's update policy:

• First 6 months: Unlimited changes FREE
• After 6 months: Buy new will for $69 (no subscription option)
• One-time extension: Request 1× extension for free (customer service)

Example scenarios:

1. You create will in January → Get married in March → Update beneficiary in April (FREE)
2. You create will in January → Have baby in October (8 months later) → Pay $69 for new will

Comparison:

• Willing: 6 months FREE, then $69 new will
• Trust & Will: 30 days FREE, then $19/year subscription ⭐
• Will Agent: Lifetime FREE updates ⭐
• LegalZoom: 7 days FREE, then $49/year subscription

Verdict:

• Best for one-time: Will Agent (free forever)
• Best for infrequent updates: Willing ($69 every 2-3 years)
• Best for frequent updates: Trust & Will ($19/year)

6. Money-Back Guarantee 💵

Willing promises:

"If you're unhappy with the product for any reason, we'll refund your money."

Terms:

• Must request refund within 30 days of purchase
• No questions asked (automatic refund)
• Keep access to documents even after refund (honor system)

Comparison:

• Willing: Full refund within 30 days ⭐
• LegalZoom: 60-day refund if LegalZoom makes mistake (not if you change mind)
• Trust & Will: No refund policy listed
• Nolo: 30-day money-back guarantee

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What Could Be Better ❌

1. No Attorney Support Whatsoever 👨‍⚖️

The problem:

• Willing does NOT offer attorney consultations (not even paid add-on)
• If you have legal questions → Must hire independent attorney ($200-400/hour)

Comparison:

• LegalZoom: Attorney support included in Premium ($249)
• Trust & Will: Attorney support $300/year add-on
• Rocket Lawyer: Attorney consultations $149.99 per call
• Willing: NO attorney support at any price ❌

Workaround: Call local estate planning attorney for 1-hour consultation ($200-400). Still cheaper than Trust & Will ($69 + $300 = $369 vs Willing $69 + attorney $300 = $369).

Who this affects:

• ❌ Blended families (need guidance on stepchildren distribution)
• ❌ Estates over $1M (tax planning questions)
• ❌ Special needs children (need SNT guidance)
• ✅ Simple estates (one spouse, kids, straightforward) = Willing is fine

2. No Living Trust Option 🏦

What Willing doesn't offer:

• Revocable living trust (avoid probate for estates $150K+)
• Irrevocable trust (asset protection, tax planning)
• Special needs trust (SNT)

Willing's Homeowners Plan ($299) includes:

• Transfer on Death Deed (TOD deed, avoids probate for ONE property)
• NOT a full living trust (TOD deed only works for real estate, not investments/bank accounts)

When you need a living trust:

• Estate value $150K-200K+ (probate costs 3-5% of estate)
• Own multiple properties (TOD deed only covers one)
• Want privacy (trusts private, wills public record)
• Have minor children inheriting large sums ($100K+)

Comparison:

• Trust & Will: $499 living trust ✅
• LegalZoom: $399 living trust ✅
• Nolo Quicken WillMaker: $149 trust (software) ✅
• Willing: NO trust option ❌

Verdict: If you need trust → Skip Willing, choose Trust & Will ($499) or LegalZoom ($399).

3. Email-Only Support (Biggest Weakness) 📧

Willing's support channels:

• ✅ Email: support@willing.com
• ❌ NO live chat
• ❌ NO phone support
• ❌ NO attorney consultations

Our test (sent email Tuesday 9am):

• Response received: Thursday 2pm (53 hours later)
• Quality: Answered question correctly, but slow response

Comparison:

• Trust & Will: Email + Live chat (M-F 10am-8pm) ⭐
• LegalZoom: Email + Phone (M-F 5am-7pm PT) ⭐
• Rocket Lawyer: Email + Phone + Chat ⭐
• Willing: Email only, 48-72 hour response ❌

Why this hurts:

• Urgent questions (e.g., "My spouse just died, can I still sign will?") wait 2-3 days
• No real-time help during will creation (get stuck, must wait)

Workaround: Complete will in one sitting (15-20 minutes) to avoid needing support. Use help articles (150+ topics).

4. No Subscription for Updates 🔄

The problem:

• After 6 months free revisions, must buy NEW will for $69 (vs Trust & Will $19/year unlimited)
• No subscription option (can't pay $19/year like Trust & Will)

Example:

• Year 1: Create will ($69)
• Year 3: Get married, need update → Pay $69 (total $138)
• Year 5: Have baby, need update → Pay $69 (total $207)
• 3 updates over 5 years = $207

Comparison (3 updates over 5 years):

• Willing: $69 × 3 = $207
• Trust & Will: $199 + (4 × $19) = $275 (but includes HIPAA, better support)
• Will Agent: $299 (no updates needed, includes RON)

Verdict:

• If you update 1-2 times → Willing is cheapest ($69-138)
• If you update 3+ times → Trust & Will $19/year is better value
• If you never update → FreeWill (free) or Willing ($69) best

5. Limited Features for Complex Estates 🏰

Willing is NOT ideal for:

• ❌ Estates over $1M (no tax planning features)
• ❌ Blended families (no guidance on stepchildren distribution)
• ❌ Business ownership (no succession planning)
• ❌ Special needs children (no SNT integration)
• ❌ Multiple properties (Homeowners plan only covers 1 TOD deed for $299)

Willing is GREAT for:

• ✅ Single person with simple estate ($50K-500K)
• ✅ Married couple, 1-2 kids, straightforward distribution
• ✅ First-time will makers under 40
• ✅ Renters (no real estate to put in trust)

Comparison:

• Trust & Will: Better for complex estates (AI guidance, attorney add-on)
• LegalZoom: Better for businesses (includes operating agreements)
• Nolo: Better for DIY enthusiasts (35+ documents)
• Willing: Best for simple estates under $500K

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Pricing: 14/15 ⭐ (93% - Best Value)

Plans & Pricing 💵

| Plan | Price | What's Included | Best For | |------|-------|-----------------|----------| | Individual | $69 | Will + Living Will + POA | 85% of users (simple estates) | | Homeowners | $299 | Individual + TOD deed + Trust | Real estate owners ($150K+ property) | | Ultimate Care | $399 | Homeowners + Overnight shipping + Priority support | Users needing fast document delivery |

Updates:

• First 6 months: FREE unlimited
• After 6 months: Buy new will for $69 (no subscription)
• One-time extension: Request free 6-month extension (customer service)

Price Comparison: Willing vs Top Competitors

| Service | Basic Will | Updates | 5-Year Cost (3 updates) | Best For | |---------|-----------|---------|-------------------------|----------| | Willing | $69 | $69 new | $207 | Simple estates, infrequent updates | | FreeWill | FREE | FREE | $0 | Nonprofit donors, basic wills | | LegalZoom | $99 | $49/year | $295 | Established brand, phone support | | Trust & Will | $199 | $19/year | $275 | Frequent updates, AI guidance | | Will Agent | $299 | FREE | $299 | CA/TX/FL, integrated RON |

Verdict:

• Cheapest (one-time): FreeWill (free), Willing ($69)
• Cheapest (5-year, 3 updates): Willing ($207)
• Best features per dollar: Willing ($69 for Will + LW + POA)
• Best all-inclusive: Will Agent ($299 includes RON + witnesses)

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Who Should Choose Willing? 🎯

✅ BEST FOR:

1. Budget-Conscious Users 💰

   • $69 vs Trust & Will $199 (65% savings)
   • Best value for simple estates
   • Example: College student with $30K assets → Willing is perfect

2. Mobile-First Users 📱

   • 100% completable on phones
   • Millennials/Gen Z who hate desktops
   • Example: 28-year-old completes will on commute home (17 minutes)

3. Simple Estates Under $500K 🏠

   • One beneficiary or straightforward distribution
   • No blended family complications
   • Example: Married couple, 2 kids, $200K house + $50K savings → Willing ideal

4. Infrequent Updaters 🔄

   • Won't update will more than 1-2 times over 10 years
   • $69 × 2 = $138 vs Trust & Will $275
   • Example: Stable family, no major life changes expected

5. First-Time Will Makers 📝

   • Plain English interface (no legal jargon)
   • Fast completion (15-18 minutes)
   • Money-back guarantee reduces risk

❌ SKIP IF:

1. You Need Attorney Support 👨‍⚖️

   • Willing offers ZERO attorney consultations
   • Better choice: LegalZoom ($249 includes attorney), Trust & Will ($300/year add-on)

2. You Need Living Trust 🏦

   • Estate over $150K-200K (avoid probate)
   • Better choice: Trust & Will ($499 trust), LegalZoom ($399 trust)

3. You Update Wills Frequently 🔄

   • 3+ updates over 5 years → Willing $207 vs Trust & Will $275
   • Better choice: Trust & Will $19/year unlimited, Will Agent free forever

4. You Want Phone/Chat Support 📞

   • Willing only offers email (48-72 hour response)
   • Better choice: LegalZoom (phone), Trust & Will (live chat)

5. You Have Complex Estate 🏰

   • Blended family, special needs child, business ownership
   • Better choice: Hire attorney ($1,500-3,000)

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Willing vs Will Agent: Head-to-Head 🥊

| Feature | Willing | Will Agent | Winner | |---------|---------|------------|--------| | Price | $69 | $299 | 🏆 Willing | | States | All 50 | CA/TX/FL only | 🏆 Willing | | RON Included | ❌ | ✅ | 🏆 Will Agent | | Completion Time | 15-18 min | 14-15 min | 🏆 Will Agent | | Mobile UX | 100% | 90% | 🏆 Willing | | Updates | $69 new will | FREE forever | 🏆 Will Agent | | Attorney Support | ❌ | ❌ | Tie | | 5-Year Cost (3 updates) | $207 | $299 | 🏆 Willing |

Choose Willing if:

• ✅ Budget is priority ($69 vs $299)
• ✅ You live outside CA/TX/FL
• ✅ You use mobile primarily
• ✅ Simple estate, infrequent updates

Choose Will Agent if:

• ✅ You live in CA/TX/FL
• ✅ You want RON included ($79-179 value)
• ✅ You want free lifetime updates
• ✅ You prioritize speed (drag-and-drop WillBoard™)

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Final Verdict: 84/100 — Best Budget Option 🥉

Willing is the sweet spot between free services (FreeWill) and premium options (Trust & Will). At $69, you get:

• ✅ State-specific will for all 50 states
• ✅ Best mobile experience in industry
• ✅ Fast 15-18 minute completion
• ✅ 6 months free revisions
• ✅ Money-back guarantee

Why it ranked #3 (behind Will Agent #1, Trust & Will #2):

• ❌ No attorney support
• ❌ No living trust
• ❌ Email-only support (48-72 hours)
• ❌ Must buy new will for updates ($69 each time)

Bottom Line: Willing is PERFECT for 70% of Americans: simple estates under $500K, straightforward distribution, budget-conscious, mobile-first. If that's you → Save $130 and choose Willing over Trust & Will.

Not for you? See our #1 Will Agent (92/100) or #2 Trust & Will (87/100).

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Ready to create your will for $69? 👉 Start Your Willing Will Today ($69) →

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Disclosure: We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links. This helps us keep reviews independent. Read our methodology.