Question 1

Do I really need a will?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and most adults don't have one. If you die without a will (intestate), state law decides who gets your assets, with rules that almost never match what you'd want. Even if you have nothing complicated, a basic will costs ~$0–$150 online and prevents your family from going through probate court to figure things out. If you have kids, a will is the only way to name a guardian.

Question 2

Will, trust, healthcare directive, power of attorney — what's the difference?

Accepted Answer

A will distributes your assets after death. A trust holds assets during life and after, and avoids probate. A healthcare directive (or living will) tells doctors your wishes if you can't speak for yourself. A power of attorney lets someone manage finances or healthcare decisions if you become incapacitated. Most online services bundle all four for under $300.

Question 3

When do I need a trust instead of just a will?

Accepted Answer

If you own real estate in multiple states, have assets over your state's probate threshold (varies but typically $50K–$200K), have a special-needs dependent, or want to keep your estate private (probate is public record). A revocable living trust avoids probate, takes effect immediately on incapacity, and gives you more control. For estates under $100K with a single property, a will alone is usually enough.

Question 4

Are online wills actually legal?

Accepted Answer

Yes — when properly executed. The legal requirements are: written document, your signature, two adult witnesses (most states), and notarization for some documents. Online services walk you through the proper signing protocol for your state. The will itself is just paper; what makes it legal is the execution. Avoid templates that don't include state-specific signing instructions.

Question 5

What about updating my will when life changes?

Accepted Answer

Most major changes (marriage, divorce, new child, large asset shift) call for an updated will. Online services let you log back in and revise — Trust & Will and LegalZoom both include 30 days of free updates after first purchase. After that, expect $50–$100 per major revision. If your situation is complex, an attorney is more cost-effective than rebuying.

Question 6

Should I just hire an attorney?

Accepted Answer

For complex estates (over $1M, multi-state, special-needs trust, blended family with stepchildren, business ownership), yes. Attorneys typically charge $300–$1,500 for a basic estate plan and $2,000+ for complex situations. For straightforward estates, online services produce identical-quality documents at a fraction of the cost. The 'should I hire an attorney' question is really 'how complex is my situation?'

Service	Will package	Trust package	Attorney access	Best for
Trust & Will	$199	$499	Add-on $299	Most users
LegalZoom	$99 (Basic) / $249 (Premium)	$399 (Basic) / $549 (Premium)	Included on Premium	Complex estates
Rocket Lawyer	$39.99/mo (will included)	Same subscription	Included	Ongoing legal needs
FreeWill	Free	N/A	No	Simple estates, charity-minded
Cake	$149 (joint)	$649 (joint)	No	Couples planning together

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