One calculator and a readiness check
Use these to prepare, not to replace a conversation with a licensed professional.
Readiness checklist
Check what you already have in place before you start comparing an online will, a trust package, or an attorney.
Assumptions this uses
- Readiness is self-reported — this checklist does not verify any document or figure
- A checked item means you believe it's true, not that it has been professionally confirmed
- This is a preparation aid, not a substitute for legal review of your actual documents
Limitations: This does not tell you whether your specific situation needs an attorney, and it does not check any document for legal validity — it only reflects whether you feel prepared to have that conversation.
Runs entirely in your browser.
A will and a trust answer different questions
A will says who gets what and who raises your kids, and it only takes effect after you die, through probate. A living trust can hold property while you're alive and pass it to beneficiaries without probate, but only for whatever you actually retitled into it. Most people who think they need 'a trust' actually need a will first — the trust question comes after.
Cost comparison
Compare the typical cost of two estate planning paths — for example, an online will-plus-trust package against an attorney-drafted plan.
Assumptions this uses
- Figures you enter are typical US ranges you supply — the tool does not look up real prices
- Online will platforms are often a low or no recurring fee plus a one-time or annual cost
- Attorney fees vary widely by location and complexity and are not estimated automatically
- This does not include probate costs, notarization, or recording fees that may apply later
Limitations: This does not account for your specific state's fees, an individual attorney's quote, or ongoing trust maintenance costs — it only compares the numbers you enter.
Runs entirely in your browser.
The Estate Plan Fit Checklist
A worksheet to figure out which type of plan fits before you spend a dollar on any option.
Get the free guide →