Which type of estate planning solution fits you
These are the categories that legitimately exist for estate planning in the US — not a ranked list of specific companies.
- We describe the categories that legitimately exist for US estate planning, not vet or rank individual companies.
- Each category reflects genuine differences in what's covered, how it's built, and who typically fits it.
- We do not receive payment to describe or omit any category on this page.
- We do not claim to have personally reviewed every platform or attorney in a category — that verification is yours to do using the check listed for each one.
Simple online will service
A guided online platform that produces a basic will, and often a power of attorney and healthcare directive, for straightforward estates without a business or blended family.
Check yourself: Confirm the platform provides state-specific signing and witnessing instructions, and follow them exactly — an improperly executed will can be challenged regardless of its content.
Online will plus trust package
A more complete online package that adds a living trust, aimed at avoiding probate for assets you actually retitle into it, alongside minor children needing guardianship provisions.
Check yourself: Ask specifically what's involved in funding the trust after you sign, since an unfunded trust provides no probate benefit at all.
Attorney-drafted estate plan
A licensed attorney builds your plan directly, suited to business ownership, blended families, special-needs dependents, high-value or complex estates, or state-specific concerns.
Check yourself: Confirm the attorney is licensed in your state, ask whether they offer a flat fee for a standard plan, and ask directly about their experience with a situation like yours.
Hybrid approach
Starting with an online document for baseline protection, then consulting an attorney specifically about one complex piece of your situation rather than the whole plan.
Check yourself: Be clear with the attorney about which parts of your plan are already done online, so they only bill for the piece you actually need reviewed.
Questions worth asking
- Which type of plan actually fits my specific situation, and why?
- What exactly is included, and what would cost extra?
- If I choose a trust, what does funding it actually involve?
- Is this attorney or platform licensed to operate in my state?
- What happens to my documents if I move to a different state later?
- How and when should I expect to update this plan?
- What's the realistic total cost, including anything not obvious upfront?
Tell us what you're trying to sort out
Nothing here commits you to anything, and we don't draft documents or provide legal advice ourselves.