⚠️ This guide was researched and updated in May 2026. Laws and regulations change frequently. For specific legal advice regarding your jurisdiction, please consult with local legal counsel.
Choosing a Will Service in the US
In the US you can make a will with an estate-planning attorney, an online will maker or a DIY form. State rules vary, so this guide compares the routes and points you to state-specific requirements before you decide.
Four routes to writing your will
US wills must meet the signing and witnessing rules of the state where you live, whichever route you take. The routes differ mainly in cost and the level of advice included.
An estate-planning attorney
An attorney can draft a tailored will and advise on state law, trusts, probate and taxes. This route suits larger or complex estates, blended families or business owners, and usually costs the most.
Highest cost · Tailored legal advice
A document-preparation service
Some non-attorney services prepare will documents at lower cost. They cannot give legal advice, and the rules on what they may do vary by state, so check what is and is not included before you commit.
Mid-range cost · Document preparation only
An online will maker
An online will maker asks structured questions and generates a will you print, sign and witness under your state’s rules. It can suit straightforward estates and typically costs far less than an attorney.
Lower cost · Structured, self-guided
A DIY form or template
A blank statutory form or template is the cheapest option but offers no guidance. Mistakes in wording, signing or witnessing can invalidate a US will, so this route carries the highest risk of errors.
Lowest cost · Highest risk of errors
How to choose the right route for you
There is no single “best” way to write a will. The right route depends on your circumstances. A few questions can help you weigh the options. If your situation is at all complex, it may be worth consulting a qualified professional before you decide.
- How straightforward your estate is. A modest estate with clear wishes needs less than one with business interests, trusts or assets in more than one country.
- Whether you need advice as well as a document. Some routes produce a will only, while others include professional guidance on tax and structure.
- The provider’s credentials: qualifications, regulation, professional-body membership and how complaints are handled.
- Total cost and what it covers. A low headline price may exclude storage, future updates or advice you later need.
- How the will is signed and witnessed. Every route still requires the formal signing and witnessing rules to be followed for the will to be valid.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an attorney to make a will in the US?
No. A US will is valid whichever route you use, provided it meets your state’s signing and witnessing rules. An attorney may be worth the extra cost where an estate involves trusts, business interests or a blended family. If in doubt, consider speaking to a qualified professional in your state.
Is an online will valid in the US?
A will made with an online will maker can be just as valid as one drafted by an attorney, provided it is printed, signed and witnessed in line with your state’s requirements. The difference lies in the level of tailored advice, not the validity of the document.
Can a document-preparation service give me legal advice?
Generally not. Non-attorney services may prepare documents but cannot advise you on what your will should say, and the rules on what they may do vary by state. If you need advice on your circumstances, that usually means speaking to an attorney.
How much does a will cost in the US?
Costs vary widely by state and route: DIY forms are cheapest, online will makers sit in the middle, and attorney-drafted wills tend to cost the most. Compare what each price includes, such as updates or advice, before you decide.
Ready to make a start?
Whichever route you choose, the important thing is to have a valid, up-to-date will in place. You can begin online with structured prompts, or find a professional for advice on your own situation.
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