There are several options to write a will. We’ll take a close look at each so you can decide what works best for you:
Use an Online Paid Service
Similar to companies that provide LLC or registered agent services, there’s no shortage of online will service providers on the market. Online paid services usually advertise as Estate or Trust Planning. Writing a will is typically only one of myriad services provided by companies like these, which may mean these outfits present a good choice for those looking to create powers of attorney, trusts, or other estate planning documents.We advise only using a company like this if its work will be well-reviewed by professional attorneys to ensure documents will pass legal muster. Be sure to read customer reviews before making a commitment. Depending on the company and services desired, fees can range from a flat fee to a monthly subscription to entirely free use of online templates. Any extra perks offered—like outside legal support, mailing of documents or the easy ability to make future changes—can vary greatly between companies. Some may also require you to download additional software in order to write your will.
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Trust & Will offers customized, state-specific estate plans with clear and affordable pricing
Starting at $199
Payment plan available
Starting at $499
Payment plan available
Use an In-Person Paid Service (Lawyer or Attorney)
Hiring a lawyer or attorney to write your will is the traditional route most people follow, and for good reason: having a professional closely assist in your process can offer a level of reassurance you’re unlikely to find elsewhere. In-person services are expensive and time-consuming compared to other options. Depending on where you live, finding a professional you trust can be difficult. It is, however, a good idea to consult a lawyer if you have a large estate, complexities such as property in multiple states, or questions about Medicaid planning or trusts.
Purchase a DIY Template or Kit
You can order a DIY Will Kit over the internet, and even find them on the shelf in some brick-and-mortar stores. These kits come with all the guides, templates and examples you need to write and legally validate your own will. You can find kits matching your country of citizenship to simplify the process regardless of location.
The prices of kits are comparable to or cheaper than using an online paid service, but these kits typically offer only generic wills (e.g., simple wills), so if you know your estate planning is complex or you have plentiful assets, you should consider a paid service to offer you direct support.
Write Your Own
Writing a will might sound daunting, but if you have a straightforward estate, it’s surprisingly easy. You should have some familiarity with legal language before attempting to write a will. If you use a DIY kit or template, much of this will have already been done for you. If you choose to write it entirely yourself, brush up on any legal requirements of your state and country before you do anything else. Each state and country may have different laws surrounding wills and estates and your document more than likely must meet these standards before it is considered valid.
Handwritten wills are known as “holographic wills.” Holographic wills are not accepted in every state and can easily be ruled invalid by the court. Because of this, we do not recommend handwriting the final draft of your own will.
FAQs
An Illinois Will must be in writing, contain your signature and the signatures of two credible witnesses. State law doesn't require Illinois Wills to be notarized.
How to write a simple will at home? ›
How to make a will without a lawyer in 7 steps
- Step 1: Create an account with an online service. Trust & Will. ...
- Step 2: Designate an executor. ...
- Step 3: Identify beneficiaries. ...
- Step 4: Plan for your dependents. ...
- Step 5: Prepare your assets. ...
- Step 6: List your debts. ...
- Step 7: Execute your will.
No — in Ohio, you don't need to notarize your will to make it valid. Some states allow you to use a notarized affidavit to make your will self-proving. When a will is self-proving, the court can usually accept your will without needing to contact your witnesses to prove its validity.
Does a will in Georgia have to be notarized? ›
In Georgia, a valid will must be in writing and signed by either the person making the will or someone designated by the person making the will. It does not have to be notarized or submitted to a probate court in advance. A will prepared in another state may be valid in Georgia if it meets certain requirements.
How much does a simple will cost in Illinois? ›
An estimated average for a simple Will is around $300, while the cost may be closer to $1,000 if your estate is complex. For example, an individual with a particularly robust or complex estate plan with special provisions may hire one of the most experienced estate planning attorneys in the state.
Is a handwritten will valid in Illinois? ›
A handwritten will meets the definition of a written will as far the law is concerned. This means that any will that is appropriately signed and witnessed is a valid will. A handwritten will that is not witnessed is known as a holographic will and is not valid under Illinois law.
Can I write my will on a piece of paper? ›
State laws usually require that a will is "in writing" but do not specify that it must be typed. A handwritten will that meets witness requirements is admissible to probate in most states. However, typing a will is preferred because it avoids forcing a judge to interpret the testator's handwriting.
Are DIY wills a good idea? ›
A DIY will that's signed and witnessed is as valid as one prepared by a lawyer. If you have a more complicated estate, you can still use a DIY will site to prep your will documents before taking them to a lawyer. Having this starting point to begin your discussions with your attorney can save you time and money.
What is the first sentence in a will? ›
"I, Tess Tatrix, residing at 1 Wilthereza Way, any town, any state, declare this to be my Will, and I revoke any and all wills and codicils I previously made." The opening sentence should clarify that this document intends to be your will. It should provide: Your name.
What are the three basic requirements of a valid will? ›
The general requirements for a valid Will are usually as follows: (a) the document must be written (meaning typed or printed), (b) signed by the person making the Will (usually called the “testator” or “testatrix”, and (c) signed by two witnesses who were present to witness the execution of the document by the maker ...
It's very common for a lawyer to charge a flat fee to write a will and other basic estate planning documents. The low end for a simple lawyer-drafted will is around $300. A price of closer to $1,000 is more common, and it's not unusual to find a $1,200 price tag. Lawyers like flat fees for several reasons.
Is FreeWill legit? ›
FreeWill's will and trust documents are legal in all 50 states and Washington D.C., were built and reviewed by estate planning experts, and are tailored to your needs.
Is a handwritten will legal in GA? ›
In order for a will to be valid in Georgia, it must be written – either typed or by hand. The will has to be signed by the testator (the person who drafted the will) or by someone he or she asked to sign the will on his or her behalf.
Who inherits when there is no will in Georgia? ›
If you do not have living parents, your estate goes to your siblings. If you do not have a spouse, children, parents or siblings then, your estate is inherited in this order: Grandparents, If no grandparents, then split between aunts and uncles.
How much does a will cost in Georgia? ›
The cost of a will in Georgia depends on the complexity of your estate and the lawyer you choose. Generally, a simple single-page will might cost around $250-$700. A more complex will could cost anywhere between $500 and $3,000 or more.
What makes a will official in Illinois? ›
In Illinois, transforming a personal declaration into a legal document requires the presence of witnesses. To ensure your will is legally recognized, it must be observed and signed by two trustworthy individuals who stand to gain nothing from the will themselves.
What makes a will invalid in Illinois? ›
The will was not properly executed: In order for a will to be valid in Illinois, it must be executed while the creator (“the testator”) is of sound mind and over the age of 18 in the presence of two witnesses, also of sound mind and over the age of 18, who must contemporaneously sign the will.
Do wills have to be recorded in Illinois? ›
This statement of the decedent's intent is commonly known as that person's "Will." Under Illinois law, it is required that any person who possesses the Will of a decedent file it with the Clerk of the Circuit Court of the county in which that individual resided within 30 days after the death of the testator is known to ...
How many witnesses needed for a will in Illinois? ›
Witnesses: An Illinois will must be signed by at least two credible witnesses, who should not also be beneficiaries in the will.
