Trust & Will vs Legalzoom: Which Estate Planning Is Best?
Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but it’s a crucial step in securing your future and protecting your loved ones. With so many online services offering to simplify the process, choosing the right one is essential. Two popular options vying for your attention are Trust & Will and LegalZoom.
Both platforms promise to make creating wills, trusts, and other essential documents easier than ever. However, they differ in their approach, pricing, and the level of support they provide. Understanding these key differences is vital to making an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and financial goals.
This comparison dives deep into Trust & Will vs LegalZoom, exploring their features, pricing structures, and overall user experience. We’ll analyze what makes each service stand out, helping you determine which platform is the perfect fit to safeguard your legacy and provide peace of mind.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | Trust & Will | LegalZoom |
|---|---|---|
| Estate Planning Documents | Yes | Yes |
| Will Creation | Yes | Yes |
| Trust Creation | Yes | Yes |
| Power of Attorney | Yes | Yes |
| Living Will (Healthcare Directive) | Yes | Yes |
| Document Review | Yes | Yes |
| Customer Support | Yes | Yes |
| State-Specific Forms | Yes | Yes |
| Online Platform | Yes | Yes |
| Attorney Consultation | Yes | Yes |
| Document Updates | Yes (Subscription) | Yes (Subscription) |
| Mobile App | Yes | No |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Document Types Offered
- Trust & Will: Offers a comprehensive suite of estate planning documents, including trusts, wills, power of attorney, and health care directives. They focus primarily on estate planning. Pros include a wide selection of estate planning tools; cons can be limited in other legal services.
- Legalzoom: Provides a broader range of legal documents, including business formation, intellectual property, and family law alongside estate planning. Pros include a wider variety of services; cons can include less specialized expertise in estate planning compared to dedicated providers.
- Winner: legalzoom
Pricing Structure
- Trust & Will: Offers various packages with different features and price points, often including access to an attorney for consultation. Pricing is typically transparent and based on package selection. Pros include clear pricing for estate planning packages; cons can be more expensive than basic DIY options.
- Legalzoom: Uses a tiered pricing system with options for different levels of service. They offer subscription plans and a la carte services. Pros include flexibility in choosing services; cons can be a complex pricing structure with potential for add-on fees.
- Winner: trust & will
Attorney Support
- Trust & Will: Provides access to attorneys for consultation and document review, often included in higher-tier packages. Pros include direct access to legal professionals; cons may have limitations based on package selected.
- Legalzoom: Offers attorney consultations and document review as add-on services or included in certain packages. Pros include attorney access; cons include additional costs associated with attorney services.
- Winner: trust & will
User Experience & Interface
- Trust & Will: Features a user-friendly platform with a guided questionnaire to create estate planning documents. Pros include a streamlined and intuitive process; cons can include less customization compared to working directly with an attorney.
- Legalzoom: Has a website that is easy to navigate, with a clean interface. Offers a guided process for document creation. Pros include simple to use platform; cons can be a less tailored experience.
- Winner: trust & will
Customer Support
- Trust & Will: Offers customer support via phone, email, and live chat. Typically provides responsive and helpful assistance. Pros include readily available support; cons can include limited hours of operation.
- Legalzoom: Provides customer support through phone, email, and online resources. Support availability can vary. Pros include a variety of support options; cons can include longer wait times for assistance.
- Winner: trust & will
Document Customization
- Trust & Will: Provides options to customize documents through their questionnaires. The level of customization is limited by the platform’s design. Pros include a balance of ease of use and personalization; cons can include less flexibility than working with an attorney directly.
- Legalzoom: Allows for customization through questionnaires. Offers some flexibility in document creation. Pros include options for personalization; cons can be limited if complex customization is needed.
- Winner: legalzoom
State-Specific Documents
- Trust & Will: Tailors documents to comply with the laws of the user’s state. Pros include documents that are compliant with state laws; cons include potential limitations in complex situations.
- Legalzoom: Provides state-specific legal documents, ensuring compliance with local regulations. Pros include state-specific forms; cons include potential for less personalized planning.
- Winner: trust & will
Additional Services
- Trust & Will: Focuses primarily on estate planning services, including document storage and updates. Pros include focus on core services; cons include a limited range of ancillary services.
- Legalzoom: Offers a broader range of legal services beyond estate planning, such as business formation and intellectual property assistance. Pros include a wide variety of services; cons include less focus on estate planning.
- Winner: legalzoom
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| User Experience | Trust & Will |
| Ease of Use | Trust & Will |
| Estate Planning Focus | Trust & Will |
| Overall Value | Tie |
| Service Variety | LegalZoom |
| Brand Recognition | LegalZoom |
What They Have in Common
- Online Platform: Both Trust & Will and LegalZoom offer online platforms, allowing users to create and manage their estate planning documents from the comfort of their homes.
- State-Specific Forms: Both services provide state-specific legal forms, ensuring that the documents created comply with the laws of the user’s jurisdiction.
- Will Creation Services: Both offer services to create a will, which is a crucial part of estate planning, outlining how assets should be distributed after death.
- Power of Attorney: Both services help customers create power of attorney documents, which designate someone to make financial or healthcare decisions on their behalf.
- Living Will: Both offer living will or healthcare directive services, allowing users to specify their medical preferences in end-of-life situations.
- Customer Support: Both provide customer support to assist users with their questions and any issues they might encounter while using the services.
Trust & Will Vs LegalZoom Buying Guide
Cost and Pricing
Trust & Will offers a subscription-based service with various estate planning packages, often bundled for convenience and cost-effectiveness. They may include options for ongoing support and revisions, which can be valuable. LegalZoom provides a more a la carte approach, allowing you to purchase individual documents or bundles. LegalZoom’s pricing can appear lower initially, but the total cost may increase with add-ons or more complex needs. Consider your long-term needs and potential for future modifications when evaluating cost.
Document Quality and Customization
Trust & Will emphasizes personalized estate planning, offering more extensive consultations and potentially greater customization options. They often work with licensed attorneys in your state. LegalZoom provides templates and online questionnaires, which can be sufficient for straightforward situations. However, the level of customization may be limited, and the documents might not fully address complex family dynamics or asset structures. Reviewing sample documents is crucial.
Ease of Use and User Experience
Trust & Will typically boasts a user-friendly interface, guiding you through the estate planning process with clear instructions and helpful explanations. Their platform focuses on making the process accessible for non-lawyers. LegalZoom also offers a user-friendly experience, but the volume of information and options might feel overwhelming to some users. Both platforms offer online support, but the responsiveness and quality of support can vary, so check reviews.
Customer Support and Expertise
Trust & Will often provides access to customer service representatives and, in some packages, direct access to estate planning attorneys. This can be beneficial if you have specific questions or require personalized legal advice. LegalZoom offers customer support, but access to legal professionals might be limited to consultations or additional fees. Assess the level of support you anticipate needing and factor this into your decision.
State Availability and Compliance
Trust & Will generally operates in most states, but the availability of specific services and attorney networks may vary. Ensure they provide services tailored to your state’s laws. LegalZoom also operates nationwide, providing documents compliant with state-specific regulations. However, the accuracy of their documents depends on the information you provide, so double-check all details. Always review documents with a local attorney if you have any questions.
Revision and Updates
Trust & Will often includes options for document revisions and updates as part of their subscription model. This is critical as your circumstances change. LegalZoom may charge additional fees for revisions or updates to your documents. Consider how frequently you expect to need to update your estate plan. Estate plans are not ‘one and done’ and require regular reviews to reflect changes in life.
Who Should Buy What?
Buy Trust & Will If…
- You prioritize a user-friendly and modern interface.
- You want a strong focus on estate planning and related services.
- You value easy access to document updates.
- You prefer a mobile app for managing your documents.
Buy LegalZoom If…
- You need a wider range of legal services beyond estate planning.
- You are looking for a well-established brand.
- You want access to various legal templates and resources.
- You are comfortable with a more traditional online experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary difference between Trust & Will and LegalZoom?
The main distinction lies in their approach. Trust & Will emphasizes a more personalized experience, often including consultations with attorneys and offering a subscription-based model. LegalZoom provides a more DIY, a la carte approach, focusing on templates and online questionnaires. Both are helpful, but the level of support and customization varies significantly, affecting the quality of your estate plan.
Which service is better for complex estate planning needs?
Trust & Will is often the better option for complex needs. Their services, with attorneys, are designed to handle complex family situations, significant assets, and specialized planning requirements. LegalZoom is suitable for simpler estates, but its templates may not fully address intricate scenarios such as trusts, blended families, or business ownership. Consider the complexity of your estate.
How do I know which service is right for me?
Consider your needs and budget. If you want more personalized service and are willing to pay for it, Trust & Will may be a better choice. If you’re on a budget and have a straightforward estate, LegalZoom might be sufficient. Assess the value of legal expertise and how much guidance you need to feel comfortable.
Are the documents created by these services legally binding?
Yes, both services aim to create legally binding documents, provided the information you input is accurate and the documents are executed according to state law. However, the quality of the documents and their suitability for your specific situation depend on the level of customization and the expertise of the service, particularly for complex needs. Review carefully.
What if I need to update my estate plan in the future?
Both services allow for updates, but the process and costs vary. Trust & Will often includes revisions within their subscription. LegalZoom may charge additional fees for updates. Consider the likelihood of needing updates and the associated costs. Regular review of your plan is essential to ensure it remains current with your needs.
Do these services offer any guarantees?
Both Trust & Will and LegalZoom may offer some level of guarantee, such as a satisfaction guarantee or a money-back guarantee. However, these guarantees often have specific terms and conditions, so review them carefully. The guarantees typically apply to the service itself, not necessarily the outcome of the estate plan. Guarantees are important, but not a substitute for accurate input.
Can I consult with an attorney through these services?
Trust & Will often provides access to attorneys as part of their packages. LegalZoom offers attorney consultations for an additional fee. Consider whether you need direct access to an attorney. The ability to consult with an attorney can be invaluable for complex situations and peace of mind. Check the details of each service.
Final Verdict
Both Trust & Will and LegalZoom provide valuable services for estate planning, but they cater to different needs. Trust & Will excels with personalized service, attorney access, and subscription models, making it ideal for those seeking comprehensive support and more complex situations. LegalZoom provides a more affordable, DIY approach, suitable for simpler estates. The right choice depends on your specific requirements and level of comfort. Consider your individual needs and the level of support you require.
Winner: Trust & Will