When does a senior need a living trust rather than a will — and can an online service handle the difference?
A will distributes assets after death through the probate process, which is court-supervised, public, and typically takes six months to two years. A living trust transfers assets to a trustee immediately upon death — bypassing probate entirely — which means faster distribution, lower legal costs, and privacy.
Trust & Will
The highest-rated online estate planning platform — attorney-reviewed wills, living trusts, and advance directives valid in all 50 states, completed in under 20 minutes.
Key Features
- Attorney-reviewed in all 50 states
- Will, trust, and directive options
- Digital vault storage included
- Executor guidance
- Unlimited updates first year
Best for
Seniors 55+ who have been delaying estate planning — the highest purchase-intent audience in this category.
Worth knowing
Not a substitute for an attorney in complex situations — blended families, business assets, or ongoing disputes benefit from professional counsel.
What makes it worth considering?
Only 40% of seniors have a current will. Trust & Will makes the process genuinely fast — a guided questionnaire takes 20 minutes, produces state-specific documents reviewed by licensed attorneys, and stores everything securely in their digital vault.
The Individual Will Plan ($199) covers a last will and testament, healthcare directive, and financial power of attorney. The Trust Plan ($399) adds a revocable living trust that avoids probate. Every plan includes executor guidance and unlimited updates for one year.
Not a substitute for an attorney in complex situations — blended families, significant business assets, or contested estates benefit from professional legal counsel.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — all documents are state-specific and reviewed by licensed attorneys. They are valid when properly signed, witnessed, and in some states notarised.
A will goes through probate — a public court process. A living trust transfers assets directly to beneficiaries without probate, saving time and costs.
How does it compare?
Other options in this category worth considering.
| Product | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Trust & Will This pick | $199–$399 | Seniors 55+ who have been delaying estate planning — the highest purchase-intent audience in this category. |
| LegalZoom Wills & Living Trusts | $89–$499 | Seniors who need brand-name reassurance before providing personal information to an online legal platform. |
Prices are approximate ranges — check each retailer for today's price.
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Browse Online Wills & Living TrustsInformation last verified: 2025-01-01.