Online Wills, Trusts & Estate Planning for All 50 States

Last Will or Revocable Living Trust?

A Last Will and Testament is a legal document that names an executor, may name guardians for minor children, and states who should receive a person's estate. A will takes effect after death and generally goes through probate before the estate is distributed.

A Revocable Living Trust is a legal arrangement for managing assets during a person's lifetime and after death. The person who creates the trust usually serves as trustee and can change or revoke it. Designed to avoid probate for assets properly transferred into the trust. A successor trustee manages the trust when the original trustee can no longer do so.

Some families use a Pour-Over Will with their trust to direct assets left outside the trust into it after death. Others start with a will. Married couples may also choose a Joint Trust that covers both spouses.

Property Deeds

Real estate may require a separate deed. Many states allow a Transfer on Death Deed, which names who will receive the property after the owner's death while allowing the owner to keep ownership during their lifetime. Some states also recognize a Lady Bird Deed, which allows the owner to keep control of the property, including the right to sell it. Check your state page to see which deeds are available.

A Quitclaim Deed or Warranty Deed can be used to transfer property from one owner to another, including from an individual into their living trust. This is often called funding the trust. Deeds are generally recorded with the county where the property is located.

Planning for Health and Finances

A Power of Attorney allows you to name someone, called an agent, to handle financial matters such as banking, bills, or property on your behalf.

A Healthcare Directive records your wishes about medical care and may allow you to name someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf. A HIPAA Authorization allows designated people to receive your medical information from healthcare providers. Power of Attorney, Healthcare Directive, and HIPAA Authorization documents are included in every complete plan.

Signing and Keeping Your Plan Current

Each document includes signing instructions for your state. Some documents require witnesses or notarization. You can arrange notarization locally or through a third-party online notarization service on WillOnline.com.

Review your estate plan after major life events, such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, moving to another state, or buying a home. You can update your documents online while your account access is active.