Getting your estate and end-of-life documents ready can feel overwhelming. There are several paths you can take. Below are major options, their pros and cons, and what to think about when comparing them so you can pick what works best for you.
Main Ways to Make Legal Documents
Here are common methods people use to get legal documents like a will, trust, power of attorney, advance healthcare directive, etc.:
- Online document providers / DIY platforms
Examples: LegalZoom, Trust & Will, FreeWill. You fill out forms online, the platform generates the documents. You may get options for digital storage or printing. Often requires you find a notary. - Local estate planning attorney / law firm
You hire an attorney who drafts documents specifically for your situation, reviews them with you, ensures they are valid in your state, helps with complex issues. - Non-profit / sliding-scale legal clinics
For those with lower cost budgets, there are legal aid clinics, pro bono services, or nonprofit organizations that help with basic estate docs.
