Answer: This guide highlights top living trust software options for American buyers seeking DIY estate planning. The best fits include beginner-friendly, legally informed tools and attorney-recommended kits that help you create living trusts, wills, and related documents without hiring a lawyer. Ideal buyers: individuals starting estate planning, those updating their affairs, and families wanting clear, enforceable documents. The table below compares five relevant products to help you choose quickly.
| Product | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Quicken WillMaker & Trust 2026 – Estate Planning Software | New planners and simple updates | Guided step-by-step estate planning with legally binding documents |
| Quicken WillMaker & Trust 2026 – PC Online Code | Mobile-ready online access | Download or online use; immediate access to living trusts and directives |
| Revocable Living Trust Kit – 50-State Compatible Forms | Comprehensive, attorney-prepared forms | Broad state compatibility to avoid probate |
| Quicken WillMaker & Trust 2026 – Windows | Traditional desktop users | Standalone software with online account option |
| Quicken WillMaker & Trust Brand (NOLO) Boxed Offering | Trusted brand and document quality | Established guidance from estate planning experts |
Quicken WillMaker & Trust 2026 – Estate Planning Software
Brand: NOLO
- America’s #1 estate planning software with options to install from CD, download, or access online.
- Creates legally binding wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, health care directives, transfer on death deeds, and more.
- Latest version supports updated guidance and practical legal information for users and families.
Best for: Buyers wanting a complete, guided, legally informed estate plan from a trusted brand. This version suits both beginners and those updating existing plans. Caution: Online or desktop deployment may require account setup and periodic updates to stay current.
Quicken WillMaker & Trust 2026 – PC Online Code
Brand: NOLO
- Windows download or online access to WillMaker documents.
- Legally binding wills, living trusts, directives, and powers of attorney.
- Immediate access after download with optional online capability for document management.
Best for: Buyers who prefer online access or want flexible use across devices. Better for those who want quick setup without CD physical media. Caution: Online features depend on ongoing service availability.
Revocable Living Trust Kit – 50-State Forms
Brand: BUCK U.S.A
- Attorney-prepared revocable trust package with core forms to manage and distribute assets.
- 50-state compatibility with clear instructions for signing, witnessing, and notarization.
- Focuses on probate avoidance, privacy, and smooth inheritance if a loved one passes.
Best for: Buyers seeking a comprehensive, attorney-influenced trust kit with broad state coverage. Limitation: May require additional legal review for unique circumstances.
Quicken WillMaker & Trust 2026 – Windows
Brand: Individual Software
- America’s #1 estate planning software distributed by Individual Software.
- Two easy ways to use WillMaker: download or access online after download and registration.
- Provides wills, living trusts, healthcare directives, financial power of attorney, and more, with ongoing support.
Best for: Desktop-oriented users who want a stable, offline workflow with optional online access. Caution: Brand-specific enrollment and support requirements may apply.
Why Choose Living Trust Software
- Guided processes reduce risk of missing important documents.
- Templates adapt to state law to avoid probate and ensure enforceability.
- Digital and physical media options support long-term accessibility.
Buying Guide: How To Choose The Right Living Trust Software
What should I consider when choosing?
Look for clear step-by-step guidance, legally-binding outputs, and support options. Ensure the software handles wills, living trusts, health care directives, and powers of attorney. Verify that the product covers your state’s specific requirements and that it can be updated as laws change.
Online vs. Desktop Use
Online access offers portability and automatic updates, while desktop software provides offline reliability and full control over document storage. Some products support both paths; consider your internet access and privacy preferences when choosing.
State Compatibility
State-specific forms help avoid probate issues and ensure enforceability. If you reside in multiple states or anticipate relocating, confirm the kit includes broad state coverage and clear instructions for signing and notarization.
Support and Updates
Software with built-in support, customer care contact information, and regular updates reduces risk of outdated documents. Confirm available help channels and whether updates require additional purchases or subscriptions.
Cost-Benefit Considerations
Evaluate the total cost of ownership, including downloads, CDs, or online access, plus any promised updates. Compare with legal services cost to determine whether DIY planning meets your needs or if professional review is advisable.
FAQ
Is WillMaker reputable for estate planning?
Yes. It is developed by NOLO, a long-standing provider of legal information and DIY documents.
Can these programs handle both wills and living trusts?
Yes. Most listed products create wills, living trusts, health care directives, and powers of attorney.
Do I need a lawyer if I use this software?
For many straightforward estates, these tools reduce complexity, but complex situations may still benefit from attorney review.
Will these documents be legally binding?
When properly executed according to state rules, documents generated by these tools are designed to be legally binding.
Can I access my documents online later?
Several options provide online access or cloud storage so you can update or retrieve documents as needed.
What if my state changes its probate laws?
Choose software with regular updates or access to online versions to reflect legal changes.