2026 Comparison
Best Online Living Trust Services
You don't need a $3,000 attorney to create a living trust. But not all online services are equal. Here's what you actually get from each — no marketing spin.
The short version
- Best overall: Mantle — includes notarization and asset transfer guidance
- Budget option: Nolo WillMaker — cheap but no support
- Most advertised: LegalZoom — recognized brand, but pricey add-ons
- Good middle ground: Trust & Will — solid product, notarization extra
Quick comparison
| Service | Price | Notary | Asset Help | Updates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mantle | $995 | Included | Yes | Included |
| Trust & Will | $699 | Extra $150 | Limited | $19/mo |
| LegalZoom | $599+ | Extra | No | $199/yr |
| Nolo WillMaker | $159 | DIY | No | $89/yr |
| FreeWill | Free (will only) | DIY | No | Free |
1. Mantle
Full disclosure: this is us. But here's why we built Mantle the way we did.
Most services hand you documents and say "good luck." The problem: a trust that isn't funded is worthless. Your family still goes through probate if you never transferred your house.
Mantle includes online notarization (no finding a notary, no scheduling hassles) and step-by-step guidance to actually transfer your assets. We generate the letters, track your progress, and make sure you finish the job.
Price
$995 (then $99/year)
Notarization
Included online
Documents
Trust, will, POA, healthcare directive
Best for
Homeowners who want it done right
The catch: Only available in California and Texas right now. More states coming.
2. Trust & Will
Trust & Will has a clean interface and solid documents. They've raised significant funding and put money into their product experience. Good option if Mantle isn't in your state yet.
The main gap: notarization is extra ($150), and their asset transfer guidance is limited. You'll get documents, but the "funding your trust" part is largely on you.
Price
$699 (trust) + $150 notary
Updates
$19/month membership
States
All 50
Best for
People who want a modern experience
Watch out for: The $19/month adds up. That's $228/year just to keep access to your documents.
3. LegalZoom
The biggest name in online legal. They've been around since 2001 and have strong brand recognition. If you've heard of one online legal service, it's probably LegalZoom.
The product is solid but the pricing is confusing. Base price starts around $599, but most people end up paying more for add-ons. Attorney consultations, rush processing, and their protection plan are all extra.
Price
$599+ (varies by package)
Updates
$199/year for changes
States
All 50
Best for
People who want a known brand
Watch out for: Upsells. The checkout process pushes add-ons aggressively. Also, no real asset transfer help.
4. Nolo WillMaker
Nolo has been publishing legal self-help books since 1971. Their WillMaker software is the budget option — straightforward, no frills, does what it says.
You download software, answer questions, and print documents. No online notarization, no guidance, no hand-holding. If you're comfortable DIY-ing legal documents and finding your own notary, this saves money.
Price
$159 one-time
Updates
$89/year for new version
Format
Downloadable software
Best for
DIYers on a budget
Watch out for: No support if you get stuck. You're on your own for notarization and asset transfers.
5. FreeWill
FreeWill is genuinely free — funded by nonprofits who hope you'll leave them a charitable bequest. No catch, no credit card required.
The limitation: they only offer wills, not trusts (except in California). If you own a home, a will alone doesn't avoid probate. Good starting point if you have minimal assets, but most homeowners need more.
Price
Free
Documents
Will only (trust in CA only)
Funding model
Nonprofit partnerships
Best for
Simple estates, no real estate
Watch out for: A will doesn't avoid probate. If you own a home, you need a trust.
What actually matters when choosing
Does it include notarization?
Finding a notary is annoying. Online notarization saves time and hassle.
Do they help you fund the trust?
The documents are step one. Transferring assets is where most people fail.
What's the real total cost?
Add up base price + notarization + updates. The "cheap" option often isn't.
Is it state-specific?
Estate law varies by state. Generic templates can miss important requirements.
Ready to create your trust?
Mantle includes everything — trust documents, online notarization, and guidance to actually transfer your assets. 30 minutes, $995, done right.
Get Started →Free to start. Pay when you're ready to sign.