will.com / Estate plan
What goes in a complete estate plan?
A complete estate plan starts with four documents and life insurance. Together they cover what happens to your assets, who raises your children, who makes your medical decisions, who manages your finances, and how your family is provided for — in any situation.
All four documents are free on will.com. Created privately on your computer.
Will
FreeWhat it is
A will tells the world who inherits your estate, who raises your children, and who carries out your wishes after you die.
Why it matters
Without a will, your state decides — using a formula that may not match your wishes at all. Courts pick guardians for your kids. Assets go to relatives you may not have chosen.
Who needs it
Everyone 18 and older. If you have children, a will is not optional.
Living trust
FreeWhat it is
A living trust (one you can change anytime) holds your assets and transfers them directly to the people you choose after you die — without going through probate court.
Why it matters
Probate is public, slow, and expensive. A trust bypasses it entirely. Your estate stays private. The people you've named receive assets in weeks, not months or years.
Who needs it
Anyone who owns real estate, has significant assets, or wants to keep their estate private. Most people with young children use a will and a trust together.
A trust manages assets. Only a will can name a guardian for minor children — which is why most people have both.
Create living trust →Healthcare directive
FreeWhat it is
A healthcare directive names the person you choose to make medical decisions for you, and records your treatment wishes — in writing, legally binding.
Why it matters
If you're hurt or ill and can't speak for yourself, someone has to make decisions. Without a directive, that's whoever shows up first — or a court. With one, it's the person you chose.
Who needs it
Everyone 18 and older. Accidents and sudden illness don't give warning. The Terri Schiavo case is the most famous example of what happens without one.
Covers life support, resuscitation, and hospice preferences. Also gives your healthcare decision-maker access to your medical records.
Create healthcare directive →Durable power of attorney
FreeWhat it is
A durable power of attorney (POA) authorizes someone you trust to manage your finances if you become unable to make decisions.
Why it matters
Without a POA, no one can pay your bills, manage your accounts, or make financial decisions on your behalf. Your family must go to court for guardianship — a slow, expensive process.
Who needs it
Everyone. Whether you're 25 or 85, an accident can happen. The person you name can handle everything from paying bills to managing investments to filing your taxes.
"Durable" means the POA remains effective even if you become incapacitated — which is exactly when you need it.
Create power of attorney →Life insurance
What it is
A policy that pays your family a lump sum if you die. Term life insurance covers a set period (10–30 years) and is the most affordable option for most families.
Why it matters
A will distributes what you have. Life insurance creates what your family needs. It replaces your income, pays off the mortgage, and funds your children’s education — even if your estate is modest.
Who needs it
Anyone whose family depends on their income. If you have a mortgage, children, or a spouse who would struggle financially without you, life insurance is as important as any document in your estate plan.
Life insurance is the one part of your estate plan you can’t create yourself. Make sure the beneficiary on your policy matches what your will says — they override each other.
Learn about life insurance →Common questions
Do I need all five pieces?
Most adults benefit from all five. If you're young with few assets and no children, start with a will, a healthcare directive, and a term life insurance policy — those cover the most likely scenarios. Add the trust and POA as your situation grows.
What order should I do them in?
Start with the will — it takes about 15 minutes and covers the basics. Then add the healthcare directive and POA (both quick). The living trust takes a bit more time but is worth it if you own real estate or want to avoid probate. All four are free.
Is the will from will.com legally valid?
Yes. will.com generates state-specific wills based on the requirements of your state. You print it, sign it in front of two witnesses (and optionally a notary), and it's a valid legal document. Available for 49 states and D.C.
Does anything leave my computer?
No. All four documents are created on your computer — nothing is uploaded to will.com.