WillArbor
Plan your will, trust, and estate — the right way.
Estate planning is how you put your wishes in writing so the people you love are protected. We explain the basics in plain language and help you get matched, free, with a licensed estate planning attorney near you.
What you can plan
What you can plan with WillArbor
Pick what you want to set up. Each one does a different job — here's the plain version.
How it works
How estate planning works with WillArbor
Four clear steps — and you stay in control of every decision.
A will, a trust, a power of attorney, an advance directive, probate help, or a full plan — plus your state and how to reach you. General planning intent only, never your asset details.
We connect you, at no cost, with a licensed estate planning attorney near you who can work in plain language and, where possible, your preferred language.
Ask for the flat fee and scope in writing before any work starts. Most estate planning is quoted as a flat fee, not by the hour — so you know the cost up front.
You decide which attorney to hire and you confirm the documents are right before you sign. WillArbor is not a law firm and never your lawyer.
Honest pricing
Honest estate planning cost ranges
Most estate planning is flat-fee, not hourly. Real numbers depend on the documents, the complexity, and your state. These are typical ranges, not quotes.
Ranges are general estimates, not quotes. Probate may also involve court and filing costs. Confirm the flat fee in writing with a licensed attorney in your state.
Plain-language guides
Plain-language estate planning guides
Short, honest reads on the questions families ask most — no jargon.
The difference between a will and a living trust, when each makes sense, and why many families use both.
Learn more → How to Avoid ProbatePlain-language ways families reduce or avoid probate — trusts, beneficiary designations, and joint ownership.
Learn more → What Happens If You Die Without a WillIntestacy explained: how your state decides who inherits when there is no will — and why that may not match your wishes.
Learn more → What Estate Planning Really CostsFlat fees vs hourly billing, typical ranges by document, and how to avoid overpaying.
Learn more → How to Choose an ExecutorWhat an executor does, who makes a good one, and how to set them up to succeed.
Learn more → Beneficiary Designations ExplainedWhy the beneficiary forms on your accounts can override your will — and why families should check them.
Learn more →How this works honestly
How WillArbor works — honestly
How we are paid
WillArbor is always free for families. We never charge you and we never take a share of any attorney's fee. Participating estate planning attorneys pay a flat fee to take part — never a percentage, commission, or split of what they bill you.
What we never collect
We ask only for contact details and general planning intent — what you want to set up, your state, and how to reach you. We never ask for asset values, account numbers, document contents, or Social Security numbers.
You stay in control
You compare attorneys, you choose who to hire, and you confirm the flat fee in writing before any work starts. WillArbor is not a law firm and gives no legal advice.
Why planning ahead matters
Many families wait because estate planning sounds complicated, expensive, or only for wealthy people. In real life, it is often about simple, important questions: Who would care for your children if something happened to you? Who can handle bills or medical decisions if you cannot? Who should receive what you leave behind?
Planning ahead can reduce confusion, family stress, and costly mistakes later. Without a valid will, state intestacy rules may decide who inherits. A trust can help some families avoid probate, but only if it is set up and funded correctly. Powers of attorney and advance directives can matter during life, not just after death.
Common problems are more ordinary than people expect: no will at all, an old beneficiary form that no longer matches your wishes, a DIY document that does not meet your state's rules, an unfunded trust, or no named guardian for a child. A clear plan can help your family know what to do.
What WillArbor is — and what it is not
WillArbor is a free matching service for families across the United States. We share general, educational information about services like wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, probate, and full estate plans, and we help you connect with a licensed estate planning attorney in your state.
We are not a law firm, not a lawyer, and we do not draft documents or give legal, tax, or financial advice. Using WillArbor does not create an attorney-client relationship. Estate planning and probate rules vary by state and can change over time, so the right next step is to speak with a licensed estate planning attorney where you live.
If you are comparing lawyers, it is always reasonable to confirm the attorney's state bar license before hiring them. You should also ask what documents are included, whether the price is a flat fee, and how updates are handled if your family situation changes.
How families stay in control
You stay in charge from start to finish. WillArbor only collects basic contact information and planning intent: your name, phone number, optional email, your state, what you want to plan, and your preferred language. We do not ask for asset values, account numbers, Social Security numbers, income, or the contents of your estate documents.
After you get matched, you can compare attorneys, ask questions, and decide whether to hire anyone at all. The attorney you choose should explain the scope of work and confirm the flat fee in writing before any legal work begins.
A calm first conversation is often enough to make the process feel manageable. You can ask what they recommend for your situation, how your state handles probate, whether a will is enough or a trust may help, and what you would need to do after signing to keep the plan effective.
What estate planning may cost
Many families are relieved to learn that estate planning is often priced as a flat fee, not hourly. Exact prices depend on the documents you need, the complexity of your family or property, and the state. These ranges are general information only, not quotes.
A simple will may cost a few hundred to around $1,500. A basic estate plan with a will, financial power of attorney, medical power of attorney, and advance directive often falls around $500 to $2,500. A living trust-based plan is often higher, commonly about $1,500 to $5,000 or more, especially if there are multiple properties, blended families, business interests, or more complex goals.
Probate after a death can also vary widely by state and by the size and complexity of the estate. The best way to avoid surprises is to ask for the flat fee in writing, what is included, and what might cost extra. WillArbor is always free for the family. Participating attorneys pay a flat fee to take part.
A simple next step
You do not need to know every legal term before you begin. Start by learning the basics, thinking about the people you trust, and writing down your main concerns: children, a home, a parent who needs help, a recent move, or a document you are not sure is still valid.
If you want, read more about how it works and the types of planning families commonly choose. Then get matched, free, with a licensed estate planning attorney near you. A short conversation can help you understand your options under your state's rules and decide what feels right for your family.
WillArbor gives plain-language estate planning help and free attorney matching, so your family can make informed choices and hire a licensed lawyer when you are ready.
Ready to protect your family's future?
Get matched, free, with a licensed estate planning attorney near you. Contact and planning intent only — you compare attorneys, choose who to hire, and confirm the flat fee before any work starts.