How WillArbor works

What WillArbor is — and what it is not

WillArbor is a free matching service for families who want help with estate planning, such as wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, advance directives, probate, and full estate plans. We help you connect with a licensed estate planning attorney near you.

We are not a law firm, not a lawyer, and we do not draft legal documents. Using WillArbor does not create an attorney-client relationship. The information on this site is general and educational only, not legal, tax, or financial advice.

Estate planning and probate rules vary by state and can change over time. For advice about your situation, speak with a licensed estate planning attorney in your state.

The 4 simple steps

Getting started is meant to feel simple, not overwhelming.

1. Tell us the basics. You share only contact information and planning intent: your name, phone number, optional email, your state, what you want to plan, and your preferred language.
2. We look for a good match. We try to connect you with a licensed estate planning attorney who handles the kind of planning you need in your state.
3. You speak with the attorney. You can ask questions, explain your goals, and learn what documents may make sense for your family.
4. You decide what to do next. You choose whether to hire the attorney, compare options, or take more time before moving forward.

You can start here: Get matched. You can also review the kinds of planning people ask about on our services page.

What information we ask for

We keep it simple. We ask for contact and planning-intent information only: your name, phone number, optional email, state, what you want to plan, and preferred language.

We do not ask for asset values, account numbers, Social Security numbers, income, or the contents of your estate documents. You do not need to send sensitive financial details just to get matched.

When you later speak with an attorney, that attorney may explain what information they need to understand your situation. That part happens directly with the law office, if you choose to move forward.

How costs usually work

WillArbor is always free for the family. Participating attorneys pay a flat fee to take part in the service, and there is no cost to you to get matched.

If you hire an attorney, estate planning work is often quoted as a flat fee rather than billed hourly. As a very general guide, simple wills may sometimes range from a few hundred to around $1,500, while trust-based plans often range from about $1,500 to $5,000 or more. Probate and more complex matters can be higher.

These are not quotes. The real price depends on the documents you need, your family's complexity, and your state. Before any work starts, ask for the flat fee in writing, what it includes, and whether anything could cost extra. You can read more on our costs page.

• WillArbor is free for the family
• Most estate planning is priced as a flat fee
• Prices vary by state, document type, and complexity
• Always confirm the fee in writing before work starts

You stay in control

This is your family, your plan, and your decision. WillArbor does not choose for you. You decide whether to speak with an attorney, whether to hire them, and whether to compare other options first.

It is reasonable to ask whether the attorney is licensed in your state and in good standing with the state bar. You can also ask how they charge, what documents are included, and what happens if your plan needs updates later.

A careful attorney should explain things in plain language. If English is not your first language, ask whether language support is available and make sure you understand the plan before signing anything.

Why many families choose to talk with an attorney

Estate planning can look simple until a family runs into a problem. Common issues include dying without a will, leaving no named guardian for children, using DIY forms that do not meet state rules, forgetting to update beneficiary designations, or creating a trust but never funding it.

A licensed estate planning attorney can help you understand which documents may fit your goals and what your state requires. That does not guarantee any legal result, but it can help you avoid common mistakes.

If you are ready, get matched with a licensed estate planning attorney for free.