Affordable Estate Planning with Nolo: Worth It?
It started with a phone call none of us ever want to get.
A friend of mine, let’s call her Megan lost her dad unexpectedly. No will. No power of attorney. No health directive. Just grief, confusion, and piles of paperwork.
It was heartbreaking, but it was also avoidable. That experience pushed me to finally do something I’d been putting off for years, plan my own estate.
But here’s the thing: I wasn’t about to spend thousands on a lawyer when my estate was fairly straightforward. That’s how I stumbled across Nolo, one of the most popular options among the best legal document services in 2025.
It claimed to offer everything I needed, wills, trusts, power of attorney forms, without the big price tag.
So, I gave it a shot. And here’s what I learned.
What Is Nolo and What Can It Do?
Nolo has been around since the 1970s, and its mission has always been simple, make the law accessible for everyone. In 2025, their WillMaker software remains one of the most practical tools for people who want to handle estate planning themselves.
With Nolo, you can draft a legally binding will, create a revocable living trust, assign power of attorney for both financial and healthcare decisions, and even outline final arrangements.
It’s all handled through an intuitive step-by-step interface that’s surprisingly easy to follow, even if legal terms usually make your eyes glaze over.
If you’re just starting your research and want to compare options, take a look at Best Legal Document Services in 2025: What They Offer and Who They’re For, which breaks down how Nolo stacks up against other providers.
Is Nolo Really Worth It for DIY Legal Contracts?
For someone with a simple estate and a willingness to read instructions, yes, Nolo is worth it. I was able to complete a full estate plan in one afternoon. It felt good to finally check that off my list without spending a fortune.
Of course, this won’t be the perfect fit for everyone. If you have a complex family situation, international assets, or expect someone to contest your will, you might still want to consult an attorney.
But for most people, especially those working with limited budgets, it’s a smart, empowering first step.
If you’re unsure whether to do it yourself or hire a professional, this piece might help you decide: Do You Really Need a Lawyer to Write a Contract? Here’s the DIY Alternative.
Who Should Use Nolo?
Nolo works best for people who don’t have a ton of legal complications. If you’re a freelancer or gig worker looking for basic legal protections, it’s a good fit and we’ve covered that further in 5 Things Freelancers Should Know About Online Legal Forms.
It’s also an ideal tool for nonprofits and startup founders who need affordable legal documents but don’t have the resources for in-house counsel.
If that sounds like you, check out Affordable Legal Document Options for Nonprofits and Legal Documents Every Startup Founder Needs in Year One.
Even landlords and small business owners can benefit. For example, if you’re managing rental properties and also want to prepare an estate plan, Nolo lets you handle both without jumping between platforms. Need more info? Head to Best Legal Services for Landlords in 2025.
For entrepreneurs starting their first business, consider pairing Nolo with a business formation tool like Incfile. Our guide, How to Start an LLC with Incfile: Step-by-Step Guide, walks you through it.
Nolo vs. LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, and Incfile
Let’s talk about how Nolo compares to its competitors.
LegalZoom offers a broader suite of services and includes access to attorneys, but it’s more expensive and subscription-based. Rocket Lawyer, on the other hand, is great for small business compliance and ongoing legal needs.
If you want a deep dive, we’ve got you covered: LegalZoom vs. Rocket Lawyer: Which Legal Service Is Right for You.
Nolo stands out because you pay once, download your documents, and that’s it, no recurring fees. That’s part of what makes it so appealing for DIY types. Curious about Rocket Lawyer’s offerings for entrepreneurs?
We’ve explored it further in What Services Does Rocket Lawyer Offer for Small Business Owners and How Small Businesses Use Rocket Lawyer for Compliance.
If you’re forming a company, Incfile is a popular low-cost option. We’ve compared it to LegalZoom in LegalZoom vs Incfile for Business Formation: Which Gives More Value, and also explained why it’s especially attractive for new entrepreneurs in Why Incfile Is Popular for First-Time Entrepreneurs.
What Does Nolo Cost in 2025?
In 2025, Nolo remains one of the most affordable legal tools on the market. The WillMaker Basic version starts at $99.99, while the All Access edition, which includes trusts, POAs, and healthcare directives, is priced at $199.99.
If you only need one form – say, a power of attorney or living will, you can purchase it individually for around $40.
Compared to hiring a lawyer for the same documents, which might run into the thousands, Nolo feels like a no-brainer.
If you’re preparing for a medical situation and want to file health-related documents, Using Online Tools to File a Living Will or Advance Directive is a good place to start.
Are Nolo’s Documents Legally Recognized?
They are as long as you follow your state’s specific rules for execution. That typically means signing in front of witnesses, and sometimes notarization.
I double-checked my documents with a local paralegal, and everything checked out. Still, it’s easy to make mistakes with DIY forms. A lot of people forget to update after major life changes or don’t realize their state has specific rules.
If you want to avoid the usual pitfalls, read Top Mistakes to Avoid When Using Online Legal Templates.
There’s also a common concern about whether online legal platforms are legitimate. We unpacked that in Are Online Legal Services Legit? What the Law Says in 2025 and explored court recognition in Are Online Legal Documents Recognized in Court.
Can I Really Make My Own Legal Documents Online?
You can and a growing number of people do. Whether you’re building an estate plan, drafting an NDA, or creating a lease agreement, online platforms have come a long way in terms of quality and customization.
Just remember, not all forms are created equal. If you’re tempted to use free templates, you might want to read Free vs Paid Legal Forms: What You Risk by Going Cheap first.
And if you’re not sure whether to subscribe or pay per document, we’ve broken it down in Monthly Legal Plan vs Pay-Per-Document: Which Is Better for You.
Looking to protect your creative work or secure freelance contracts? Then Legal Document Tools Every Freelancer Should Know is for you.
Final Thoughts: Is Nolo Worth It?
For people with straightforward needs and a willingness to read the fine print, Nolo is absolutely worth it. It’s easy to use, fairly priced, and legally valid, as long as you do your part.
You won’t get hand-holding or custom advice. But you’ll get clarity, control, and peace of mind. And honestly? That’s more than a lot of people ever have when it comes to their legacy.
If you’re ready to take control of your legal life, and maybe even start a business along the way, Nolo fits nicely into a bigger plan. Want to move fast? Here’s What’s the Fastest Way to File an LLC Without a Lawyer.
People Also Ask
Can I trust Nolo to help with estate planning?
Yes. Nolo has been around for over 50 years and is widely trusted by individuals, professionals, and even attorneys for valid, well-crafted legal documents.
Are online legal services like Nolo legit?
They are. Just make sure you use a reputable platform and follow your state’s legal procedures. Learn more in Are Online Legal Services Legit? What the Law Says in 2025.
What’s better for small business – Rocket Lawyer or Incfile?
It depends on your needs. Rocket Lawyer is great if you want ongoing legal advice. Incfile is perfect for quick, low-cost LLC formation. Explore both in What Services Does Rocket Lawyer Offer for Small Business Owners and Why Incfile Is Popular for First-Time Entrepreneurs.
Is it safe to use Nolo for powers of attorney?
Yes, if you complete and execute the forms properly. See Where to Create a Legally Binding Power of Attorney Online for a full breakdown.
Can I make my own will online and have it hold up in court?
You can, and people do it all the time. Just don’t skip witness signatures or notarization where required. For more help, check Can I Make My Own Legal Documents Online in 2025.