Two of the most respected names in legal self-help are LegalZoom and Nolo. LegalZoom is the online legal services giant that's processed millions of documents since 2001. Nolo is the company that literally invented legal self-help publishing back in 1971 — their WillMaker software has been a household name for decades.
In 2026, both offer online will creation, but with very different approaches, pricing models, and philosophies. Here's everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Choose Nolo WillMaker if you want the best long-term value (one-time payment, lifetime updates), prefer learning about estate planning as you create documents, or want downloadable software you own outright.
Choose LegalZoom if you want a comprehensive living trust package, attorney review options, or if you prefer a pure web-based experience without downloading software.
| Feature | LegalZoom | Nolo WillMaker |
|---|---|---|
| Will Price | $89–$99 per person | ~$89.99 (WillMaker Plus, one-time) WINNER |
| Document Updates | Add-on fee or subscription | Lifetime free updates WINNER |
| Living Trust | ✅ $279–$599 WINNER | Separate purchase (Nolo Online Living Trust) |
| Attorney Review | ✅ Available as add-on WINNER | ❌ Not available |
| Educational Content | Limited within forms | Extensive plain-English explanations WINNER |
| Healthcare Directive | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Power of Attorney | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Format | Web-only | Download + web option WINNER |
| State Coverage | All 50 states | All 50 states |
| Brand Age | Founded 2001 | Founded 1971 WINNER |
| Best For | One-time docs, living trusts, attorney access | Long-term value, education, no subscriptions |
LegalZoom is the most recognized name in online legal services, period. Founded in 2001, they've processed over 4 million legal documents and have become the default choice for many Americans seeking legal help online. Their estate planning products are solid and well-tested.
LegalZoom's biggest advantage over Nolo is their living trust package. Their trust creation process is thorough, walks you through asset funding (the step most people miss), and includes a pour-over will automatically. If a living trust is your primary goal, LegalZoom is a stronger choice than standard Nolo WillMaker.
Over 4 million legal documents created. Wills, trusts, POAs — all state-specific and attorney-quality.
Visit LegalZoom →Nolo was founded in 1971 — thirty years before LegalZoom — by two legal aid lawyers who believed ordinary people deserved access to legal information. Their WillMaker software was first released in the 1980s and has been continuously updated ever since. That 50+ year track record in legal publishing carries real weight.
Nolo WillMaker Plus is sold as a one-time purchase with lifetime updates. This means if your state updates its witnessing requirements next year (which happens), your software updates automatically at no cost. With LegalZoom, updating a previously created document may require paying again or subscribing.
For people who want to create their will, update it annually (which we recommend), and not pay subscription fees each time, Nolo's model is substantially more economical over a 5–10 year period.
Nolo's background as a legal publisher shows in their documents. Every form includes plain-English explanations of what each provision means, why it matters, and what happens if you choose different options. If you want to understand your estate plan, not just create one, Nolo's experience as an educator is invaluable.
50+ years of legal self-help expertise. One-time purchase, lifetime updates, comprehensive estate documents.
Get Nolo WillMaker →LegalZoom's living trust package is more comprehensive and better-guided than Nolo's trust products. If avoiding probate through a living trust is your primary goal, LegalZoom wins this category.
One purchase covers all your will updates indefinitely. If you're 35 and expect to update your will every few years for the next 30+ years, Nolo's one-time pricing model saves significant money.
Nolo doesn't offer attorney review. LegalZoom's premium plans include attorney review options. If you want a human attorney to check your documents, LegalZoom is the clear choice of the two.
For complex estates — blended families, business ownership, real estate in multiple states, assets above $1 million — neither service fully replaces an estate planning attorney. See our guide on when a living trust is worth it for more context.