Standard Legal Review 2026:
Affordable DIY Legal Documents That Actually Work

If you're tired of subscription fees for legal document software and just want to own the software outright, Standard Legal might be exactly what you're looking for.

Unlike most online legal services that charge monthly or annual subscriptions, Standard Legal offers downloadable software you purchase once and use forever. No recurring bills. No expiration dates. Just legal documents on your computer whenever you need them.

I've spent 20+ years in estate planning, and I've seen thousands of DIY wills and trusts. Standard Legal's approach is refreshingly simple: buy the software, download it, create unlimited documents. In this review, I'll break down exactly what you get, what you don't, and who should choose this over subscription services like LawDepot.

What Is Standard Legal?

Standard Legal is a legal software company founded in 1987 that sells downloadable software packages for creating wills, trusts, and other legal documents. Unlike web-based services, you install Standard Legal on your Windows or Mac computer and create documents locally.

The key differentiator: one-time purchase, no subscription.

Buy the software once for $39.95–$79.95, and you can create unlimited documents for life. Updates are typically provided free for the first year, then available for a small fee if laws change significantly.

What Documents Does Standard Legal Offer?

Standard Legal sells individual software packages and bundles covering:

• Last Will & Testament (simple and complex wills)
• Living Trust (revocable living trusts to avoid probate)
• Living Will & Healthcare Power of Attorney
• Financial Power of Attorney
• Estate Planning Bundle (all of the above)
• Real Estate Forms (deeds, leases, contracts)
• Business Forms (partnership agreements, NDAs, etc.)

Each package includes step-by-step guidance, state-specific variations, and detailed instructions written by licensed attorneys.

Standard Legal Pricing: One-Time Purchase

Here's what makes Standard Legal different from services like LegalZoom or Trust & Will:

No monthly fees. No annual renewals. Pay once, own forever.

Compare that to:

• LawDepot: $7.99/month (annual plan) = $95.88/year
• LegalZoom: $89/year for basic will (recurring)
• Trust & Will: $199 per will (one-time, but online only)

If you plan to update your estate plan multiple times over the years, Standard Legal's one-time fee saves you hundreds.

Standard Legal Features: What You Actually Get

✅ Downloadable Software (Windows & Mac)

Standard Legal software installs on your computer. This means:

• Your data stays on your machine (not stored in the cloud)
• No internet required to create documents
• Works offline — great for privacy-conscious users

✅ Unlimited Document Creation

Once you buy the software, create as many documents as you want. Update your will 10 times? No extra charge. Create wills for your spouse, adult children, parents? Included.

✅ State-Specific Legal Documents

Every state has slightly different estate planning laws. Standard Legal's software includes:

• State-specific clauses and requirements
• Witness and notarization guidance by state
• Compliance with community property vs. common law states

✅ Step-by-Step Guidance

The software walks you through each document with:

• Plain-English questions (no legal jargon)
• Contextual help explaining each section
• Examples and definitions
• Warnings for common mistakes

✅ Attorney-Drafted Templates

All documents are created by licensed attorneys and regularly updated to reflect current laws. Standard Legal has been doing this since 1987 — they know estate planning.

❌ No Attorney Review

Unlike some premium services, Standard Legal does not include attorney review. You're creating documents yourself. For simple estates, that's fine. For complex situations (blended families, business ownership, special needs trusts), you should consult a lawyer.

❌ No Cloud Storage or Online Access

Documents are saved on your computer. If you lose your hard drive, you lose your files (unless you back them up). Web-based services like Trust & Will store documents in the cloud for safekeeping.

How Standard Legal Compares to LawDepot & Other Services

Bottom line:

• Choose Standard Legal if you hate subscriptions and value privacy
• Choose LawDepot if you prefer web-based tools and need many document types
• Choose LegalZoom if you want optional attorney review (but it costs significantly more)

Standard Legal vs. Trust & Will: Which Should You Choose?

If you're choosing between Standard Legal and Trust & Will, here's the key difference:

• Standard Legal: Downloadable software, one-time fee ($39.95–$79.95), unlimited documents, no cloud storage
• Trust & Will: Web-based, one-time fee ($199 per will, $499 for living trust), cloud storage, premium support

Choose Standard Legal if: You want the cheapest option and don't mind installing software. Great for families creating multiple wills.

Choose Trust & Will if: You prefer a modern web interface, want cloud storage, and value premium customer support.

Both are one-time purchases (not subscriptions), but Standard Legal is significantly cheaper if you're creating documents for multiple family members.

How to Use Standard Legal Software (Step-by-Step)

1. Purchase the software from StandardLegal.com (instant download link)
2. Download and install on your Windows or Mac computer
3. Launch the program and select the document type (will, trust, etc.)
4. Answer the interview questions — the software guides you through each section
5. Review the generated document — make any necessary edits
6. Print and sign according to your state's requirements (witnesses, notary, etc.)
7. Store safely and distribute copies to executors/trustees as needed

The entire process typically takes 30-60 minutes for a simple will, 90-120 minutes for a living trust.

Common Questions About Standard Legal

Final Verdict: Is Standard Legal Worth It?

Standard Legal is excellent value if you:

• Hate subscription fees and want to own software outright
• Value privacy and prefer storing documents on your own computer
• Need to create or update documents multiple times (the one-time fee pays for itself quickly)
• Are creating wills/trusts for multiple family members

It's not ideal if you:

• Want cloud storage and mobile access to your documents
• Prefer modern web-based interfaces
• Have a complex estate requiring attorney review
• Need ongoing legal support

For simple to moderate estates, Standard Legal delivers professional-quality documents at a fraction of the cost of traditional legal services. The one-time purchase model is refreshing in an era of endless subscriptions.

My recommendation: If you're comfortable with downloadable software and have a straightforward estate, Standard Legal is one of the best values in DIY estate planning. For those who prefer web-based tools with cloud storage, check out Trust & Will or LawDepot instead.

Patricia Larson, J.D.
Estate planning attorney with 20+ years of experience. Patricia has helped thousands of families protect their assets through accessible, affordable legal planning. She specializes in wills, trusts, and estate law across all 50 states.