📍 Delaware Estate Planning Guide

Best Online Will Makers in Delaware 2026

State-specific probate laws, tax rules, and our top-ranked will & trust services for Delaware residents — tested and reviewed.

✍️ Updated June 2026 ⚖️ Delaware Law Reviewed 👥 5 Services Compared
Our Top Pick for Delaware
Trust & Will
Why: Handles delaware's sophisticated trust planning options.
Get Started with Trust & Will →

Why Estate Planning Matters in Delaware

Creating a will or living trust is one of the most important financial decisions you can make for your family. Without a valid will, Delaware's intestacy laws — not your wishes — determine who inherits your assets, who raises your children, and how your estate is distributed.

The good news: online will makers have made legal estate planning accessible to every Delaware resident at a fraction of traditional attorney costs ($89–$399 vs. $1,500–$5,000+ for a traditional estate attorney).

⚠️ Delaware-Specific Note: Delaware is famous for dynasty trusts and asset protection trusts. High-net-worth individuals often establish Delaware trusts even if they live elsewhere. Delaware has some of the strongest trust laws in the US.

Delaware Estate Planning Laws

⚖️ Delaware Key Facts

Probate in Delaware

Delaware Register of Wills handles probate. Small estates under $30,000 can use simplified procedures. Delaware is known for its business-friendly legal environment.

A revocable living trust is the most effective way to avoid probate entirely in Delaware. Assets held in a trust pass directly to beneficiaries outside of court — saving time, legal fees, and the stress of probate proceedings.

Delaware Estate & Inheritance Tax

Delaware has no state estate tax (eliminated in 2018) and no inheritance tax.

Medicaid Asset Protection in Delaware

Delaware DHSS Medicaid follows standard federal rules with 5-year lookback.

If you or a family member may need nursing home care in the future, Medicaid planning in Delaware should be part of your estate plan. Speak with a licensed elder law attorney for personalized advice.

Quick Comparison: Best Will Makers for Delaware

Top Will & Trust Services for Delaware Residents
Service Score Will Price Trust Price State-Specific Link
LegalZoom 9.1/10 $89 $279 ~ View Deal
Nolo's WillMaker 8.7/10 $99 $249 ~ View Deal
LawDepot 8.3/10 $49 $149 ~ View Deal
Fabric by Gerber 7.8/10 Free N/A ~ View Deal

Detailed Reviews: Best Will Services for Delaware

Our team reviewed each service based on Delaware-specific document accuracy, ease of use, price, customer support, and compliance with Delaware's will signing requirements.

LegalZoom

Most trusted brand — 4M+ customers, publicly traded

9.1/10
Will$89
Trust$279
4M+ customersAttorney-draftedState-specificNASDAQ: LZAttorney access add-on
  • ✓ Most recognized brand
  • ✓ Strong state-specific docs
  • ✓ Attorney network access
  • ✓ Long track record
  • ✗ Attorney consult costs extra
  • ✗ Upsell-heavy interface
Get Started with LegalZoom →

Nolo's WillMaker

Best value — one-time purchase, no subscription

8.7/10
Will$99
Trust$249
One-time purchaseNo subscriptionTrusted since 1971State-specificSoftware download
  • ✓ No recurring fees
  • ✓ Nolo's authoritative legal reputation
  • ✓ Good for DIY users
  • ✓ Comprehensive questionnaire
  • ✗ Desktop software feel
  • ✗ Less modern UI
  • ✗ Limited live support
Get Started with Nolo's WillMaker →

LawDepot

Best for single documents — pay per form

8.3/10
Will$49
Trust$149
Pay per documentState-specific formsInstant downloadSubscription optionWidely used
  • ✓ Lowest per-document cost
  • ✓ Flexible — pay only for what you need
  • ✓ Fast and simple
  • ✗ Less guidance than competitors
  • ✗ No attorney review
  • ✗ Subscription auto-renews
Get Started with LawDepot →

Fabric by Gerber

Best free option — basic will at no cost

7.8/10
WillFree
TrustN/A
Free willLife insurance integrationMobile-firstGuardianship focusParents-focused
  • ✓ Completely free basic will
  • ✓ Great for young parents
  • ✓ Integrated life insurance quotes
  • ✗ No living trust
  • ✗ Limited customization
  • ✗ Life insurance upsell
Get Started with Fabric by Gerber →

How to Create a Valid Will in Delaware

Creating a legally valid will in Delaware requires following specific formalities. Here's what you need:

  1. Be of legal age: You must be 18 or older (or legally emancipated) to create a will in Delaware.
  2. Sound mind: You must be of "sound mind" — understanding what a will is, what you own, and who your heirs are.
  3. Written document: Delaware requires a written (typed or printed) will. Most states also recognize handwritten (holographic) wills.
  4. Signature: Sign your will at the end. If you cannot sign, someone may sign in your presence at your direction.
  5. Witnesses: 2 witnesses required; notarization creates self-proving status.
  6. Safe storage: Store your original will somewhere safe. Tell your executor where to find it. Consider filing it with the Delaware court if your state allows it.

Will vs. Living Trust in Delaware

Both wills and living trusts are valid estate planning tools in Delaware, but they serve different purposes:

Will vs. Trust Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions: Wills & Trusts in Delaware

What is the best online will maker for Delaware residents?
Trust & Will is our top pick for Delaware residents — it handles Delaware's sophisticated trust planning options. Their documents are attorney-reviewed and designed to meet Delaware's specific legal requirements. Starting at $199 for a complete individual plan, it's significantly less than hiring a local estate planning attorney.
Are online wills legal in Delaware?
Yes — online wills are legally valid in Delaware when properly executed. You must follow Delaware's signing requirements: 2 witnesses required; notarization creates self-proving status. Reputable online services like Trust & Will and LegalZoom provide state-specific instructions to ensure your will meets all Delaware legal requirements.
How does probate work in Delaware?
Delaware Register of Wills handles probate. Small estates under $30,000 can use simplified procedures. Delaware is known for its business-friendly legal environment. A living trust is the most effective way to avoid the Delaware probate process entirely.
Does Delaware have an estate or inheritance tax?
Delaware has no state estate tax (eliminated in 2018) and no inheritance tax.
What happens if I die without a will in Delaware?
Standard intestate succession; spouse first, then descendants. Dying without a will (intestate) in Delaware means the courts decide who gets your assets, who raises your children, and who manages your estate — which may not match your wishes. Creating even a basic will prevents this.
How does Medicaid planning affect my estate in Delaware?
Delaware DHSS Medicaid follows standard federal rules with 5-year lookback. Proper planning — including irrevocable trusts, spousal protection strategies, and Medicaid-compliant annuities — can significantly protect your estate from nursing home costs while maintaining eligibility for Delaware Medicaid benefits.

Next Steps for Delaware Residents

Ready to protect your family? Here's what to do:

  1. Choose a service: Trust & Will is our top recommendation for Delaware residents.
  2. Gather information: List your assets, beneficiaries, and executor choices before starting.
  3. Complete your documents: Follow the state-specific instructions for Delaware signing requirements.
  4. Execute properly: Sign with your witnesses (2 witnesses required; notarization creates self-proving status.) and keep the original safe.
  5. Review periodically: Update your will after major life events (marriage, divorce, birth, significant asset changes).

Protect Your Delaware Family Today

Start your will or trust in minutes — Trust & Will is attorney-reviewed and valid in Delaware.

Get Started with Trust & Will →

Disclosure: Law-Trust.com earns a referral fee from some services on this page. This does not affect our editorial independence — we only recommend services we've reviewed. See our editorial policy. This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a licensed Delaware attorney for personalized estate planning guidance.