Best Online Will Makers in Illinois 2026: Top Services Compared

Q: What is the best online will maker for Illinois residents?

Trust & Will is our top pick for Illinois residents because it includes Illinois estate tax planning guidance and Chicago-area specific recommendations. Their documents are attorney-reviewed and valid in Illinois.

Why Estate Planning Matters in Illinois

Creating a will or living trust is one of the most important financial decisions you can make for your family. Without a valid will, Illinois'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 Illinois resident at a fraction of traditional attorney costs ($89–$399 vs. $1,500–$5,000+ for a traditional estate attorney).

⚠️ Illinois-Specific Note: Illinois's $4 million estate tax exemption catches many families off guard — especially those with real estate in the Chicago metro area. Proper trust planning is essential for estates that might exceed this threshold.

Illinois Estate Planning Laws

⚖️ Illinois Key Facts

Probate System: Illinois probate is handled in Circuit Courts. Estates under $100,000 (with no real estate) can use a small estate affidavit. Probate typically takes 9–12 months. Trusts are popular to avoid Cook County's notoriously slow probate courts.
Estate & Inheritance Tax: Illinois has a state estate tax on estates over $4 million, with rates from 0.8% to 16%. This is one of the lower exemptions in the US — planning is essential for many families.
Will Signing Requirements: 2 witnesses required; notarization creates self-proving status.
Inheritance Rules: Surviving spouse and children share the estate; children from prior relationships protected.

Probate in Illinois

Illinois probate is handled in Circuit Courts. Estates under $100,000 (with no real estate) can use a small estate affidavit. Probate typically takes 9–12 months. Trusts are popular to avoid Cook County's notoriously slow probate courts.

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

Illinois Estate & Inheritance Tax

Illinois has a state estate tax on estates over $4 million, with rates from 0.8% to 16%. This is one of the lower exemptions in the US — planning is essential for many families.

Medicaid Asset Protection in Illinois

Illinois Medicaid has a 5-year lookback. Illinois recently tightened estate recovery rules.

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

Quick Comparison: Best Will Makers for Illinois

Top Will & Trust Services for Illinois Residents

Service	Score	Will Price	Trust Price	State-Specific	Link
Editor's Choice Trust & Will	9.4/10	$199	$399	✓	View Deal
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 Illinois

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

★ Editor's Choice

Trust & Will

Best overall — attorney-reviewed, valid in all 50 states

9.4/10

Will$199

Trust$399

Attorney-reviewed docsAll 50 statesPOA & healthcare directive includedFree updatesCouples plans available

✓ Most comprehensive package
✓ Excellent UX
✓ State-specific guidance built in
✓ 400K+ customers

✗ Pricier than basic options
✗ No attorney consultation included

Get Started with Trust & Will →

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 Illinois

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

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

Will vs. Living Trust in Illinois

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

Will vs. Trust Comparison

Will: Takes effect at death; goes through Illinois probate; becomes public record; does not cover incapacity planning
Living Trust: Avoids Illinois probate entirely; remains private; can manage assets if you become incapacitated; more complex to set up but saves time and costs for beneficiaries
Best for most Illinois residents: A "pour-over will" combined with a revocable living trust — the will catches any assets not transferred to the trust, while the trust handles the bulk of your estate outside of probate

Frequently Asked Questions: Wills & Trusts in Illinois

What is the best online will maker for Illinois residents?

Trust & Will is our top pick for Illinois residents — it includes Illinois estate tax planning guidance and Chicago-area specific recommendations. Their documents are attorney-reviewed and designed to meet Illinois'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 Illinois?

Yes — online wills are legally valid in Illinois when properly executed. You must follow Illinois'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 Illinois legal requirements.

How does probate work in Illinois?

Does Illinois have an estate or inheritance tax?

Illinois has a state estate tax on estates over $4 million, with rates from 0.8% to 16%. This is one of the lower exemptions in the US — planning is essential for many families.

What happens if I die without a will in Illinois?

Surviving spouse and children share the estate; children from prior relationships protected. Dying without a will (intestate) in Illinois 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 Illinois?

Illinois Medicaid has a 5-year lookback. Illinois recently tightened estate recovery rules. 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 Illinois Medicaid benefits.

Next Steps for Illinois Residents

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

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

Protect Your Illinois Family Today

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