Best Online Will Makers in Pennsylvania 2026: Top Services Compared

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

Trust & Will is our top pick for Pennsylvania residents because it Pennsylvania inheritance tax planning strategies included with trust documents. Their documents are attorney-reviewed and valid in Pennsylvania.

Why Estate Planning Matters in Pennsylvania

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

⚠️ Pennsylvania-Specific Note: Pennsylvania's tiered inheritance tax structure makes trust planning important for non-spouse, non-child beneficiaries. Notably, Pennsylvania taxes TRANSFERS to children at 4.5% — while this seems low, on a $500K estate that's $22,500 in tax.

Pennsylvania Estate Planning Laws

⚖️ Pennsylvania Key Facts

Probate System: Pennsylvania Orphans' Courts handle probate. Pennsylvania has a relatively efficient probate process. Small estates can use simplified procedures. Pennsylvania has a 'register of wills' in each county.
Estate & Inheritance Tax: Pennsylvania has a state inheritance tax — spouses pay 0%, children pay 4.5%, siblings pay 12%, and others pay 15%. This is a significant consideration for estate planning.
Will Signing Requirements: 2 witnesses required; notarization for self-proving status.
Inheritance Rules: All heirs pay Pennsylvania inheritance tax at tiered rates; surviving spouse is exempt.

Probate in Pennsylvania

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

Pennsylvania Estate & Inheritance Tax

Pennsylvania has a state inheritance tax — spouses pay 0%, children pay 4.5%, siblings pay 12%, and others pay 15%. This is a significant consideration for estate planning.

Medicaid Asset Protection in Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania DHHS Medicaid has a 5-year lookback with standard federal rules.

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

Quick Comparison: Best Will Makers for Pennsylvania

Top Will & Trust Services for Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania

Our team reviewed each service based on Pennsylvania-specific document accuracy, ease of use, price, customer support, and compliance with Pennsylvania'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 Pennsylvania

Creating a legally valid will in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania.
Sound mind: You must be of "sound mind" — understanding what a will is, what you own, and who your heirs are.
Written document: Pennsylvania 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 for self-proving status.
Safe storage: Store your original will somewhere safe. Tell your executor where to find it. Consider filing it with the Pennsylvania court if your state allows it.

Will vs. Living Trust in Pennsylvania

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

Will vs. Trust Comparison

Will: Takes effect at death; goes through Pennsylvania probate; becomes public record; does not cover incapacity planning
Living Trust: Avoids Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania

What is the best online will maker for Pennsylvania residents?

Trust & Will is our top pick for Pennsylvania residents — it Pennsylvania inheritance tax planning strategies included with trust documents. Their documents are attorney-reviewed and designed to meet Pennsylvania'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 Pennsylvania?

Yes — online wills are legally valid in Pennsylvania when properly executed. You must follow Pennsylvania's signing requirements: 2 witnesses required; notarization for self-proving status. Reputable online services like Trust & Will and LegalZoom provide state-specific instructions to ensure your will meets all Pennsylvania legal requirements.

How does probate work in Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania Orphans' Courts handle probate. Pennsylvania has a relatively efficient probate process. Small estates can use simplified procedures. Pennsylvania has a 'register of wills' in each county. A living trust is the most effective way to avoid the Pennsylvania probate process entirely.

Does Pennsylvania have an estate or inheritance tax?

Pennsylvania has a state inheritance tax — spouses pay 0%, children pay 4.5%, siblings pay 12%, and others pay 15%. This is a significant consideration for estate planning.

What happens if I die without a will in Pennsylvania?

All heirs pay Pennsylvania inheritance tax at tiered rates; surviving spouse is exempt. Dying without a will (intestate) in Pennsylvania 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 Pennsylvania?

Pennsylvania DHHS Medicaid has a 5-year lookback with standard federal 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 Pennsylvania Medicaid benefits.

Next Steps for Pennsylvania Residents

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

Choose a service: Trust & Will is our top recommendation for Pennsylvania residents.
Gather information: List your assets, beneficiaries, and executor choices before starting.
Complete your documents: Follow the state-specific instructions for Pennsylvania signing requirements.
Execute properly: Sign with your witnesses (2 witnesses required; notarization for 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 Pennsylvania Family Today

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