Frequently Asked Questions About Online Wills

Everything you need to know about making a will with Willy — legal validity, pricing, what's covered, and more.

About Willy

What is Willy?: Willy is an online platform that helps you create a legally formatted will in about 10 minutes. Instead of a stack of confusing paperwork, Willy walks you through a series of simple questions about your assets, who you want to leave them to, your pets, your healthcare wishes, and your funeral preferences. At the end, you get two documents ready to print and sign.
Who is Willy for?: Willy is built for people with straightforward situations who want to get their wishes documented without the hassle of hiring a lawyer. If you have savings, a car, a pet, people you care about, or opinions about your funeral playlist, you need a will, and Willy makes it easy to get one done.
Is Willy a law firm?: No. Willy is a document preparation service, not a law firm, and we do not provide legal advice. We help you generate legally formatted documents based on your answers. For legal advice specific to your situation, you should consult a licensed attorney.
How is Willy different from hiring an estate planning attorney?: An attorney typically charges $500 to $2,000 or more and takes weeks to schedule. Willy costs $79 and takes 10 minutes. For simple estates with straightforward wishes, Willy gets the job done.

Is a Willy will legally valid?: Yes. The documents Willy generates meet the legal requirements for a valid last will and testament. However, a will only becomes legally binding after you sign it in front of witnesses (and in some states, a notary). Willy provides state-specific signing instructions after you complete your will.
Which states does Willy work in?: All 50 US states. Witnessing and notarization requirements vary by state, and Willy provides tailored instructions based on where you live after you download your documents.
Do I need a lawyer to use Willy?: For a simple estate, no. If you are young, have straightforward wishes, and your situation does not involve minor children, a business, or complex assets, Willy is designed exactly for you.
What makes a will legally valid?: In most states, a will is legally valid when it is written (not handwritten), signed by the person making the will, and signed by at least two adult witnesses who watch you sign. Some states also require notarization.

How long does it take?: About 10 minutes for most people. The quiz is designed to move quickly, one question at a time.
What kind of questions will I be asked?: We ask about your assets, who you want to leave them to, who you want to manage your estate, your pets and who should care for them, your healthcare wishes, your funeral and burial preferences, and any personal messages you want to leave behind.
What if I don't know all the answers yet?: That is fine. Some questions are optional and you can leave them blank. It is better to have a basic will today than a perfect will someday.
Can I save my progress and come back?: Yes. Once you create an account, your progress is saved. You can log back in and pick up where you left off.

What documents do I receive?: You receive two documents as a ZIP file download: a Last Will and Testament and a Personal Directive. Both are generated as PDFs, ready to print and sign.
What is a Last Will and Testament?: Your Last Will and Testament is the legal document that directs what happens to your assets after you pass. It names your executor, lists your beneficiaries, and specifies what each person receives.
What is a Personal Directive?: A Personal Directive captures everything that matters to you beyond your assets — healthcare wishes, funeral preferences, personal messages, and instructions for your pets.

What do I do after downloading my will?: Print both documents, sign them in front of witnesses (and a notary if your state requires it), have your witnesses sign as well, and store the originals somewhere safe. Tell your executor where to find them.
How many witnesses do I need?: Most states require two adult witnesses who are not beneficiaries of your will. Willy provides the exact requirement for your state after you download.
Do I need a notary?: It depends on your state. Some states (like Florida) require notarization, while most do not. In states where it is not required, getting your will notarized is still a good idea.
Where should I store my signed will?: Store the original in a fireproof box, a safe, or a safe deposit box at your bank. Most importantly, tell your executor where to find it.

How much does Willy cost?: Digital Only for $79 (instant PDF download), or Digital and Print and Ship for $99 (PDF plus professionally printed copy mailed to you).
Is payment secure?: Yes. All payments are processed through Stripe. Willy does not store your credit card information.
Can I update my will later?: Yes. Life changes and your will should too. You can create a new will through Willy any time your circumstances change. Each new will automatically supersedes previous versions.