Best Online Will Services for NC Residents (2026)
Making a Will Should Not Require a Law Degree
Creating a will is one of those tasks that most people know they should do and yet keep putting off. The reasons are understandable: the process feels intimidating, attorneys are expensive, and thinking about your own death is unpleasant. Online will services have emerged to address the first two barriers by offering guided, affordable will creation that you can complete from your couch.
But not all online will services are created equal, and for North Carolina residents, the differences matter more than you might expect. NC has specific requirements for will execution that differ from other states, and a will that does not meet those requirements is not valid, regardless of how much you paid for it or how professional it looked on screen.
This guide compares the major online will services available to NC residents in 2026, with specific attention to how well each one handles NC’s legal requirements.
Afterpath helps families after a will has been executed and someone has died. If you are navigating probate in North Carolina, Afterpath’s Pathfinder provides NC-specific guidance, the NC Compliance Engine tracks every statutory deadline, and the Document Vault keeps your estate documents organized and accessible.
What Makes NC Wills Different
Before comparing services, you need to understand what North Carolina requires for a valid will. Getting this wrong means your will may be worthless when your family needs it most.
NC Will Execution Requirements
Under NC General Statute 31-3.3, a valid attested (typed) will in North Carolina must be:
- In writing — typed or printed (not oral)
- Signed by the testator — you must sign the will yourself, or direct someone to sign on your behalf in your presence
- Witnessed by two competent witnesses — both witnesses must sign in the presence of the testator and in the presence of each other
North Carolina does not require notarization for a will to be valid. However, notarization is strongly recommended because of the self-proving affidavit.
The Self-Proving Affidavit: Why It Matters
Under NC General Statute 31-11.6, a will can be made “self-proving” by attaching a sworn affidavit signed by the testator and both witnesses before a notary public. This affidavit is separate from the will itself and states under oath that the will was properly executed.
Why does this matter? Without a self-proving affidavit, when the will is submitted for probate after your death, the Clerk of Superior Court must verify the will’s validity. This typically requires locating one of the witnesses to testify (in person or by affidavit) that they actually witnessed the signing. If both witnesses have died, moved away, or cannot be found, proving the will becomes significantly more difficult and expensive.
With a self-proving affidavit, the Clerk accepts the will without requiring witness testimony. The probate process is faster, simpler, and cheaper.
Any online will service that does not clearly guide NC users through the self-proving affidavit process is leaving a significant gap.
Holographic Wills in NC
North Carolina recognizes holographic (handwritten) wills under NCGS 31-3.4, but they must be:
- Entirely in the testator’s handwriting
- Found among the testator’s “valuable papers” or in a safe deposit box or with someone the testator entrusted
- Signed by the testator (witnesses are not required)
Online will services do not create holographic wills, but you should know they exist, particularly because family members sometimes discover handwritten wills alongside a formal will, creating potential conflicts.
NC-Specific Distribution Rules
If your will does not address certain situations, NC law fills in the gaps through its intestacy statutes (NCGS Chapter 29). For example:
- If you leave property to someone who dies before you and do not name an alternate, NC’s “anti-lapse” statute may pass the gift to their descendants
- NC’s elective share (NCGS 30-3.1) allows a surviving spouse to claim a percentage of your estate regardless of what your will says
- NC’s year’s allowance (NCGS 30-15) provides the surviving spouse with support from the estate
A good online will service should account for these NC-specific rules in the documents it generates.
The Major Online Will Services Compared
Service Overview Table
| Service | Starting Price | NC-Specific Forms | Self-Proving Affidavit | Attorney Review Option | Trust Option | Updates/Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LegalZoom | $99-$249 | Yes | Included | Yes (add-on) | Yes (separate) | Included with subscription |
| Trust & Will | $69-$199 | Yes | Included | Yes (add-on) | Yes ($399+) | Included with subscription |
| FreeWill | Free (basic) | Yes | Varies | No | No | Free |
| Nolo | $35-$60 | Yes | Included | No | Separate product | One-time purchase |
| Rocket Lawyer | $39.99/month | Yes | Included | Yes (included) | Yes | Included with membership |
LegalZoom
Overview: LegalZoom is the most recognized name in online legal services. They have been creating wills since 2001 and have served millions of customers. Their will creation process is questionnaire-based, guiding you through decisions about beneficiaries, guardians, executors, and asset distribution.
NC-Specific Handling: LegalZoom generates state-specific documents for North Carolina, including the self-proving affidavit. The documents are formatted to comply with NC execution requirements. Their system prompts NC users about the two-witness requirement and provides signing instructions.
Strengths:
- Established reputation with extensive track record
- Optional attorney review available for NC-licensed attorneys
- Comprehensive estate planning bundles (will + power of attorney + healthcare directive)
- Customer support available by phone
Weaknesses:
- More expensive than newer competitors
- Subscription model for ongoing access and updates ($33/month for premium)
- The questionnaire can feel generic despite state-specific output
- Upselling throughout the process can feel aggressive
Best For: People who want a recognized brand with the option to add attorney review, and who do not mind paying more for the reassurance of an established company.
Trust & Will
Overview: Trust & Will focuses exclusively on estate planning, unlike LegalZoom which offers broader legal services. Their platform is modern, well-designed, and relatively quick to navigate. They offer wills, trusts, and guardianship documents.
NC-Specific Handling: Trust & Will generates NC-compliant documents with the self-proving affidavit included. Their platform accounts for NC-specific requirements in the document output. They provide NC-specific signing instructions and explanations of the witness requirements.
Strengths:
- Clean, modern interface designed for estate planning specifically
- Transparent pricing without aggressive upselling
- Trust option available for those who need it ($399+)
- Good educational content explaining estate planning concepts
Weaknesses:
- Newer company with shorter track record than LegalZoom
- Attorney review is an add-on cost
- Cannot handle complex estates (business interests, multiple states, special needs planning)
- Limited customer support options
Best For: People who want a focused estate planning experience with a modern interface, and whose estate planning needs are relatively straightforward.
For a deeper comparison of Trust & Will’s estate settlement features, see our Afterpath vs Trust & Will review.
FreeWill
Overview: FreeWill offers free basic will creation, funded by partnerships with nonprofit organizations. The service encourages (but does not require) users to include a charitable bequest in their will. The platform is straightforward and quick, typically completing a will in under 20 minutes.
NC-Specific Handling: FreeWill generates NC-compliant wills with state-specific language. The self-proving affidavit inclusion has varied over time, so NC users should verify this is included in their documents before signing. Signing instructions reference the two-witness NC requirement.
Strengths:
- Free basic will creation (genuinely free, not a trial)
- Simple, fast process
- No ongoing subscription required
- Supported by major nonprofits (over 1,000 organizations partner with FreeWill)
Weaknesses:
- Limited customization options
- No trust creation capability
- No attorney review option
- Charitable giving prompts may feel pressured to some users
- Limited customer support
- May not include all NC-specific supplementary documents (powers of attorney, healthcare directives)
Best For: People with simple estates who want a free option to get a basic will in place quickly, and who are comfortable without attorney review.
Nolo
Overview: Nolo is a legal publisher that has been creating DIY legal products for decades. Their will product (Quicken WillMaker) is software-based rather than web-based, which means you download and install it. It creates wills, healthcare directives, powers of attorney, and other documents.
NC-Specific Handling: Nolo generates NC-specific documents including the self-proving affidavit. Their software has been updated over many years to account for state-specific requirements. The product includes extensive legal information and explanations alongside the document creation process.
Strengths:
- One-time purchase price (no subscription)
- Extensive legal education built into the product
- Creates multiple documents (will, POA, healthcare directive, etc.)
- Long track record of accuracy in legal document generation
- Works offline once installed
Weaknesses:
- Software-based (must download and install)
- Interface feels dated compared to web-based services
- No attorney review option
- Updates require purchasing a new version
- No trust creation capability in the basic product
Best For: People who prefer a one-time purchase over a subscription, want detailed legal education alongside document creation, and are comfortable with software installation.
Rocket Lawyer
Overview: Rocket Lawyer operates on a membership model that provides access to legal documents, attorney consultations, and other legal services. Will creation is one of many services available through the platform.
NC-Specific Handling: Rocket Lawyer generates NC-compliant wills with state-specific provisions and signing instructions. The self-proving affidavit is included. Their membership includes access to NC-licensed attorneys for questions.
Strengths:
- Attorney consultation included with membership
- Wide range of legal documents beyond just wills
- NC-licensed attorney access for questions
- Documents can be updated as part of membership
Weaknesses:
- Monthly subscription model ($39.99/month) makes it expensive for a single document
- Easy to forget to cancel if you only needed a will
- The platform is not estate-planning-focused
- Can feel overwhelming with the breadth of services offered
Best For: People who need multiple legal documents (not just a will) and want attorney access included, and who will use the membership for other legal needs to justify the monthly cost.
What No Online Will Service Does
Every online will service has limitations that NC residents should understand:
They Do Not Execute the Will for You
Creating the document is only half the job. You must still:
- Print the will on paper
- Sign it in the presence of two witnesses who are both present at the same time
- Have both witnesses sign in your presence and in each other’s presence
- Execute the self-proving affidavit before a notary public (strongly recommended)
- Store the original in a safe, accessible location
If you skip or botch any of these steps, the will may be invalid in NC regardless of how perfectly the document was drafted.
They Do Not Handle Complex NC Situations
Online will services work well for straightforward estates. They are not designed for:
- Blended families with children from multiple marriages requiring trust provisions
- Special needs planning where a poorly drafted trust could cost a beneficiary their government benefits
- Business succession involving NC LLCs, partnerships, or professional practices
- Multi-state property requiring coordination between NC and other states’ laws
- Large estates approaching the federal estate tax threshold
- Contentious family dynamics where a will contest is likely
For these situations, an NC estate planning attorney is worth the investment. Afterpath’s Professional Marketplace can connect you with vetted NC attorneys who specialize in estate planning.
They Do Not Help After Death
Online will services create the document and their job is done. They do not help your executor navigate probate, track NC statutory deadlines, manage creditor claims, or distribute assets. That is where Afterpath comes in.
NC-Specific Checklist: After You Create Your Online Will
Once you have created your will through any online service, NC residents should complete these additional steps:
- Execute the self-proving affidavit — Find a notary public (banks, UPS stores, and many law offices offer notary services) and sign the affidavit with your two witnesses present
- Create a durable power of attorney — Authorizes someone to manage your finances if you become incapacitated (NC-specific form)
- Create a healthcare power of attorney — Authorizes someone to make medical decisions if you cannot (NCGS 32A-16 through 32A-26)
- Consider a living will — States your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment
- Review beneficiary designations — Retirement accounts, life insurance, and POD/TOD accounts pass outside your will; make sure these are current
- Store the original will safely — NC allows you to file your will with the Clerk of Superior Court for safekeeping before death (NCGS 31-11), or keep it in a fireproof safe that your executor can access (not a bank safe deposit box, which may be sealed at death)
- Tell your executor where the will is — A will that cannot be found is a will that does not exist
Price Comparison Summary
| Service | Will Only | Will + POA + Healthcare | Trust Package | Attorney Review | Annual Cost (ongoing) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LegalZoom | $99 | $149-$249 | $599+ | $199 add-on | $199-$396 (subscription) |
| Trust & Will | $69 | $159 | $399+ | $100 add-on | $19/year (updates) |
| FreeWill | Free | Free (limited) | N/A | N/A | Free |
| Nolo | $35-$60 | $35-$60 (included) | N/A | N/A | ~$60 (new version) |
| Rocket Lawyer | $39.99/mo | $39.99/mo (included) | $39.99/mo | Included | $479.88 |
| NC Attorney | $300-$800 | $500-$1,200 | $1,500-$3,500 | Included | As needed |
Our Recommendation for NC Residents
There is no single best online will service. The right choice depends on your situation:
If your estate is simple and you want free: FreeWill gets a basic will in place at no cost. Something is dramatically better than nothing. You can always upgrade to a more comprehensive plan later.
If you want the best value for a complete package: Trust & Will offers a focused estate planning experience at a reasonable price with NC-specific documents. Their trust option provides an upgrade path if your needs grow.
If you want attorney oversight: LegalZoom’s attorney review add-on or Rocket Lawyer’s included attorney access provide professional review of your NC documents. For the peace of mind of having an NC-licensed attorney look at your will, this is worth the additional cost.
If you want a one-time purchase: Nolo’s software provides comprehensive document creation without a subscription. The interface is older but the legal content is thorough.
If your situation is complex: Skip the online services and work with an NC estate planning attorney directly. The cost difference between an online service and an attorney ($200-$600 more) is trivial compared to the cost of a will that does not account for your specific circumstances.
The Most Important Thing
The best online will service is the one you actually use. Nearly 70% of Americans do not have a will. If an online service gets you from “no will” to “valid NC will with self-proving affidavit,” it has done its job, even if the document is not as comprehensive as what an attorney would produce.
The worst estate plan is no estate plan. Do not let the pursuit of perfection prevent you from getting something in place now.
After the Will: Where Afterpath Fits
Online will services handle estate planning. Afterpath handles estate settlement, the process that happens after someone dies.
When your executor opens your will and faces the reality of NC probate, Afterpath provides:
- Pathfinder: AI guidance specific to NC probate law, answering questions about deadlines, forms, filing requirements, and county procedures
- NC Compliance Engine: Automated tracking of NC statutory deadlines including the 90-day inventory filing, creditor notice periods, and annual accounting requirements
- Task Management: A personalized probate checklist generated from the specifics of the estate, sequenced in the right order
- Document Vault: Secure storage for the will, death certificates, letters testamentary, inventories, and all estate correspondence
- Professional Marketplace: Connections to NC-licensed attorneys, CPAs, and appraisers when professional help is needed
Planning your estate with an online will service and managing settlement with Afterpath gives your family affordable, NC-specific support at every stage.
FAQ
Q: Are online wills legal in North Carolina?
A: Yes. NC does not require that a will be prepared by an attorney. A will created through an online service is legal as long as it meets NC’s execution requirements: signed by the testator, witnessed by two competent witnesses, and (ideally) accompanied by a self-proving affidavit. The quality of the document depends on the service, but the legal validity depends on proper execution.
Q: Do I need a notary for my NC will?
A: Notarization is not required for the will itself to be valid. However, the self-proving affidavit that accompanies the will must be notarized. Without this affidavit, proving the will during probate is more difficult and may require locating witnesses. For the small effort of visiting a notary, the self-proving affidavit is strongly recommended.
Q: Can I update an online will later?
A: Yes, but the process varies by service. Subscription-based services (LegalZoom, Trust & Will, Rocket Lawyer) allow updates as part of your plan. One-time purchase services (Nolo) may require buying a new version. You can also update a will by creating a codicil (amendment), though in NC, a codicil must meet the same execution requirements as the original will.
Q: What if my online will does not include NC-specific provisions?
A: If your will was created through a service that does not customize for NC, it may still be valid if it meets the basic execution requirements. However, it may not account for NC-specific rules like the elective share, anti-lapse statutes, or year’s allowance. Consider having an NC attorney review the document.
Q: How does Afterpath help if I used an online will service?
A: Afterpath is not a will creation service. It helps executors manage the probate process after death. Whether the deceased’s will was created online, by an attorney, or handwritten, Afterpath’s NC-specific tools help the executor navigate probate efficiently and accurately. Pathfinder can explain the legal implications of the specific will provisions, and the NC Compliance Engine tracks all required deadlines.
Related Resources
- Afterpath vs Trust & Will — How Afterpath compares to Trust & Will for estate settlement
- DIY Probate vs Hiring an Attorney in NC — When professional help is worth the cost
- Probate Software Tools Comparison for NC — Comparing tools for managing probate
- Trust vs Will in NC: Which Protects Your Family Better? — Choosing the right estate planning tool
- The Cost of Not Having a Will in NC — What happens when there is no plan
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