6 min read
Heirs vs. Beneficiaries: Who Inherits a Loved One's Estate?
The distinction between an heir and a beneficiary is particularly important because they may receive estate assets in different ways.
August is Make-A-Will Month!
Whether you're starting your Will from scratch or updating an existing one, today is the day to put your wishes in writing. Your family deserves a plan and LegalShield is here to help you through every step.
Our LegalShield provider law firms are presenting exclusive webinars for Make-A-Will Month. Take the first step in making your estate plan.
A lawyer can advise you on Wills and estates topics like:
Wills
A Will is included in all plans with annual revisions for our Advanced and Premium plans.
Living Will
Get advice on how to express your wishes re: medical treatment when you’re no longer able to make those decisions.
Probate
Talk to a lawyer about this court supervised legal process.
Power of Attorney
Get help with legal documents that enable someone to act on your behalf while you’re incapacitated.
Trust
A lawyer can help with this important estate planning tool that helps protect assets and offers tax advantages (at the law firm's discounted hourly rate).
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Don't see your issue?
We can't list every situation here, so give us a call to see how we may be able to help. (833) 690-6121
It's easy to start your Will with our guided Will online experience.
By the numbers
96%
of people think a Will is important
56%
of people have a Will
81%
say it's important to have an interaction with a legal professional
*Data from LegalShield Estate Planning Survey (June 2025) of 1.018 people in the U.S., balanced by gender and age to match U.S. Census data and representing all U.S. regions.
How it works as a member
Use the app or your computer to fill out a short form and tell us what kind of help you need.
Speak with an experienced lawyer who knows your state laws, usually within a business day.
Get trusted legal advice, resolve your issue, and move forward with confidence.
Top three mistakes when creating a Will
Want to make sure your Will is done right? This LegalShield provider lawyer shares valuable tips. In this short video you'll learn about mistakes that can make your Will invalid, cause family disputes, and lead to other legal issues. Watch and learn.
Dive deeper into estate planning law
6 min read
How to Sign as a Power of Attorney Agent to Represent a Loved One
Signing as a POA Agent is more than just jotting down your signature. Banks, title companies, healthcare providers, and similar entities might reject documents if the signature doesn’t clearly show that you’re signing for the other person.
8 min read
What's an Irrevocable Trust, and Is It Right for You?
An irrevocable Trust can help protect your assets from creditors and even lower some taxes. It also lets you decide who gets your assets when you pass away. Using an irrevocable Trust has both pros and cons.
9 min read
How to Buy Out a Sibling on Shared Real Estate: 8 Simple Steps
Losing a parent is emotional, and deciding what to do with their home adds to the stress. A lawyer can help you focus on legal issues, avoid conflict, and protect your interests.
5 min read
How To Know When Probate Is Required
<p>Probate becomes necessary when someone dies without clearly stating who gets their property and assets. It may also help settle contested Wills, outstanding debts, or legally identify heirs if the decedent left no Will.</p>
More ways we help:
If it’s a legal issue, we’ve likely dealt with it. Your membership includes advice and consultation on:
Real estate
Buy, sell, or rent. We’ll advise you and review legal documents (up to 50 pages depending on plan).
Consumer disputes
Having a tough time returning something? Is a company refusing to honor their warranty? We’ve got you.
Contract review
Review and provide feedback on personal legal documents, including contracts.
Find your perfect plan
Speak with a lawyer on an unlimited number of personal legal issues with our most robust suite of legal services at your disposal.
$59.95
/mo
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
Individuals & Family
Get coverage for you and your loved ones in case of accidents, life events, or just simple document reviews.
$49.95
/mo
Covers you, your spouse or partner, and your dependents
Speak with your lawyer on an unlimited number of personal legal issues
Get an unlimited number of documents reviewed (up to 15 pages each)
Representation to help with driver's license reinstatement
24/7 Emergency Access for Covered Situations
Preparation of a standard Will with annual reviews and updates
MEMBERPerks
25% discount on additional services
And so much more
*See table below for full details.
Compare Plans
Individuals & Family
$49.95
/mo
$39.95
/mo
$59.95
/mo
Documents
Documents
Up to 35 pages
Up to 25 pages
Up to 15 pages
Includes annual updates
Includes annual updates
Unlimited
5 per year
1 per year
Family
Family
Includes annual updates
Includes annual updates
For you and your spouse. Updates to your will are available at a 15% discount.
Marriage
Marriage
Home
Home
Traffic
Traffic
3 tickets per year for each covered member
2 tickets per year for each covered member
1 ticket per year for each covered member
Legal
Legal
1 hour of pre-trial help / 100 hours of trial time during the first membership year.
Earn additional hours each year, maxing out at 5 hours of pre-trial help / 300 hours of trial time after 3 years.
1 hour of pre-trial help / 60 hours of trial time during the first membership year.
Earn additional hours each year, maxing out at 5 hours of pre-trial help / 300 hours of trial time after 5 years.
1 hour of pre-trial help / 30 hours of trial time during the first membership year.
Earn additional hours each year, maxing out at 5 hours of pre-trial help / 150 hours of trial time after 5 years.
25% discount
20% discount
15% discount
**Membership must be active at least 10 - 90-days, depending on plan selected, before benefit is available.
Customize your plan with add-ons for a small additional fee.
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Home Business
Legal assistance that’s tailored to the unique needs of running your home business.
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Trial Defense
Because trials can be expensive and time consuming, you have the option to add on additional trial defence support.
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Ride Share
Affordable legal advice and direction to protect your driving record and maintain a safe vehicle.
Don’t see your issue? Call us to talk through yours.
Every situation is unique. Give us a call to understand your next steps.
Speak with a lawyer on an unlimited number of personal legal issues with our most robust suite of legal services at your disposal.
$53.96
/mo
billed annually at$647.46
No items found.
No items found.
No items found.
Individuals & Family
Get coverage for you and your loved ones in case of accidents, life events, or just simple document reviews.
/mo
billed annually at
Covers you, your spouse or partner, and your dependents
Speak with your lawyer on an unlimited number of personal legal issues
Get an unlimited number of documents reviewed (up to 15 pages each)
Representation to help with driver's license reinstatement
24/7 Emergency Access for Covered Situations
Preparation of a standard Will with annual reviews and updates
MEMBERPerks
25% discount on additional services
And so much more
*See table below for full details.
Compare Plans
Individuals & Family
/mo
billed annually at
/mo
billed annually at
$53.96
/mo
billed annually at$647.46
Documents
Documents
Up to 35 pages
Up to 25 pages
Up to 15 pages
Includes annual updates
Includes annual updates
Unlimited
5 per year
1 per year
Family
Family
Includes annual updates
Includes annual updates
For you and your spouse. Updates to your will are available at a 15% discount.
Marriage
Marriage
Home
Home
Traffic
Traffic
3 tickets per year for each covered member
2 tickets per year for each covered member
1 ticket per year for each covered member
Legal
Legal
1 hour of pre-trial help / 100 hours of trial time during the first membership year.
Earn additional hours each year, maxing out at 5 hours of pre-trial help / 300 hours of trial time after 3 years.
1 hour of pre-trial help / 60 hours of trial time during the first membership year.
Earn additional hours each year, maxing out at 5 hours of pre-trial help / 300 hours of trial time after 5 years.
1 hour of pre-trial help / 30 hours of trial time during the first membership year.
Earn additional hours each year, maxing out at 5 hours of pre-trial help / 150 hours of trial time after 5 years.
25% discount
20% discount
15% discount
**Membership must be active at least 10 - 90-days, depending on plan selected, before benefit is available.
What people are saying
Fantastic service. I cannot recommend them enough!
Small Business Member
,
TN
August 10, 2026
Good response to a moving company that attempted to aggressively bill in excess of what was represented by their agents. End result was a solution that resolved the matter which would otherwise have dragged on. Here's to the little guy.
Bruce
,
OR Member
August 9, 2026
Finally no more worries for certain situations and no more sleepless nights wondering if we are going to overcome situations. Its like having a real team in your corner. Its definitely worth the money if you find yourself in trying times.
Anthony
,
KY Member
August 5, 2026
I've decided to set up a trust. It can be complicated and it's easy to make a mistake that can derail all your efforts after it's too late to fix it. I feel confident I'll have trust that will protect my as well as my loved ones as I intend.
Rex
,
FL Member
August 5, 2026
SIGH of RELIEF - Receiving help from Kristin, a real attorney, was so much of a relief re: Living Trust. She went over what I sent making sure my Trust was good for Oregon laws. Now I have peace of mind that there will be NO hiccups once we're gone.
Robin
,
OR Member
August 4, 2026
Very professional! And so quick. I'm so grateful to LegalShield. Best thing I did, was to become a member. Thank you for all your help, you really gave me peace of mind.
Robin
,
OR Member
August 3, 2026
It has helped me review a retreat participant agreement to make sure I am fully covered, and everything is clear for my clients. I also have used it for a dispute with a marketing consultant who would not release files after termination.
Small Business Member
,
BC
July 6, 2026
LegalShield have taken care of my needs as far as drawing up a Will. It was fast and the process was very easy and im glad I have a membership with them.
Monica
,
VA Member
July 6, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Estate planning lawyers help create legal documents such as will, power of attorney, and living trust so your wishes are clear and legally protected. They ensure that everything is done right so your family doesn’t have to figure it out later.
If you don’t have an estate plan, the government decides who gets your belongings and who raises your kids, not you. A plan lets you control what happens and takes the burden off your family during an already difficult time.
No, a Will is just one part of an estate plan. A complete estate plan usually also includes a power of attorney, a living will, and sometimes, a trust.
While you’re not required to use a lawyer, we strongly advise using one to make sure that your documents are prepared correctly. If they’re not, the court may reject them. A lawyer makes sure that your plan holds up when your family needs it most.
Most people need a will, a durable power of attorney, and a living will. A trust may also make sense, depending on your situation.
There’s now time like the present to plan, because life is unpredictable. You don’t need to be old or wealthy to have a plan. If you have kids, own anything, or care who makes medical decisions for you, plan today.
A lawyer can help people clearly outline how their assets should be distributed after they pass away. Lawyers ensure all documents are legally sound and tailored to meet your personal and family needs. Also, they can help set up trusts, name executors, and update plans as life circumstances change, offering peace of mind and legal protection.
For over 50 years, LegalShield has made it affordable and easy for its members to connect with its network of vetted, dedicated law firms across the United States and parts of Canada. Lawyers average 22 years of experience. Please note that LegalShield provides access to legal services offered by a network of provider law firms to its members.
It’s the process of deciding what happens to your money, home, and assets after you pass away, and who makes decisions for you if you’re too sick to speak for yourself.
Generally speaking, it’s a good idea to get legal advice on any Wills and estates issues to ensure that your rights, and those of your loved ones, are protected.
Pretty much everyone. If you have kids, own anything, have money in a bank account, or care about what happens to your things after you’re gone, an estate plan is a good idea.
Instead of paying a lawyer by the hour, you pay a small membership fee for access to a provider law firm in your state for the legal services membership you select. Prices and coverage vary depending on the membership services you select.
Hiring lawyers the usual way can cost hundreds per hour. But with LegalShield you pay a recurring fee and get access to experienced lawyers who can help with any number of estate planning issues.
Your law firm advises on probate under every plan. Premium members qualify for simplified probate when the provider firm prepared the Will, available 180 days after membership starts and where state law allows.
Membership applications are reviewed within 72 hours. Once approved, you can contact your lawyer and use all the perks of your membership.
Plans start at $39.95 a month with no hourly fees for covered documents. A trust on the Premium plan has a $250 fee per person.
LegalShield Membership applications are reviewed within 72 hours. Once your membership is approved, contact your law firm to start your Will right away. No waiting period applies for the preparation of a Will.