Freewill vs The U.S. Will Registry
Freewill is one of many online platforms people often come across when searching for a simple way to create a will. However, creating a will is a major step in estate planning, and the quality, reliability, and long-term stability of the platform you choose truly matter. While both FreeWill.com and The U.S. Will Registry offer free online will creation, the overall experience, support features, and long-term security they provide differ significantly. This guide explains how the two compare and why The U.S. Will Registry, founded in 1997, continues to stand out as the most trusted and comprehensive option available today.
A Trusted Name Since 1997
The U.S. Will Registry has helped protect family legacies since 1997. That kind of longevity builds trust. Families often face estate issues years later. Knowing your will was created on a stable platform gives lasting peace of mind.
By comparison, FreeWill was launched in 2017. Although it has grown quickly, it’s still relatively new. In estate planning, experience and long-term reliability are essential.
User-Friendly and Straightforward
The U.S. Will Registry offers a user-friendly will creation process. It walks you through each step using clear, simple language. No legal experience is needed. FreeWill is also designed for ease of use. However, it tends to include more steps and prompts, especially around donations. These prompts can sometimes pull users away from completing the core task, writing their will.
The U.S. Will Registry keeps things focused. The goal is to help you finish your will efficiently and without confusion.
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The U.S. Will Registry – IT’S FREE!
Freewill Storage and Registration
Freewill does not offer free digital online storage and a free national will registry. This is a major difference. The U.S. Will Registry allows users to store and register their will at no cost. While registration is optional, it is strongly encouraged during the process. This service helps ensure your family can locate your will when it matters most.
What is a Will Registry? The U.S. Will Registry does not stored physically. Instead, users register the location of their will and who holds a copy. This service is priceless to loved ones left behind. Too often family members are clueless as to where a will is stored. Will registration protects your legacy and saves your loved ones time and stress.
REGISTER YOUR WILL – IT’S FREE!
Registration Assures It’s Found!
Access to Essential Estate Planning Forms
A complete estate plan involves more than just a will. The U.S. Will Registry provides free access to critical estate planning forms, including:
- Power of attorney (POA) documents
- Self-proving affidavit templates
- Digital asset planning forms
- Living wills and advance directives
- Codicil form to update your will
These forms are free to download and use. This gives users a full estate planning toolkit in one place. FreeWill focuses more narrowly on will creation. For other documents, users must go elsewhere.
This makes The U.S. Will Registry an all-in-one platform for estate planning.
CLICK HERE FOR ESTATE PLANNING FORMS
Including Charities in Your Will
Both platforms make it easy to include a charity in your will. Legacy giving can be meaningful. However, how this option is presented differs greatly.
FreeWill.com promotes charitable giving throughout the process. Many users see repeated prompts to donate stocks, IRA funds, and other non-cash assets. For some, this added focus can feel like the main goal is fundraising rather than estate planning.
The U.S. Will Registry takes a more balanced approach. A polite prompt appears within the will template, inviting users to consider a charitable bequest. The focus stays on completing the will while gently offering the chance to support a cause.
Security and Privacy Features
Security matters when handling legal documents online. The U.S. Will Registry uses strong encryption, multiple firewalls, and secure systems. It does not collect sensitive data like Social Security numbers. Additionally, it avoids handling payments, which helps reduce risks.
FreeWill also uses secure technology and prioritizes user privacy.
The U.S. Will Registry’s Free “Find A Will” Service: A Lifeline for Families
The U.S. Will Registry offers a powerful tool that helps families after someone passes away. Its free national “Find A Will” service allows families to search for a registered will. This is invaluable if the original will can’t be found.
Even if you know a will exists, it’s often hard to locate. Registration helps eliminate that worry. FreeWill does not offer a comparable will-finding service, which can leave families unsure where to turn. This is why it is essential for everyone to register their will
Attorney Review Directory Available
Some users prefer to begin with a free will template, then consult a legal professional. The U.S. Will Registry supports this option. It offers a national Estate Planning Attorney Directory. Users can find a local attorney who can review, customize, or finalize their will.
This added layer of support is ideal for users who want low-cost estate planning with professional guidance. FreeWill does not currently offer a searchable attorney directory or legal review feature.
Designed for Simplicity
The U.S. Will Registry focuses on keeping things simple. First, you create your will. Then, if you choose, you can register its location for safekeeping. In addition, you’ll gain access to essential forms to complete your estate plan. Finally, if legal guidance is needed, nearby attorneys are available to help
FreeWill also delivers a free will tool, but its additional layers—especially around gifts and donations—can complicate the experience.
Sometimes, simpler really is better.
Quick Feature Comparison
| Feature | The U.S. Will Registry | FreeWill |
|---|---|---|
| Founded | 1997 | 2017 |
| Free will creation | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Free optional will registration | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Will storage guidance | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Downloadable estate forms | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Codicil form for will updates | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Charity bequest option | ✔️ (gentle prompt) | ✔️ (frequent prompts) |
| Self-proving affidavit | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Digital asset planning | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Living will / POA | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Will-finding tool for families | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Attorney directory for review | ✔️ | ❌ |
| Highly user-friendly | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Final Thoughts
Both FreeWill and The U.S. Will Registry offer free will creation. That’s a great start. But only one offers a full package.
The U.S. Will Registry stands out for many reasons. It was founded in 1997 and is still trusted today. Therefore, it makes the process easy. It offers optional, free registration so your family can find your will later. It includes estate forms that go beyond the basics. And it connects you with attorneys if you want legal review.
If you’re ready to protect your legacy, now’s the time. The U.S. Will Registry offers the most respected, user-friendly, free legal online will program available. There are no hidden costs and no barriers to access.
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The U.S. Will Registry – IT’S FREE!
FAQ’s Related to Freewill vs The U.S. Will Registry
Freewill provides a simple online will tool launched in 2017, while The U.S. Will Registry has served families since 1997. The Registry offers free will creation, free registration, storage guidance, estate planning forms, and a will-finding service. Freewill focuses mainly on will creation but lacks a national registry and additional estate planning resources.
The U.S. Will Registry offers more than just will creation. It provides free registration, a directory of attorneys, and essential estate planning forms. Freewill, while helpful, emphasizes charitable donations and does not include a central will-finding tool. Therefore, The U.S. Will Registry stands out for long-term reliability, comprehensive services, and national trust since 1997.
No, Freewill does not include a will registration feature. Users can create and print wills, but their location is not recorded in a national database. The U.S. Will Registry allows free will registration, making it easier for families to locate important documents when needed. Registration helps prevent lost wills and protects family legacies.
Editorial Review:
This article was prepared by estate planning researchers and reviewed by S. Miller and staff. With more than 25 years of experience in estate planning documentation and probate processes, our editorial oversight ensures clarity and accuracy. This content is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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