How Long Does It Take to Write a Will?

Quick Answer

Writing a will takes 1–4 weeks from initial preparation to a signed, witnessed document. The timeline depends on estate complexity, the method used (online service vs. attorney), and how quickly decisions about beneficiaries and guardianship are made.

Timeline by Estate Complexity

Estate Type	Method	Timeline	Typical Cost
Simple (single, few assets)	Online service	1–3 days	$50–$200
Simple (married, minor children)	Online service or attorney	3–7 days	$100–$500
Moderate (multiple properties, investments)	Attorney	1–2 weeks	$500–$1,500
Complex (business interests, trusts, blended family)	Attorney + financial advisor	2–4 weeks	$1,500–$5,000+
High net worth (estate tax planning)	Estate planning team	3–6 weeks	$3,000–$10,000+

Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Gather Information (1–5 days)

Before writing anything, compile a complete picture of assets, debts, and family circumstances.

• Asset inventory: Bank accounts, retirement accounts, real estate, vehicles, investments, life insurance policies, valuable personal property
• Debt summary: Mortgages, loans, credit card balances
• Beneficiary decisions: Who receives what, including contingent beneficiaries
• Guardian nomination: For minor children, choose a primary and backup guardian
• Executor selection: Choose someone trustworthy and organized to manage the estate

This step is where most delays occur. Couples often need multiple conversations to align on guardianship and distribution decisions.

Step 2: Draft the Will (1–3 days)

Online services like LegalZoom or Trust & Will guide users through questionnaire-based will creation in 30–60 minutes. Attorney-drafted wills require an initial consultation (1 hour), followed by 3–7 business days for the attorney to prepare the draft.

Step 3: Review and Revise (1–7 days)

Review the draft carefully and request revisions. Common changes include adjusting distribution percentages, updating executor choices, and adding specific bequests. Attorney-prepared wills typically go through 1–2 rounds of revision.

Step 4: Execute the Will (1 day)

Signing the will requires meeting specific legal formalities that vary by state.

Requirement	Most States	Notable Exceptions
Testator signature	Required	All states
Witnesses	2 required	Some states require 3
Notarization	Recommended (self-proving affidavit)	Required in some states
Attorney presence	Not required but recommended	Louisiana requires notarial form

What to Include in a Will

• Identification and declaration (stating this is your will and you are of sound mind)
• Appointment of executor and backup executor
• Guardianship nominations for minor children
• Specific bequests (particular items to particular people)
• Residuary clause (everything not specifically mentioned)
• Debt and tax payment instructions
• Signatures and witness attestation

Online vs. Attorney: When Each Makes Sense

Scenario	Best Option	Why
Single, few assets, no children	Online service	Simple enough for template-based approach
Married with young children	Either	Online works if assets are straightforward
Own a business	Attorney	Business succession requires custom drafting
Blended family	Attorney	Competing interests need careful navigation
Property in multiple states	Attorney	Multi-state estate planning is complex
Estate over federal exemption	Attorney + CPA	Tax planning strategies require expertise

Common Delays

• Indecision about guardianship: This single decision stalls more wills than any other factor
• Difficulty locating account information: Gathering scattered financial records takes time
• Spousal disagreements: Couples often need several discussions to reach consensus
• Attorney scheduling: Popular estate planning attorneys may have 2–3 week booking windows
• Procrastination: The emotional weight of estate planning causes many people to delay between steps