Getting started with Trustwise
Creating a will might feel like a big task, but Trustwise breaks it into short, clear steps that most people finish in under 30 minutes. Here is what to expect.
Create your account
Sign up with your email address or Google account. We use Clerk for authentication, so your password is never stored by Trustwise directly. Once you are signed in, you will land on your Dashboard.
Start your will
Click Start my will on the Dashboard. You will be asked to select your state of residence first — this matters because will requirements vary by state. Trustwise currently supports California, New York, and Texas, with more states on the way.
Answer the questionnaire
The questionnaire is divided into sections:
- Your information — legal name, date of birth, and address
- Marital status — whether you are single, married, or in a domestic partnership
- Beneficiaries — who receives your estate and in what proportions
- Executor — who will carry out the instructions in your will
- Guardian nominations — who would care for minor children if needed
- Specific gifts — optional section for leaving named items to named people
Each section has help text explaining why we ask for that information. You can save your progress and come back at any time — your answers are stored securely.
Review and download
Once you have answered all required questions, Trustwise generates a PDF you can review before paying. The document is formatted to meet your state's legal requirements for a self-prepared will.
After you purchase, you can download the PDF as many times as you need.
Sign your will
A Trustwise document is not legally valid until it is signed in front of two witnesses. See the Signing your will help article for full guidance on how to do this correctly. We walk you through what your witnesses need to do and say.
Keep it safe
Once signed, store your original will somewhere secure — a fireproof safe, a bank safe-deposit box, or with your attorney. Tell your executor where to find it. A digital copy is useful for reference but the original signed document is what matters legally.
Updates
Life changes, and your will should too. If you have an active Updates Plan, you can revise your answers and re-download your will at any time. See the Updating your will article for more.
If you have any questions along the way, you can reach us through the contact page and we will respond within two business days.