eis will writing service

Write or update your will

At Maggie’s we offer people living with cancer the care and support that is so needed alongside medical treatment. 

We’ve partnered with a number of expert Will writing professionals who can help support you in writing or updating a simple Will for free.

Our partner Farewill offers a Will writing service either online or over the phone and can take less than 30 minutes. 

They emphasise making the process of Will writing simple and jargon free, while championing accessibility and inclusivity. 

Write your Will online

A quick and easy way to write your simple Will online. 

Please note that due to differences in laws, Farewill’s online Will writing service is only available to residents of England and Wales.

Write your Will online with Farewill today

Write your Will by telephone

You can book a call with one of Farewill’s Will writing specialists, either by booking online or calling them during their opening hours. 

At the start of the call, don’t forget to mention that you’re a Maggie’s supporter.

Irwin Mitchell

Irwin Mitchell are one of the UK’s leading will writing firms and as a Maggie’s partner, they offer a free Will writing service to our visitors and supporters. 

The service can be provided by post, online, over the telephone or face to face if there is a local Irwin Mitchell office near you. 

The National Free Wills Network

The National Free Wills Network champions local law firms to write simple Wills for free for our supporters. 

They offer our visitors and supporters the opportunity to either write a new simple Will, amend a current one and/or add a gift in their Will to Maggie’s.

If you would like to write or update your simple Will for free using this service, request your Free Wills Network pack  and they will send your pack straight to your home.

Local partners

Many of our centres have local Will writing solicitor partners. 

Get in touch with your local Maggie’s centre to find out if they offer Will-writing and for help booking an appointment.

Related pages

Stories from our centres..., rebecca's story – my way to live with cancer is knowing my family have somewhere to come.

Rebecca shares how Maggie's was there for her whole family.

Ollie on coming to terms with cancer as a young man

Ollie shares how the experts at Maggie's supported him following his cancer diagnosis aged 17.

Su-a on walking in celebration of her husband

Su-a shares her experience of being introduced to Maggie's by her late husband Gordon who she first met when he was living with cancer.

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Best Online Will Makers of 2024

on LegalZoom's website

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A will ensures your possessions go to the right people after your death. If you have a complicated family situation or large estate, you may want to hire an attorney to help craft yours. But online wills and online will makers can cost less and meet your state’s legal requirements, too.

Best online will makers

The best online will makers are reasonably priced, easy to use and tailored to each state’s requirements and offer online wills that are customizable to your life circumstances. Online will makers also can guide you through the process with good support and help you start estate planning on your timeline. Here are our top picks.

Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker: Best all-inclusive

Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker

Nolo’s services are among the most comprehensive on the market.

• Straightforward, user-friendly process.
• One year of free updates to your documents.
• Access to over 35 estate planning documents depending on plan.
• Software download available with only Windows 8.1/10/11 or macOS 10.13 and higher.
• Documents aren’t valid in Louisiana or U.S. territories.
• No access to attorney support.

on Nolo's website

What it looks like

Why we like it

Nolo’s services are among the most comprehensive on the market. Its Quicken WillMaker offers over 35 state-specific estate planning documents in one place, available online or as a software download. The service can be used to make a pour-over will, health care directive , living trust , letters to survivors and other financial management documents, depending on your annual plan.

All three plans help you craft a will via a simple, straightforward questionnaire that guides you to the documents you need. If you decide not to use the cloud version, be sure you have enough space on your computer (54 megabytes) to download the software.

» MORE: See our full review of Quicken WillMaker

GoodTrust: Best for digital assets

GoodTrust's “Digital Vault” feature is helpful for incorporating your online assets into your estate plan for a reasonable cost.

• Digital vault for organizing online accounts and digital assets.
• Unlimited updates.
• Family plan (each adult member can create their own documents) for no additional cost.
• No attorney support.
• Documents aren’t state-specific but are binding in all 50 states when following state-specific instructions.

on GoodTrust's website

GoodTrust stands out for its “Digital Vault” feature, an encrypted online platform for secure storage of any online asset, including social media accounts, subscriptions and online banking information. You can add a trusted contact to any account on an item-by-item basis and provide detailed instructions, such as how to memorialize your Facebook account or where to transfer your Venmo balance.

GoodTrust offers key estate planning documents for a reasonable fee compared to other estate planning services. The service includes customer support via email ticket and live chat during the will-making process.

» MORE: Learn what can happen if you die intestate (without a will)

Trust & Will: Best for ease of use

Trust & Will

Trust & Will stands out for its quick and easy-to-use process.

• Simple and straightforward process for an online will.
• Unlimited updates with an annual membership.
• Add a year of attorney support for $300.
• Not great for complex family or financial situations.

on Trust & Will's website

Trust & Will stands out for its quick and easy-to-use process. The online will maker service includes HIPAA authorization, living will and power of attorney documents. You can download your documents, but all documents also ship free for first-time users with state-specific notarization instructions.

The Trust & Will website also includes a library of educational content to help users understand estate planning, and unlimited attorney support is available for $200 per year.

» MORE: See our full review of Trust & Will

Rocket Lawyer: Best customer service

Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer stands out for its customer service, which includes the option to contact a lawyer for legal assistance via phone, email or online chat.

• Free seven-day membership trial.
• 30-minute phone consultation with a lawyer included with membership.
• Built-in chat feature to ask a lawyer questions.
• Membership can be costly.
• Must have membership to make changes after the trial period expires.

on Rocket Lawyer's website

Rocket Lawyer stands out for its customer service, which includes the option to contact a lawyer for legal assistance via phone, email or online chat. This service is included in Rocket Lawyer’s $39.99 monthly fee, which gives you access to all estate planning documents on the platform.

Otherwise, you can fill out the company’s free will template. The seven-day free trial is a great way to take advantage of the upgraded customer service, but you’ll have to pay to make updates after the trial ends.

» MORE: See our full review of Rocket Lawyer's Online Will

LegalZoom: Best state-specific legal advice

LegalZoom’s online will maker, like its other legal services, uses flat-fee pricing and offers attorney assistance for an added fee.

• Attorneys available for consultation in all 50 states.
• Flat-fee pricing.
• More expensive than some other online will makers.
• Relatively narrow document offerings.

LegalZoom’s online will maker, like its other legal services, uses flat-fee pricing and offers attorney assistance for an added fee. The company has independent attorneys available in all 50 states who can help make sure your documents comply with your state’s laws.

You can craft an online will starting at $89 and add other forms, such as a power of attorney for $35 and a living will for $39.

» MORE: See our full review of LegalZoom's online will maker

Do Your Own Will: Best free will software

Do Your Own Will

Do Your Own Will offers wills, living wills and power of attorney documents for download as PDFs and Word documents.

• Free documents, including living will and power of attorney.
• No account or credit card information needed.
• You’ll need to check state laws to make sure your will complies.
• No legal support available.

on Nerdwallet

Do Your Own Will offers wills, living wills and power of attorney documents for download as PDFs and Word documents. You can select your state and fill in basic information to craft a basic will at no cost. This service doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of other online will makers, and you may need to double-check the legal standards for your state, but it’s simple, functional and free.

» MORE: See our full review of Do Your Own Will

Fabric by Gerber Life: Best online will maker for young families

Fabric by Gerber Life

Fabric by Gerber Life offers a free online will maker catered to families with young children.

• Free online will template.
• Option to buy life insurance through the website.
• Specifically made for families with young children.
• No attorney access available.
• Wills aren’t state-specific.

Fabric by Gerber Life offers a free online will maker catered to families with young children. Fabric’s will template isn’t state-specific, though the website does provide instructions to make your will legally binding in your state. The process is fairly quick and offers an easy way to appoint guardians and beneficiaries , with the option to sign up for life insurance through the platform as well.

» MORE: See our full review of Fabric by Gerber Life Will

What other services does each will maker offer?

Are online wills legit.

Online wills can be legally binding if they’re specific to your state and properly notarized. Notarization requirements can vary from state to state; in some, you may need only two witnesses to sign and won’t need an attorney. Also, make sure to use a reputable, well-reviewed online will maker if you’re going the do-it-yourself route.

Other ways to write a will

Download a template.

Many websites have free and low-priced will templates available for download. You can find templates specific to your state and estate situation, though more specific forms may cost extra.

A template is a decent starter option if you can’t invest in a more comprehensive effort, but make sure the template meets your needs and state legal requirements.

Hire an attorney or estate tax professional

If your estate is complex or large, it might be worth your time and money to consult an estate planning attorney right away, especially if you live in a state with its own estate or inheritance taxes .

Hiring a professional can help ensure that you’re protected in specific situations you may have concerns about, including special child care provisions, business issues or a blended family with multiple heirs.

Hybrid approach

You can start writing your will yourself and then ask an attorney any lingering questions. By starting the process, you'll have answered or anticipated most questions a legal adviser would have and be able to discuss any concerns.

Your fees might also be lower because you’ll have done much of the prep work before consulting an attorney. However, even a partial lawyer's fee is more expensive than other will-writing methods, and working with a professional can be time-consuming and require multiple appointments.

The Best Online Will Making Programs

These sites can help you create an affordable will online.

Getty Images

Finding the right will making software for your family situation can streamline the process and allow you to have everything in order for your heirs.

Rather than walking into an attorney's office and paying a high hourly rate, you can opt for a range of online will options to help create a will from the comfort of your home at a reasonable price.

These will makers aid with documents ranging from basic wills to intricate estate plans. Finding the right will making software for your family situation can streamline the process and allow you to have everything in order for your heirs .

The following programs can help you create a will online and provide other estate planning solutions :

• Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust - Visit Now .
• Fabric by Gerber Life - Visit Now . 
• LegalZoom - Visit Now .
• Do Your Own Will - Visit Now .
• U.S. Legal Wills - Visit Now .
• FreeWill - Visit Now .
• Rocket Lawyer - Visit Now .
• Total Legal - Visit Now .
• Trust & Will - Visit Now .
• Gentreo - Visit Now .

Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust

If you want nearly everything for a customized estate plan in one place, Quicken provides software to create a will, power of attorney, health care directive, living trust and other estate-related documents. A questionnaire guides you through the process of deciding which documents you need. Nolo's WillMaker starter bundle is $99, which includes a will, health care directives and final arrangements. More features come with the Plus version at $139 and the All-Access version for $209.

Fabric by Gerber Life

To make a will without having to sign up for anything or create an account, you can use Fabric's free online will tool . If you have a basic estate or simple family situation, this service could be a good fit. After answering a few questions, you can print the will and make it legally binding. The process takes approximately five minutes. While the service is free, the site also sells life insurance policies for a range of prices.

If you want a professional's input when making an online will, LegalZoom provides access to an independent attorney who is knowledgeable about laws in your state. Legal counsel is available at the start of the will making process. You can also begin making a will on your own with the site's self-guided questionnaire. If you have questions, you can reach out to an attorney. Legal counsel is also available after you finish the will to help you make updates or address concerns for up to a year. Prices start at $89.

Do Your Own Will

If you're looking to spend as little as possible, Do Your Own Will provides a free way to make a will. By answering questions, you create a simple will. You can then download the document as a Word or PDF file. There are also other estate planning documents available for free, including a pet guardian trust and durable power of attorney. While the services are free, the site states that if you have a complicated estate, it may be useful to seek legal counsel and use other estate planning tools.

U.S. Legal Wills

To set up specific instructions for loved ones, you can create a will through U.S. Legal Wills . The online will making tool asks questions about your estate to help you line up information your executor can use to properly distribute assets. According to the site, you can have a will in just 20 minutes. The standard cost is $39.95, along with additional charges for services such as setting up a power of attorney for finances or storing documents in a digital vault that can be passed on to your family and executor. Plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

You can use FreeWill to help you create a basic document. As you work through the steps, if you realize that your estate is more complex than you initially perceived, you can still benefit from the site. FreeWill provides free forms you can fill out to take to an attorney, which can save time and funds. The site states that you might want to pair its services with a lawyer if you have a large or complicated estate. In addition to wills, the site offers related legal planning tools like advanced health care directives, beneficiary designations and durable financial power of attorney. FreeWill is able to offer its tools for free via partnerships with nonprofits.

Rocket Lawyer

If you're not sure what to include in a will, Rocket Lawyer provides free templates of wills that can be customized to your situation. The site will guide you through the process, helping you decide what exactly to include in your will. It also provides information on other legal documents related to estate planning. You can pay $39.99 for a will or become a premium member for $39.99 per month to gain access to additional legal services.

Total Legal

You can complete an online interview through Total Legal to help understand what you need for your will. After creating a will online, you can print it out or choose to receive it by mail. The site then provides instructions on how to have your will signed in your state. A last will and testament costs $19.95, and the site offers other estate planning documents in a range of prices.

Trust & Will

You'll be able to carry out the will process in a step-by-step way at Trust & Will . The site provides customized, state-specific wills and instructions to walk you through the documents you need. Wills start at $159 for an individual or $259 for a couple. You can also set up trusts and guardians.

For a complete estate planning service that is customizable to your exact situation, Gentreo offers a way to create, store and share your estate plan. If you have a blended family, specific gifts or distinct wishes for a pet, the site walks you through the details of sorting out your preferences and making a will that suits your needs. Once the will is complete, you can upload it to your family vault and choose which beneficiaries can have access to it. The site also offers additional estate planning documents such as a health care proxy and power of attorney. You can get all the documents you need for $150 for the first year and $50 for each following year.

Estate Planning Tips You Need to Know

Maryalene LaPonsie Oct. 17, 2023

Tags: retirement , money , wills , death , aging

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• Trust & Estate Planning

Best Online Will Makers of May 2024

Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust is our top pick because it's comprehensive and affordable

An online will maker is a service that helps an individual create a will from the comfort of their home, potentially for less than an estate attorney would charge. Online will makers work with attorneys and other legal professionals to generate a will based on the information you provide, which (so long as it's accurate and executed correctly) is just as legally binding as a standard will. If you have a relatively simple estate, an online will maker can be an affordable way to ensure your affairs are in order and your loved ones will be taken care of.

According to our research, Nolo's Quicken WillMaker & Trust is the best overall online will maker due to its downloadable software, free software updates, and access to a catalog of estate planning documents. We researched 13 companies and evaluated them on several factors, including company history, price, availability in all states, offerings for online resources, ease of use, compatibility with various devices, and whether it was easy to make updates.

The 6 Best Online Will Makers of May 2024

• Best Overall: Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust
• Best Value: U.S. Legal Wills
• Best for Ease of Use: Trust & Will
• Best Comprehensive Estate Plan: TotalLegal
• Best for Free: Do Your Own Will
• Best for Making Changes: Rocket Lawyer
• Our Top Picks
• Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust
• U.S. Legal Wills
• Trust & Will
• Do Your Own Will
• Rocket Lawyer
• See More (3)

The Bottom Line

• Compare Providers

How to Write a Will

Alternative to a will, why you should trust us.

• Methodology

Best Overall : Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust

• Price : Starting at $99
• Legal support : No
• Free trial : No
• Update period : One year of software updates included

Customers get access to a large number of estate planning documents with this Nolo product, and the software itself is easy to use. You’re not required to have an internet connection except to download and update the software.

Get comprehensive estate planning documents for a flat rate

Free software updates for version year

Downloadable software

Estate planning documents aren’t valid in Louisiana

Must meet minimum operating system requirements

Downloadable software not available for Starter price tier

Nolo, which is headquartered in Pleasanton, California, started by publishing DIY legal guides back in 1971. It was one of the first websites to provide online legal assistance and information. It's branched out into other products, like its Quicken WillMaker & Trust software tools.

You can download the program for $99 to $209, depending on the version. They include key estate planning documents like a legal will, a living trust , a financial power of attorney (POA) , a healthcare directive, final arrangements, and a letter to survivors, in addition to other types of personal finance and home and family management documents.

The software is compatible with both Mac and Windows, and it's easy to use. It allows you to create customized legal documents using a simple interview survey to fill out forms. You can then save your information and download completed documents in PDF format. You can update your will at any time and receive legal and technical updates via the internet.

There's a legal manual to help you answer common questions within Quicken WillMaker & Trust, and you can contact technical support for additional help. Louisiana residents won’t be able to use this software because it doesn’t address the estate planning requirements for this state.

Best Value : U.S. Legal Wills

 US Legal Wills

• Price : Starting at $49.95
• Legal support : Yes
• Update period : Unlimited

U.S. Legal Wills is one of the most affordable will options we've seen. It offers 40% off forms for partners or spouses, and it also has an add-on service to get an attorney to review your estate plan. It’s one of the only websites that accommodates affordable wills for expats and those who have personal property or other assets located outside the U.S.

Free unlimited updates

Includes forms for assets outside the U.S. and for expats

Discounts for documents for your spouse or partner

No living revocable trust available

Website not as intuitive as other competitors

Signup process for spouses can be clunky

Formed in 2000 and based in New York City, U.S. Legal Wills is operated by PartingWishes Inc., an independent organization that works with U.S.-based lawyers to create legal documents, without being tied to a particular law firm. Services are available in all U.S. states (except Louisiana) and provide some of the best values and discounts of all the websites we reviewed.

Starting at $49.95 for a last will and testament, U.S. Legal Wills customers also get free storage for their documents on the company's secure servers, in addition to unlimited updates. You can pay annually or opt for the lifetime feature if you want to keep storing your documents with U.S. Legal Wills, which is only $129.95. It's a more economical choice if you plan on storing your will on its servers for more than a few years. Spouses or partners can get mirror wills (plus additional documents) for 40% off.

You can create a variety of estate planning documents on the U.S. Legal Wills website, then designate what the company calls Keyholders. These are people who have access to your documents, such as trusted family members or the individual you've named as executor .

Members can receive additional support by submitting a ticket through the customer service portal.

Best for Ease of Use : Trust & Will

 Trust & Will

• Price : Starting at $199
• Update period : One year

Customers can create their estate planning documents quickly and simply with Trust & Will. The company offers an easy way to decide which option is best through the "Get Started" section of its site. You can then fill in relevant details using an interview-style format.

We also like that Trust & Will makes it easy for you to make your documents legally binding by mailing you your completed documents for free and providing complete instructions.

Comprehensive learning center

Choose from three options so you can feel less overwhelmed

The website is intuitive to use

Only one year of unlimited updates available

Doesn’t offer free upfront legal consultations

Founded in 2017, Trust & Will aims to modernize the estate planning process by providing an easy and secure way to create your estate plan online. Document creation is seamless using its user-friendly website and its step-by-step path to getting started. The process can take as little as 15 minutes, and the company even mails your completed documents to you for no extra charge, along with instructions to make sure everything is legally binding.

The fintech expert's state-specific trusts offer pretty much everything you'll need, including a living will’s schedule of assets and a revocable living trust to help your loved ones avoid probate. It's one of the only do-it-yourself companies to offer this option.

Trust & Will has a flat fee for wills of $199 for an individual and $299 for couples. A customized trust costs $499, or $599 for couples. This includes unlimited updates for a year. You'll pay $19 annually after the first year for unlimited updates for wills and $39 for trusts.

Best Comprehensive Estate Plan : TotalLegal

Total Legal

• Price : Starting at $19.95 or $99 per year
• Update period : 60 days

TotalLegal is one of the only companies that provides comprehensive legal services that include do-it-yourself business and estate planning documents plus free and discounted access to attorneys through its TotalLegal™ plan.

Low annual or monthly fee

Premium members have access to free and discounted legal services

Ability to create a wide variety of documents

Customers who purchase one-off documents have limited update period

No living trusts available

No online access for executors

TotalLegal is part of Pro Se Planning Inc., which provides self-guided legal products, including estate planning and business formation documents. Pro Se Planning was founded in 2000 and is headquartered in Bellevue, Washington. Customers can purchase and complete individual estate planning documents starting at $19.95 for a last will and testament, which remains available in your online account for 60 days, then offers unlimited updates.

The biggest advantage of TotalLegal is its yearly subscription plan. You get access to legal services for $99 a year, including a consultation, attorney-reviewed documents, and a will with free updates each year. All this provides the most comprehensive resources for those who need some guidance.

Document creation is simple. You’ll go through a series of questions to inform and complete your document, which can then be downloaded and printed. TotalLegal’s help center provides extensive information, and you can always call or email customer support if you have any additional questions.

There are discounted services that include creating a simple will with a trust. You'll also get access to its document storage digital vault service, where there are no storage limits.

Best for Free : Do Your Own Will

 Do Your Own Will

• Price : Free
• Free trial : N/A

This free option offers one of the widest varieties of forms without paying for extras. There's no need to create an account or hand over any credit card details. You can download your documents instantly.

No need to sign up for an account to get access to documents

Available to residents of all 50 states

Ability to save your will as either a PDF or Word document

No legal support

You must check state laws yourself

Do Your Own Will is a completely free way to make a last will and testament, POA, or a living will. Beyond the unbeatable price, one of the major perks is that it’s simple to use. There's no need to sign up for an account, but you'll have to provide your email address if you want to make updates or changes later.

Users complete forms online by filling in details such as marital status, information on your dependents, how you want your assets to be divided, and who you want to name as your executor. Download the document as a PDF or Word document, then you can sign it.

Originally founded in 1999, Do Your Own Will is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. It’s available nationwide, but there's one caveat: There's no legal support, so make sure you do your own research to ensure your will is legally binding.

Best for Making Changes : Rocket Lawyer

 Rocket Lawyer

• Price : Starting at $39.99 per month by subscription
• Free trial : Yes
• Update period : Unlimited with subscription

You get access to all Rocket Lawyer's estate planning documents for one monthly price and you can make updates whenever you like. What makes Rocket Lawyer stand out is its ability to get legal advice for new legal issues and the ability to sign your documents securely online. This allows any changes you make to go into effect immediately.

Offers a wide variety of legal and estate planning documents

A free seven-day trial to try out its services

Ability to pay a low monthly fee for premium access

Monthly membership pricier than other options

You must provide credit card information even for a free trial

Founded in 2008 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, Rocket Lawyer offers online legal services that include documents and attorney services. Rocket Lawyer provides customers with two monthly subscription models, which cost $39.99 per month or $239.88 per year, depending on the membership chosen. You get unlimited access to all its legal documents, including the ability to make updates and attorney services. The price also includes a free 30-minute consultation on new legal matters, an “ask a lawyer” option for your legal questions, and other professional services.

You can download wills, trusts, and powers of attorney immediately after you complete all the required information online, and then you'll receive instructions to make the documents legally binding. They can be securely signed online, plus you can invite others to sign them digitally as well. This allows you to make updates and changes quickly. You can also contact customer service by email, online chat, or calling its hotline.

We’re a fan of Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust because you can make your will or trust and other documents with one download for one flat price. But you may want to choose another option if you want additional help from a live lawyer. Nolo’s Quicken WillMaker & Trust is an option with great features for your estate planning forms if you're computer savvy.

Compare Online Will Makers

While writing your own will may seem like an intimidating task, the actual complexity will depend on the nature of your estate. You may be better served hiring an estate planning attorney if you possess an intricate web of assets. If your estate is relatively uncomplicated, then you can follow the steps below to put a will together yourself (though it may still be a good idea to have a lawyer review the finished document).

• Catalog your assets : Before you start writing your will, take an inventory of every asset you own/have in your name that you are legally permitted to bequeath in your state. You'll want to be as detailed as possible when you list these assets in your will to avoid any confusion about what a beneficiary should receive.
• Find a template : You can certainly write a will from scratch, but you can also make things easier on yourself by utilizing a free online template from a reputable source. This will reduce the amount of time you'll spend writing and minimize the chances of making any errors. Ensure the template you choose includes any additional clauses important to you, such as what powers your executor should have or how assets not assigned to any beneficiaries ought to be handled.
• Start with your name and address : While the exact identifying information you'll need in your will may vary based on the template, you'll typically have to include your full legal name, city (and possibly county), and state. Make sure your template includes a sentence revoking any prior wills you may have had.
• Name your executor(s) and guardian(s) (if applicable) : In your will, you'll need to identify the executor administering your will (as well as their successor if your first choice is unavailable) and the guardian (plus their successor) you're granting custody of your minor children (if you have any). You'll also likely have to include the mailing address and Social Security number (SSN) of each individual you name in your will. Be sure to first communicate with each individual you want to name as an executor or guardian to ensure they're willing to accept their respective roles.
• Choose your beneficiaries and the asset(s) they will receive : As with your executor(s) and guardian(s), you'll have to name the beneficiaries receiving your assets, in addition to potentially providing their mailing addresses, SSNs, and relations to you. You'll then need to specify which asset(s) each person or organization will be given.
• Sign and date your will : Once you've finished writing your will, the final step is signing it before the witnesses required by your state. If you don't complete this step, then your will won't be legally binding.

After making copies of your completed will, store the original somewhere safe and inform your executor(s) of where they can find it. You'll also want to review and revise your will every few years and after any major upheavals in your life.

The primary alternative to a will is a living trust . The latter is a legal arrangement wherein an individual designates assets that are transferred to a trust account, which is managed by a trustee of the account opener's choosing. A living trust is created when the account opener signs a trust agreement, which typically specifies the trust's purpose, what kinds of assets it holds, the trustee's duties and responsibilities, and which assets each beneficiary will receive after the grantor dies.

Wills and living trusts share many similarities, but there are a few key differences that set them apart from one another:

• A will is a straightforward document that only details how the testator's assets should be distributed after their passing. Meanwhile, a living trust is a complicated arrangement wherein the grantor sets aside specific assets to fund a trust account while they're alive.
• A will doesn't go into effect until after the testator dies, whereas a living trust is in effect as soon as it's signed.
• In most cases, a will goes into probate after the testator dies, and a trust avoids the probate process entirely.
• A will becomes part of the public record, whereas a living trust's details will only be known to the grantor, trustee, and beneficiaries.

Although a living trust can be considered an alternative to a will, they aren't mutually exclusive. If you want to have an especially comprehensive estate plan , you can have both a will and a living trust. However, if your estate isn't particularly complex, then a will by itself may be sufficient.

Investopedia collected and analyzed several key data points from over 13 companies to identify the most important factors for readers choosing an online will maker. We used this data to review each company for price, availability, compatibility with various devices, and other features to provide unbiased, comprehensive reviews to ensure our readers make the right financial decisions for their needs. Investopedia launched in 1999, and has been helping readers find the best online will makers since 2020.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are online wills legitimate.

Online wills are legitimate as long as they comply with federal and state laws. Online will companies hire licensed attorneys and legal professionals to carefully word their estate planning documents so that each is legally binding, but you'll want to make sure that your final documents will carry the same weight as one that an attorney creates. Check the fine print of the online will company to make sure it’s compliant in your state.

Is Paying for an Online Will Maker Worth It?

Using a free online will service can suffice if your estate is simple and straightforward: You don’t have any children, your only beneficiary is your spouse, and your estate is very small. But you'll probably benefit from using a paid service if you have a larger estate or a more complex situation, or if you want a legal professional to help you work through your documents and other financial matters.

Who Should Draw Up a Will?

It's a good idea for anyone with assets that multiple heirs can legitimately claim. Not dividing up assets can cause litigation among family members, creating resentment and heartache after the individual passes.

Should an Individual Write Their Own Will?

It's inadvisable to write your own will without any sort of legal guidance unless you have an up-to-date background in and knowledge of estate law. Otherwise, it's too easy to inadvertently sidestep a rule or law in your state that you didn't even know about. This could result in your final wishes not being carried out, throwing your estate into chaos as the court looks for alternate solutions. Always touch base with a legal professional before writing and finalizing your own will.

What Should You Avoid Putting in a Will?

Your will is not a private document after your death, so don't include anything that you don't want to become a matter of public record. Forming a living trust is a much more private estate-planning alternative. It will avoid airing out all the most intimate details of your life in probate court. A will must pass through probate in order for your estate to be settled.

What Is the Best Site to Create a Will?

According to our research, Nolo's Quicken WillMaker & Trust website offers the best online will maker. However, depending on your needs, you may be better suited with another company. Do Your Own Will, for example, is a great free option, so long as you're confident in your ability to create a legally binding will without any legal support.

Are Wills Really Necessary?

In most cases, a will is an indispensable part of an estate plan. If you pass away without a will, then you risk your assets being distributed to different persons or parties than you might have wished for. Having a will in place can give you the peace of mind that this won't come to pass. There are a few cases where a will isn't strictly necessary, such as if you lack sufficient assets or any beneficiaries.

How Do You Make an Online Will?

When creating a will online, you'll first want to shop around for the best online will maker to suit your needs. Once you've made that decision, you'll next need to take stock of your assets, such as any real estate in your name. You should then choose your beneficiaries and how you'll want your assets divided between them. After that, you'll need to pick an executor you trust to distribute your assets to the correct beneficiaries. All that's left at this point is to fill out the template provided by your will maker and store a physical copy somewhere safe.

It would likely be a good idea to hire an attorney to review your will to ensure it's legally binding. Don't forget to also ensure that the beneficiary designations for any of your assets with death benefits (such as bank accounts, retirement accounts, or a life insurance policy) are aligned with your new estate plan.

How We Pick the Best Online Will Makers

Our goal is to make sure our recommendations are ones we would share with our family and friends when looking to choose an online will maker company. We looked at 13 companies before choosing the top providers. Factors we looked at include company history, price, availability in all states, offerings for online resources, whether the product was simple to use, compatibility with various devices, and whether it was easy to make updates.

Our opinions are our own and are not influenced by the payment we receive from advertisers.  Click here to learn more about our review process.

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If you die without making a Will, your property and belongings (your estate) will be divided up according to intestacy rules , which may not be how you would choose for your estate to be treated. 

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What to include in your Will.

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Ensuring that your wishes for your property, money and belongings will be carried out.

Helping you to get your affairs in order.

The Ben Fund has teamed up with National Free Wills Network to give you the opportunity to write your standard Will for free.

You will meet face-to-face with a solicitor near you to set down your wishes for what will happen to your money, belongings, property and pets when you are no longer around.

You can nominate who you would like to handle your affairs after you die and will have the option, if you choose, to leave charitable gifts.

Contact the Ben Fund to register your interest here .

NB: This offer is for a standard Will. If your Will is deemed as a complex Will, the standard element will remain free and you will only need to pay for the complex element.

A complex Will might include such issues as:

• Tax advice in connection with large estates and Inheritance Tax
• Overseas property
• Business ownership
• Discretionary/living trusts

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Leave a legacy by giving back to charities in your Will

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Give away items, properties, or cash gifts to loved ones

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Plan your worldwide estate with the personalized guidance of our Will writing experts. Write Wills for every country where you own assets, each with their own customizations to fit your specific wishes, save on taxes, and speed up the process for your family.

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Complete the questions in as little as 15 minutes. Receive the completed Will within 2 working days.

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Help from real Will writing experts is always a click away. When you use our on-site chat window, our Will specialists will personally tend to your questions and concerns. Have a question about the process? Want advice on who you should appoint as a guardian? Or perhaps you just want to give some feedback? Simply click on the green chat button in the bottom right corner of the screen to speak with us! We are available Monday to Friday .

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Our Will writing experts have written useful articles about general estate planning, guides to help you with our online Will writing service, and explanations about the contents of our products.

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Best online will writers.

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Updated December 13, 2023

In this guide

If you have relatively simple financial affairs, then an online will could be a cheap and convenient option for you.

This guide looks what an online will writer is, who the service might be suitable for and lists our top picks.

In this article, we explain:

• What is an online will service?
• Who is it suitable for?
• What are the top online will writers?
• How are our ratings calculated?

Read more: Guide to wills

This article contains affiliate links that can earn us revenue *

What is an online will writing service?

Online will writing services allows those with simple financial affairs to write a legal will, quickly and simply, without the need for face-to-face meetings and expensive solicitors fees. It can offer greater peace of mind than a DIY will.

A number, such as Farewill use in-house legal experts to check over your will to ensure it’s written correctly and your wishes are clear.

Below, we cover in more detail what else the services offer, along with other online will writers that we rate highly, including Bequest, Bequeathed and Guardian Angel. Many services will also offer lasting power of attorney services.

Word of warning: an online will writer is not for everyone

An online will writing service is unlikely to be suitable if you have complicated affairs and inheritance tax issues, own your own business or you have remarried.

Online will writing services also aren’t authorised and regulated in England and Wales in the same way as solicitors.

Remember, once you have your written will, it will need to be signed and witnessed to make it legally binding.

Read more: Do I need a lawyer to make a will?

Want to watch rather than read? Tips for drawing up a will

This video lists the top tips on how to create your own will. Or alternatively, read how to write a will .

Top online will writers

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Best for: free service (no legal check)

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Farewill Online Will

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Guardian Angel

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Preparing for the cost of death

Losing a loved one is always difficult. But it can be even harder when the cost of death causes financial strain and concern about how the funeral will be paid for. Nobody likes to think about what will happen when they die. However, spending time thinking about its impact and doing some financial planning for […]

What is Free Wills Month?

If you haven’t got round to writing your Will yet, now might be the time to do it because March is Free Wills Month. Instead of paying a solicitor fee, those over the age of 55 are invited to donate to charity. Here we explain how it works and who is eligible. Free Wills Month […]

What happens to debts when you die?

Debts aren’t inherited but are paid off out of your estate when you die. This means that your loved ones are off the hook, unless they had a joint loan with you or provided a loan guarantee for you. If your estate doesn’t have sufficient funds to pay for the debts, then they are likely […]

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EIS Financial Services

Created on: 25 Aug 2022 | Last modified: 20 Jun 2023

EIS Financial Services 

U.S. Department of The Interior

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What Is The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) Process?

General Information  

Getting input from as many affected and interested parties as possible is an important part of preparing an EIS. These usually include:

• Citizens who live, work, or play in the area where OCS-related activity may occur.
• Public interest groups and Native communities that have concerns about possible impacts to environmental, social, or economic resources.
• Federal, State, and local government agencies that have responsibilities for managing public resources or services.
• Oil industry and oil industry support businesses that might conduct oil and gas development activities.
• Scientists and other technical experts with knowledge of the area's natural resources and the possible impacts of oil and gas development.

An important objective of scoping is to identify specific elements of the environment that might be affected if the proposal is carried out. If we determine that there might be significant impacts associated with a concern that is raised during scoping, it is analyzed in detail in the EIS. For OCS activities, environmental concerns that commonly arise include:

• Ecological concerns such as the possible impacts of oil and gas development on marine mammals, birds, fish and shellfish, and the natural habitats that support these resources.
• Sociological concerns such as development-related changes in population or demands for public transportation, education, or health care services. Other social factors involved may include possible changes in the cultural, religious, or recreational traditions of affected communities.
• Economic concerns often center on marine-related employment, like commercial fishing and tourism.

Based on the information received during the scoping effort and other information, such as the location of sensitive natural resources, estimates of oil and gas resources, or projected oil and gas activity, we identify alternatives to the proposal that might reduce possible impacts. In addition, any reasonable measures suggested to mitigate possible impacts are considered for analysis in the EIS.

Analytical Scenarios

After the alternatives to the proposal are determined, we develop scenarios for the proposal and each alternative. Those are the bases for the analyses of possible impacts. The scenarios for the 5-year program and lease sales are largely hypothetical because it is not known at the time what operations will actually take place. The scenarios for these EISs include information about:

• Numbers of wells that might be drilled and the discharges that might result from drilling the wells.
• Numbers of production platforms that might be installed and the types and amounts of activity needed to support platform operations.
• Methods that might be used to transport the oil and gas that are produced.
• Oil spills.

The EIS scenarios for proposed development projects are more site-specific than for proposed lease sales and are based on the actual plan submitted by a company for a particular development project.

Impact Analysis

The EIS analyzes the particular environmental concerns that were identified. A separate analysis is prepared for the proposal and each alternative. The objective of the analysis is to estimate the nature, severity, and duration of impacts that might occur and to compare the impacts of the proposal and alternatives. Numerous technical aids are used in making the assessment, including ecological and socioeconomic studies sponsored by BOEM and others, and computer models that simulate the movements of accidental oil spills or air emissions from operations.

Draft EIS and Public Review

The impact analysis is first documented in a draft EIS. When the Associate Director for Offshore Energy and Minerals Management, or a higher authority, approves an EIS, BOEM headquarters staff review a pre-publication version of the draft. If approval authority for the EIS is above the BOEM Director, the Department's Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance and the Solicitor's Office also review the draft. The purpose of the review is to ensure the technical accuracy of all aspects of the document.

The draft EIS is made available to the public for a minimum of 45 days for review and comment. The availability of the draft EIS is announced in a Federal Register notice and in press releases. Copies of the document are made available to the public through our web pages, individual mailings, and repositories such as public libraries. The public may either comment to us in writing or by making oral comments at one of the public hearings that we hold in the areas most likely to be affected.

The principal concern in developing the final EIS is to address public comments on the draft EIS in a responsive and responsible fashion. The final EIS includes a summary of all comments and our responses. The office preparing the EIS is responsible for drafting responses. For appropriate EISs, the Department and BOEM headquarters review them for technical accuracy and adherence to policy.

After the comments on the draft EIS are reviewed, we revise the document to correct technical errors and add any relevant new information that became available since the draft EIS was published. On occasion, a new alternative or mitigation measure will be added and evaluated. A summary of the comments received on the draft EIS and our responses to those comments are also put into the document. Normally, a final EIS is made available to the public within 6 months after the comment period on the draft EIS ends. Once again, the availability of the final EIS is announced in a Federal Register notice and press releases.  

Army expands rollout of new contract writing system

U.S. Army Program Executive Office Enterprise Information Systems (PEO EIS) and the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Procurement (ODASA(P)) are building on the success of the initial launch of the Army Contract Writing System (ACWS) by rolling it out to an additional 400 users across a dozen states and locations outside of the continental United States. By January 2024, the total number of ACWS users will be over 500. 

Since ACWS’ initial rollout in August, the Army contracting workforce has issued 123 contract awards through the system, with total obligations of $41 million.  

ACWS users have provided highly favorable feedback about the system and related training. The Army has held 12 training classes for 379 individuals to date, according to Maria Dunton, procurement analyst and ACWS team lead with the ODASA(P). She shared some comments from recent training feedback surveys: 

“ACWS is one BILLION times better than PD2 [Procurement Desktop-Defense]. And I've been using PD2 for 14 years.” 

“Started using this training to begin an award in ACWS already.” 

"The instructors are great, good interactive dynamic with the class, and they clearly care about providing good quality training to the students, so that they can go out and get the job done.” 

“I can't stress this enough - this training is fantastic, and the instructors are outstanding. Probably the best contracting-related training I've attended in my 12 years in DoD contracting.” 

Dunton said the training program feedback received thus far is “a huge success story for the ACWS program.”  

“It demonstrates we are on the right track with our training strategy,” she said. “We will continue to incorporate feedback from our users into our training and adoption management efforts.” 

In an interview this past August, Steve Edsall, product manager for ACWS at PEO EIS, attributed the system’s success to the close partnership between EIS, ODASA(P) and the solution provider. 

“They have been with us hand in hand throughout this entire process, and they have been integrating their training programs and their functionality and operational wishes throughout,” said Edsall, “so we’ve really been working as a great cohesive team to get the training that the users need ahead of time, so when we actually went live, people were able to use the system instantly.” 

In late 2024, the Army expects to roll out ACWS to an additional 2,000 users from U.S. Army Mission and Installation Contracting Command sites, Army National Guard and other Army Contracting Command sites that receive purchase requisitions via the General Fund Enterprise Business System (GFEBS), pending completion of the GFEBS interface. 

Besides continuing to field and enhance ACWS, EIS recently chaired the Multi-Service Contract Writing Tool Summit in Tysons Corner, Virginia in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force, U.S. Navy and Defense Logistics Agency. The Air Force provided all the services with the underlying contract writing software, and through teaming and coordination, each service is developing capabilities that are useful to all and shareable across the DOD services. 

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Course Description

Preparing and evaluating Environmental Assessments (EAs)/Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSIs) and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs) is a complex task, and many agencies use contractors to prepare their NEPA Documents. But when those draft documents are submitted, agency staff must review and comment on them, attempting to ensure that the documents prepared by other agencies or their contractors have the necessary content.

This NEPA training course provides the tools needed to review and evaluate the content of NEPA documents, whether prepared by contractors, other agencies, or in-house. There will be a comprehensive introduction for those new to NEPA and a refresher for more experienced professionals. Materials are also relevant to writers of NEPA documents. Illustrative examples will come from excerpts of real-life EAs/FONSIs and EISs.

Emphasis is on the FONSI in particular, but all findings in general; alternatives, both those included and those that may safely be left out; a workable approach to what are called “cumulative impacts”. All materials are modeled according to statutes, regulations, andwinning case law. A major theme is emphasis on using plain language.

Attendees will gain an immensely useful set of tools to answer the question frequently asked when draft documents are received: “Is this thing any good?” The answer will be “Yes”, if it looks like the statutes, regulations, and winning case law.

The instructor is Owen Schmidt, author of NEPA Models and Case Lists as well as a number of other NEPA-related publications, and the instructor for NWETC’s courses titled NEPA: Writing the Perfect EA/FONSI or EIS and Advanced NEPA.

*Reduced tuition is available to employees of Native American tribes, government agencies, nonprofits, students and NAEP members. You may register online or by calling the Northwest Environmental Training Center at (425) 270-3274. Please wait to receive a course confirmation email, roughly one month prior to the class, before making any travel arrangements.

Attendees will receive a copy of the course book, and downloadable files containing real NEPA documents and more reference material.

This course is designed for anyone who reviews, comments on, revises, plans, or writes NEPA documents, including (EAs)/Findings of No Significant Impact (FONSIs) and Environmental Impact Statements (EISs). Agency personnel or contractors who have any part in the NEPA planning, feedback, and re-writing process will benefit from this course.

Course Topics

• NEPA Primer: Basics/Overview
• The Finding of No Significant Impact in particular
• The proposed action and alternative actions: Purpose and need in plain language; Projects versus programmatic decisions; How to review the question of alternatives for EAs and EISs
• Alternatives: proposed action, alternative action, no action
• Impact assessment: cumulative impacts, direct and indirect impacts; connected, cumulative, and similar actions: How to review the assessment and comparison of environmental consequences in EAs and EISs
• Lessons learned: Case Studies (Cube-set payloads…desire to maximize payloads, “~last minute” loading of launch vehicles with small payloads in “cube-sets”, NEPA exposure if anomalous? What is adequate NEPA process, public notice…etc? Case study overview & lessons learned from “NEPA Gone Wrong,” the federal Mineral Mining Service (MMS) and the Deepwater Horizon disaster. CEQ report overview of the MMS NEPA treatment of what they did and didn’t do right, consequences -MMS loss of mission & dissolution…evolving to the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), and post MMS changes/improvements at BOEM regarding NEPA. Any lessons learned, changes to our procedures & documents we should be looking at within NASA and FAA – licensing of commercial Spaceports and launch cycle? NASA using “ACME” rocket companies for Govt payload launches to ISS…astronauts next…NEPA treatment…recent NASA Wallops Island, MD commercial launch Space-X, (with NASA re-supply payload).

What to Bring

Drinks and snacks will be provided each day. Lunch will be on your own.

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Click here to be notified when this course is scheduled in your area. Please note what state is most convenient for you.

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Army rolls out new contract writing system

FORT BELVOIR, Va. — U.S. Army Program Executive Office for Enterprise Information Systems, recently launched the Army Contract Writing System, a platform designed to provide the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army for Procurement with a single enterprise writing and management system to streamline the Army contracting process.

The initial user group includes 104 contracting personnel at 29 locations including Army Contracting Command-Joint Base Lewis-McChord and offices across the Army National Guard who will provide feedback on the system prior to the next release.

“We’re proud to provide significantly improved integrated contract writing capabilities for the contracting workforce, enabling them to work faster and more efficiently to help the Army meet its mission,” said Megan Dake, DASA for Procurement. “We owe our teammates this, and we’ll continue to get feedback and work with the product manager to improve the system as more capability is rolled out to larger organization.”

During this initial deployment, the ACWS will enable users to:

• Generate solicitation, award and modification documents in Uniform Contract Format
• Generate Procurement Data Standard-compliant transactions
• Import vendors from the System for Award Management
• Link to the Procurement Integrated Enterprise Environment Clause Logic Service to complete required clause interviews
• Receive purchase requests from the Defense Enterprise Accounting and Management System
• Connect to the Federal Procurement Data System to complete contract action reports

The next rollout of ACWS, which will include approximately 350 additional users from Army Contracting Command and the Army National Guard, is planned for the first quarter of fiscal year 2024. ACWS will eventually replace the Standard Procurement System/Procurement Desktop-Defense and the Procurement Automated Data and Document System.

“This marks the beginning of a new era of Army contract writing,” said Steve Edsall, ACWS product lead at PEO EIS. “We’re leveraging existing technologies and maximizing shareability and reuse across the DOD.”

ACWS partnered with the Defense Logistics Agency to host and manage the software environment, providing significant cost savings for the program. This strategy also enables future opportunities for shared capability development with the Navy, Air Force and DLA – and provides an opportunity to replace legacy systems earlier.

“The ACWS team is excited about this accomplishment,” said Edsall, adding that the team will continue to deliver more capabilities and functions in future iterations.

Users can look forward to the system’s integration with the Virtual Contracting Enterprise and other financial systems, including the General Fund Enterprise Business System, Corps of Engineers Financial Management System and the Logistics Modernization Program. Future capabilities will include the ability to use the Construction Specifications Institute contract format, the awarding of grants, cooperative agreements and major systems procurements, and secure contracting capabilities. The entire ACWS team has fully embraced the Agile methodology that will be used to enhance the system over time.

“I’m proud to share that ACWS is one of the early adopters of Agile at PEO EIS,” said Kevin Curry, project manager for the Defense Integrated Business Systems portfolio, which oversees ACWS. “As ACWS moves forward, the team will work closely with the functional community, our technical integration provider and other partners to incrementally add functionality, when relevant and ready.”

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Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Program Requests Incidental Take Permit for Federally Listed Species Dependent Upon the Edwards Aquifer

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) will announce in the Federal Register the notice of availability of the draft Environmental Impact Statement (dEIS) and an incidental take permit application for the Edwards Aquifer Recovery Implementation Program (EARIP) that includes a draft Habitat Conservation Plan (dHCP). This announcement begins a 90-day public comment period.

The Edwards Aquifer Authority; San Antonio Water Systems; the City of New Braunfels, Texas; the City of San Marcos, Texas; and Texas State University (collectively, the Applicants) applied to the Service for an Incidental Take Permit under the Endangered Species Act (ESA). The incidental take proposed in the dHCP would occur in Bexar, Medina and Uvalde Counties and portions of Atascosa, Caldwell, Comal, Guadalupe and Hays Counties in Texas.

The dHCP describes measures the Applicants agree to undertake to minimize and mitigate the effects of incidental take of the following federally listed species dependent on the springs and river systems associated with the Edwards Aquifer: the fountain darter (Etheostoma fonticola), San Marcos salamander (Eurycea nana), Texas wild rice (Zizania texania), San Marcos gambusia (Gambusia georgei), Texas blind salamander (Eurycea rathbuni), Peck's cave amphipod (Stygobromus pecki), Comal Springs dryopid beetle (Stygoparnus comalensis) and the Comal Springs riffle beetle (Heterelemis comalensis). The dHCP would cover general activities associated with activities including the regulation and production of groundwater for irrigation, industrial, municipal, domestic, and livestock purposes; the use of instream flows in the Comal River and San Marcos River for recreational uses; and other operational and maintenance activities that could affect Comal Springs, San Marcos Springs and the associated river systems.

The Edwards Aquifer is one of the most prolific artesian aquifers in the world. It is also the source of the two largest springs in Texas: Comal and San Marcos. The Edwards Aquifer is the primary source of drinking water for more than 2 million people including the seventh largest city in the nation (San Antonio) and serves the domestic, agricultural, industrial and recreational needs of the area.

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service News Release Public Affairs Office PO Box 1306 Albuquerque, NM 87103 505/248-6911 505/248-6915 (Fax)

The Service issued a draft Environmental Impact Statement that evaluates the impacts of, and alternatives to, possible issuance of an incidental take permit covering the EARIP

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