In a move that is sure to rattle the traditional realms of estate planning, Trust & Will, a groundbreaking legal technology firm based in San Diego, recently announced it has successfully secured $25 million in Series C funding. With this latest round of financing, the company has now accumulated a total of $75 million in investments. Recognized as a standout organization—landing at No. 41 on CNBC’s coveted Disruptor 50 list—the firm is ardently pursuing its mission to make critical wealth preservation strategies more attainable.
The digital landscape of estate planning has been languishing in the shadows, often dominated by costly services that overwhelm individuals with complexity. Trust & Will aims to shatter these outdated barriers by leveraging advanced technology combined with thoughtful human oversight. Drawing on their new infusion of funds, the company is determined to enhance their offerings through artificial intelligence—an exciting frontier that promises to reshape how families think about their legacies.
AI Meets Compassionate Service
Cody Barbo, the co-founder and CEO of Trust & Will, articulates a clear vision for the future. He believes that the introduction of artificial intelligence will facilitate deeper understandings and foster greater clarity for families and their advisors. “AI enables families and advisors to plan with greater clarity and confidence,” Barbo noted in the funding announcement. The blend of cutting-edge technology with personal touch is likely to resonate well with a demographic that craves efficiency without sacrificing empathy in such a sensitive area of planning.
The fact that Trust & Will is diving deeper into the realm of AI exemplifies a new trend where tech companies are not only concerned about automating processes but also about enriching the emotional experience that accompanies major life planning decisions. In an industry often viewed as staid and narrowly focused, this inflection point could finally elevate estate planning discussions from mere transactions to meaningful life choices.
Addressing the Unmet Need
Despite the growing awareness of the importance of estate planning—83% of Americans believe it’s necessary—only 31% have taken the necessary step of drafting a will. What’s even more startling is that over half of American adults lack any kind of estate plan. Trust & Will addresses this paradoxical gap by providing user-friendly tools and legally valid documents tailored to individual state guidelines, making estate planning easier and more inclusive.
What sets Trust & Will apart is its unique position within the marketplace. Unlike other players like LegalZoom or Rocket Lawyer, which cast wide nets across various legal services, Trust & Will hones in specifically on the intricacies of estate planning. Their approach offers depth where others offer breadth, filling a critical niche and positioning them as a go-to option for families seeking to safeguard their legacies without drowning in a sea of legal jargon.
Strategic Partnerships and Outreach Initiatives
Trust & Will’s innovative approach isn’t limited to technological enhancements alone; the company also recognizes the importance of partnerships. Collaborations with respected financial institutions such as Bank of America, USAA, and Navy Federal lend credibility and facilitate outreach to a wider audience. This strategy not only helps clients but simultaneously empowers financial professionals with intuitive tools that make the estate planning process seamless and productive.
The recent hiring of celebrity brand ambassadors, including Super Bowl Champion Matthew Stafford and his wife, podcaster Kelly Stafford, underscores Trust & Will’s commitment to connecting with consumers on a personal level. Their decision to feature real-life experiences in national TV commercials emphasizes the message that estate planning is a universal necessity. Furthermore, partnerships with professional sports teams like the Los Angeles Kings and San Diego Wave establish Trust & Will’s dedication to community engagement.
By combining a robust outreach strategy with a solid technological foundation, Trust & Will isn’t simply selling a service; they are reshaping perceptions. They are advocating for a world where every family, regardless of their financial parameters, can access the tools they need to protect their legacies and ensure that their loved ones are taken care of long after they’re gone.
The Future of Estate Planning
As Trust & Will looks toward an ambitious future, it is evident that the estate planning landscape is set for transformation. With its innovative integration of technology, commitment to compassion, and proactive outreach, the company is poised to lead the charge in democratizing an essential service often mired in inaccessibility.
In a time when more aspects of our lives are being managed online, Trust & Will’s efforts underscore a pivotal shift—a recognition that end-of-life planning should also be straightforward, transparent, and within everyone’s reach. The question now is whether the rest of the industry will adapt or be left in the dust of this disruptor’s rapid ascent.