It used to be a formal meeting at a law office. Now it might be a cup of coffee and a few clicks on a laptop. In today’s increasingly digital Malaysia, platforms like SmartWills and RockWills are changing how people approach legacy planning. And while both companies aim to help individuals safeguard their futures, they come from very different corners of the will writing space. This article explores SmartWills vs RockWills — not just as legal tools, but as experiences, services, and reflections of a broader shift in how Malaysians prepare for the inevitable.
Old Guard vs New Wave: Two Faces of Digital Will Writing in Malaysia
RockWills, a well-known name in the Malaysian estate planning industry, has been around since the 1990s. It’s a traditional service provider with physical branches, dedicated consultants, and a reputation for handling complex family structures and asset portfolios.
SmartWills Malaysia, in contrast, is part of a newer wave — part legal tech, part convenience engine. It’s designed with digital-native users in mind: millennials with young children, busy professionals, or even overseas Malaysians needing an affordable will writing service without returning home.
While both platforms ultimately produce legally-binding wills, how they get you there — and how they make you feel in the process — couldn’t be more different.
SmartWills vs RockWills: A Look at the User Experience
One major distinction lies in the step-by-step online will writing experience.
SmartWills uses a web-based interface that guides users through a series of intuitive questions — Who are your beneficiaries? Do you have minor children? Who should be the guardian? Each section includes helpful tooltips and simple language. For many, it feels less like a legal procedure and more like filling out an online life plan.
Meanwhile, RockWills often requires scheduling a face-to-face consultation with a certified estate planner. For some clients — especially those with multiple properties, cross-border investments, or blended families — this hands-on approach is a must. Others, particularly digital-first users, find the process overly formal and time-consuming.
A Kuala Lumpur-based entrepreneur shared:
“I used SmartWills after my daughter was born. I didn’t have time to meet a lawyer in person. The interface was quick, clear, and I could review everything with my wife over dinner.”
On the other hand, a retiree in Penang said:
“RockWills helped me understand the long-term implications of trusts and executor duties. I preferred speaking with someone who could walk me through it.”
Cost Transparency and Flexibility
When comparing SmartWills vs RockWills, price is another key factor.
SmartWills offers flat-rate packages starting from around RM300, with clear outlines of what’s included — typically the basic will document, online storage, and optional services like physical delivery or updates. Users see the costs upfront, which appeals to younger adults budgeting for life changes like marriage or parenthood.
RockWills’ pricing is less transparent online, usually determined during the consultation phase. For basic will writing, prices often begin higher, but the brand positions itself as a premium provider — especially for clients seeking trust planning, business succession, or multi-generational wealth structuring.
That difference in approach reflects different markets. SmartWills aims to democratize estate planning with affordable will writing services. RockWills caters to those with intricate financial setups who may also need estate administration services later on.
Legal Confidence and Execution
Let’s talk about peace of mind — because that’s what will writing is really about.
Both platforms promise compliance with Malaysia’s Wills Act 1959, but they offer different paths to execution. SmartWills provides clear instructions for witnessed signatures and offers guidance via email and chat. Its digital will service also includes optional document delivery or in-person witnessing for those who want that extra layer of assurance.
RockWills goes further, often handling document storage, execution support, and even acting as executor in some cases. Their estate consultants are typically well-versed in Shariah compliance, asset freezing issues, and scenarios involving foreign-held assets.
In short: SmartWills makes it easy to make a will online, while RockWills makes sure it’s anchored in layers of legal oversight and personal service.
Modern Estate Planning Services for a New Generation
It’s worth noting how SmartWills’ achievement isn’t just about digital efficiency — it’s also about shifting cultural perceptions. In a society where talking about death is often avoided, the ability to write a will from the comfort of home is significant. It lowers the emotional barrier.
Their marketing also speaks to changing demographics:
- Will writing for parents expecting their first child
- Online wills for young adults entering the workforce
- Will services for newlyweds combining their assets
- Even Malaysians living in Singapore or Australia seeking quick legal coverage back home
This positions SmartWills as not just a tool, but a subtle driver of social change — making legacy planning feel normal, even responsible.
RockWills, meanwhile, remains a trusted name in legal circles and among families with complex estate needs. Its longevity speaks to its role as a bridge between traditional legal advice and the evolving world of legal tech in Malaysia.
The Bottom Line: SmartWills vs RockWills
So, which is better? It depends entirely on who you are and what kind of peace of mind you’re after.
If you’re a digital-native professional, a young parent, or just someone who prefers fast will creation without legal jargon — SmartWills might feel like a breath of fresh air.
If your estate is complicated, your beneficiaries span multiple jurisdictions, or you simply want a long-term estate partner — RockWills still holds firm as a reliable advisor.
SmartWills vs RockWills is not a winner-takes-all contest. It’s a reflection of how estate planning in Malaysia is becoming more flexible, accessible, and suited to the real lives we live — whether that means smartphones and e-signatures, or afternoon meetings with someone who knows how to listen.
Offical Website：SmartWills Malaysia
Email：enquiry@smartwills.com.my
Contact： 012 664 4929 (Sales) / 012 334 9929 （Customer Service）
Address：No. 46A (1st Floor, Jalan Ambong 1, Kepong Baru, 52100 Kuala Lumpur, Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur