Estate planning software has made remarkable inroads over the past few years and many people are now utilizing them do complete their do-it-yourself wills. But be warned, software for estate planning isn’t for everyone.
If you have an uncomplicated estate and it’s pretty straightforward then software should be fine but if you have large assets, have been married more than once, have children from different marriages or just have a variety of possessions considered to have value, then going down this route might be a nightmare.
Straightforward estates should be fine but uncomplicated ones will require the services of an estate planning attorney and while this may cost you several hundred dollars or more, it’s worth it for the peace of mind.
Estate Planning Software Review
Software available today is very handy in giving you a start in the planning process. Once you have completed the questions and feel you have included all the information required rather than considering it as done, at least consult an attorney for final assessment.
You’ll be surprised at some of the things you have left out and if you pass away and there are loopholes and unfinished items completed, it could cause them to go into probate court and your loved ones could have to outlay further expense to claim it or worse, they could get nothing. That’s no way to be remembered by the people you considered loved ones.
Cost of estate planning software varies greatly. The whole package which includes estate planning tax software, wills software, probate software, living will and living trust software can set you back several hundred dollars. But there are some excellent options you can check for less than $50.
We suggest shopping Amazon first and then making a list of software available before checking reviews on them. As far as our best picks for those of you confident enough and with uncomplicated estates then we suggest looking at the offerings from Legal Zoom and Quicken Willmaker Plus.
Legal Zoom
Quicken WillMaker Plus
The two products above should get you what you are looking for but again, don’t try this on your own if you have a complicated estate. This is something you want to get right and by using an estate planning attorney to help you get everything in order will be worth extra expense.
How much do you value your assets and want to make your family and friends receive what you allocate to them?