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(More customer reviews)I'm a fan of Nolo's Quicken Willmaker product. It helps you create your own estate planning documents as well as a few simple general legal documents. It's very easy to use, and works in all states (except Lousiana, where the estate planning documents created in this software won't be legal due to that state's specific drafting requirements).
There are a few things you should know, however, before purchasing the software.
First, Amazon also sells a book-CD version called Quicken Willmaker Estate Planning Essentials which combines a full book on estate planning with a full version of the Willmaker Plus software, and it sells for much less than the software alone! It's just a much better deal. Just search for "willmaker" in the Book section. (Note: the 2007 version, which is the one you *should* buy, is slated for release Oct. 30, according to the product page on Amazon.)
Second, the 2007 edition of the software gives you updates and tech support through the end of 2007. While you can create and modify and print and export documents created in Willmaker 2007 for as long as you own the software, you won't receive any updates beyond December 2007. If your state's estate planning law changes in January 2008, for instance, your will and other Willmaker-created documents *might* become outdated and no longer of legal value. Herein lies an interesting question, almost a catch-22: you bought this software to avoid the service of a lawyer, but in order to ascertain whether your documents will remain in legal force in the future, you may need to consult a lawyer! Of course, you can always opt to get the 2008 (and 2009 and 2010 and so on) versions. If Nolo continues to market the Estate Planning Essentials bundle for thirty bucks each year, you may still end up saving money upgrading each year rather going to a lawyer. (E.g., $30 a year times 30 years comes to less than $1000, cheaper than engaging a New York City or San Francisco lawyer for three hours!) My take: unless you live in a state that constantly alters its estate planning laws, you will probably be safe with just Willmaker 2007 and upgrade occasionally in the future, especially when your life situation experiences a big change. (For example, if you are married and, God forbid, divorce in 2011, you can skip editions 2008-2010 but do upgrade to the 2011 edition when you re-plan your estate.)
Third, while the software itself is easy to use with its step-by-step guide (and if you get the cheaper book version mentioned above, it's even better!), getting all the information you need about yourself (assets, beneficiaries, etc.) is actually quite a time-consuming process. Taht's why again I recommend the book-software bundle; it tells you what you need to do before running the software to write your will. Otherwise you'd be surprsied at how much prep work you'll actually have to do before finishing even a simple will!
One last thought: because this is self-help software, while many people will find it adequate, you may still want to talk to an estate attorney. For one thing, a legal will requires witnesses, and you might just as well pay your attorney and his assistant to act as your witnesses, if you don't want your friends or relatives to know what's in your will! For another, estate laws are getting more and more complicated, and vary by state, so a local attorney is still BY FAR the best and most reliable source and a competent attorney will provide invaluable services that no self-help software can offer. That said, I do recommend this excellent program (esp. the cheaper kit) for those obsessed with self-help and/or those looking to save money. (Yours truly belong to both types!) Besides, the Estate Planning Essential Kit, which I think is just GREAT, can educate you on the various topics in estate planning, so even if you choose to hire a lawyer, you'll talk smart and know what he or she is doing with your will and your trust.
(Again, Louisiana residents should seek an attorney's help. This software, or any other estate planning software I know of, won't work in your state.)
No adult with children or property is too young to start estate planning. However you choose to proceed, good luck!
[Disclaimer: This review, originally written Sept. 18, 2006, was updated on Oct. 9 after a Nolo representative e-mailed me about my misunderstanding of the software's update/upgrade policy. Also, please note that I'm *not* a lawyer (not even a law student!) and cannot offer any legal advice; please do not e-mail me with your legal questions.]
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Quicken Willmaker Plus 2007Where there's a will, there's a way. For those eventualities when you can't, a legal will is the best way to protect your (and your loved ones) interests. Quicken WillMaker Plus 2007 helps you protect your family and your assets, and cut down your legal fees. Protect your family by making sure that your assets have the law's strongest defense. It offers a step-by-step process for developing a will, living trust, living will and much more. You'll have complete legal documents created in minutes! Simply launch Quicken WillMaker Plus to create your own Will, Living Trusts, Living Will, Health Care Power of Attorney (NEW), Financial Powers of Attorney, Final arrangements document, Important documents for executors. The software also provides forms you can use every day, such as authorizations and agreements, child and elder care forms, promissory notes and documents to help you repair your credit. Beyond software, when you register your NOLO Quicken Willmaker, you can download a free copy of bestselling eBook, Work Less, Live More: The New Way to Retire Early (an up to $17.99 value). With NOLO Quicken WillMaker Plus 2007, there are many ways and possibilities to protect your interests now and then.Easy, intuitive use on your PC running Windows 98 / 2000 / Me / XP / Vista
Click here for more information about Quicken Willmaker Plus 2007
