Software programs and Web sites selling customized, do-it-yourself wills and other estate planning documents seemingly offer a cost-effective and convenient alternative to visiting an estate planning attorney. After all, does anyone really want to discuss their dying wishes and health care directives with a perfect stranger? On top of that, most people are wary of the fees an attorney would charge.
In times of economic uncertainty, families tend to be even more concerned about the cost of legal advice and often put off planning that they hope will not be necessary until they are much older. A simple will, durable power of attorney and health care proxy prepared by an attorney can cost several hundred dollars or more per person. Online services promise the same basic estate planning documents for a fraction of that. Such services have the virtue of encouraging people who might not otherwise do so to create a will and other essential planning documents.
But is online estate planning worth the initial cost savings? Are the documents created an adequate replacement for a consultation with a qualified attorney? To help answer these questions,ElderLawAnswers recently reviewed three leading online estate planning services; Nonlo's Online Will, Buildawill, and LegalZoom.