Wills Online – Nolo
I stumbled across Wills drafted online by Nolo quite by accident. While I knew that Nolo publishes many books related to wills and estate planning, as well as the popular Quicken Willmaker software, I didn’t know they have a version for online wills. Perhaps it wasn’t promoted that much.
Anyway, there are 3 packages if you want to use their service to write your Will online. The basic one cost $69.95, the mid level one at $89.95 and the top end Suite at $99.95. There is no difference in terms of your online Will between the 3 packages. My thoughts about the different packages a bit later.
Like most other Wills services online, you register for a free account to begin. Then you just fill in the information at each step. What I like about Nolo’s service is even before you begin, all the key question you might have about their service is right on the same page. All the question I could think of is all there; the price an online Will, whether it is suitable for you or not, common FAQ and even a sample Will is there for you.
The FAQ is useful to answer basic questions even if you are writing your Will for the first time. There are some basic questions for you to think about, so you don’t waste your time keying in all the information only to realize a lawyer is better suited for you.
When you first log in, you are presented with the list below outlining each step in preparing your Will. Once you have completed the step, a check mark is shown beside it.
1. You and Your Residence
2. Marital or Domestic Partnership Status
3. Children
4. Grandchildren
5. Personal Guardian for Your Children
6. Main Bequest
7. Specific Bequests
8. Residuary Bequest
9. Property Management
10. Property Guardian for Your Children
11. Forgiving Debts
12. Paying Debts and Taxes
13. Executor
At each step, if you are not sure why something is done, there is “More Information” just beside. A brief explanation on why you need to do something is also included at each step. For example, the importance of selecting the correct state you reside in as you can see below.
Overall, I found the whole process is really user friendly. And I suggest you take a look at their site.
My thoughts about the package that Nolo offers. Like I said earlier, there is no difference between the 3 packages in relation to your online will. Nolo throws in several books related to estate planning, retirement etc. in the more expensive package.
Personally, the basic package to write your will online is good enough if you just want a will done up quickly. The package priced at a just below $90 might interest you if you want to find out how to avoid probate and to organize your documents and information so that your family can find them easily. This is quite useful as it is related to your Will. From what I’ve gathered in real life situations, it is very common for beneficiaries to have trouble locating the assets of a deceased person, because usually, there is no document to guide them where are the assets and documents located. And it is quite common for a person to have hidden accounts that family members are not aware of.
If you have money to spare, then the most expensive package is a good deal and good to have them as reference material. You’ll never know when you need to refer to it. It is a good read if you are into creating wealth and have more in depth knowledge of estate planning.
One thing to take note of. Nolo’s online wills services is not valid in Louisiana. If you are from there, then this service is not for you. You can find Nolo’s online will here.