The usage of online will creation software has absolutely blown up over the past few years, while consumers are constantly looking for newer, cheaper ways to create legal documents. Gone are the days when you must spend hundreds of dollars per hour talking with a lawyer to get a living will created for you.
There are many software packages out there that offer a product that simplifies the creation process and allows you to do it yourself. This software can often be purchased for $50 to $100 dollars and offers a full spectrum of options and preferences for an online will. However, there seems to be some loss of expertise in the process, in the sense that the process is severely "dumbed down" to allow the user to understand what is going on.
So what is there to do? You could go back to using a lawyer for your will and fork out the big bucks. This is always a viable option for people who have some very advanced requirements for their will (lots of assets, complicated trusts). However, there is some middle ground emerging for people who want their legal document prepared by a professional, while avoiding the direct cost of using a lawyer face to face.
Online Legal Document services allow the consumer to fill out very basic information online, and then submit it for review by a legal professional. The consumer will then receive the documents printed on paper in the mail within a very reasonable amount of time. The advantage is that the user does not need to stress over hours of software options and printing preferences. Everything is provided for them, and delivered in the mail.
This evolution in the service process is a huge bonus for the consumer who wants to create an online will, living will, or trust, but who does not have the time to run the software themselves. Online legal documents are prepared by inputing information through a web browser, and thus require no download or installation. The cost is also surprisingly low for people who prefer to get a professional, error-free document.
The advantages to both systems must be weighed on an individual basis. The consumer who is confident in their ability to create the document can still find very cheap software solutions. This software is great for very simple documents including online wills, living trusts, living wills, and more. Documents that require some expertise, and those where the consumer does not to worry about accuracy, however, could benefit from the available online legal document services.
This information is for general purposes only. All that we do is submitted and performed with the understanding that we are not engaged in rendering legal, accounting or other such professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a professional should be sought.
