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More than half of all Americans do not have a will. No doubt the expense of hiring an attorney factors in, which can cost 300 dollars an hour, but there are do-it-yourself software programs for far less.
Consumer Reports Money Adviser checked three software programs to see if they can help people who need to complete a will. The heavily-advertised LegalZoom, along with Rocket Lawyer, allow you to create a will online. The third program tested, Quicken WillMaker Plus, is available as a download or a CD-ROM. They ranged in cost from a $25 flat fee to a $119 annual subscription. With the help of an outside expert, Consumer Reports Money Adviser judged their ease of use and the quality of the wills they produced.
There were problems with all three products: None had specific information on state estate-tax laws, which can be different from federal laws, and they do not allow users to create a special-needs trust.
Quicken's WillMaker Plus is the best of the three. But unless your needs are very simple, you're better off consulting an attorney.
—Maggie Shader
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