Estate planning software
Estate planning software is a system used by professionals to produce and manage estate planning work — wills, lasting powers of attorney and trusts — together with the client records, communication and case tracking that surround them.
Estate planning software is a system used by professionals to produce and manage estate planning work: wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, trusts and the documents around them — together with the client records, communication and case tracking that surround the drafting.
How it differs from neighbouring categories#
| Category | Deals with | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Estate planning software | Living clients — planning before death | Willo, Arken, WillSuite |
| Will writing software | Often used interchangeably; implies a narrower drafting focus | The same providers |
| Probate / estate administration software | After death — administering the estate | Isokon, LEAP Estates |
| Consumer will services | One person making their own will | Various direct-to-public sites |
The distinction that matters most is the third row. Pre-death planning and post-death administration are different disciplines with different software, and a provider claiming to do both well is worth questioning.
What the better systems include beyond drafting#
Drafting is roughly a fifth of the work. The rest is:
- A client record that holds the family as a structure rather than as notes — see estate planning CRM
- Case tracking from enquiry through to signed and stored
- Client communication — email, SMS, appointments
- Follow-ups, which is where most practices lose money
- Invoicing and collection
- Fulfilment — printing, binding, posting and storing
What to check before buying#
Whether every document type is included or sold as modules. Whether it is priced per user or per practice. Whether there is a document cap. Whether the provider maintains the clause library or you do. Whether you can export your data. And whether there is anyone to ring.
What will writing software actually costs works through the pricing side.
Related#
Estate planning software · What is will writing software? · Compare providers
Related terms
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Intestacy rules
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Deed of variation
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Discretionary trust
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