Quicken Willmaker Plus 2008 Edition: Estate Planning Essentials (Book with CD-ROM)

I'm happy with the system, beyond words, but I'll try to explain. LOL

The book is large (600+ pages) and detailed, yet it also makes sure to tell the reader the limits of its scope, such as consulting a lawyer for special needs trusts or pet trusts. While I'd very much like to know more about pet trusts, I respect that they are able to draw a line within such a large topic as estate planning.

For me, one of the most useful chapters is number 12, explanatory letters. I'd never heard of such a thing, but it makes SO much sense! How much family fighting and hard feelings could be avoided with these ideas?!! The premise is that you explain the choices you've made, such as disparities in gifts, why gifts were made, pet care choices, or even sentiments about the use or disposition of gifts. The book gives short, realistic, paragraph-like examples, in easy-to-follow boxes. Brilliant!!

Before I write my own book here, I'll go on to the software. "Willmaker Plus" really IS a plus, with numerous everyday forms included, like forms for the babysitter, housesitter, crittersitter, and housekeeper. The crittersitter's form, for instance, has contact info, vet info, and even consent for the vet to treat, all there. Each form has a sample for you to look at if you wish, then the software makes a custom version.

Willmaker Plus loaded very easily, even with Vista. The only (tiny) problem I had was that it didn't let me register the software, but I can live with that. I haven't been as successful with the Executor's Guide yet, for some reason, but I'm so happy with the book and other disk that I just can't bring myself to deduct a star. I also wish that the sticky pockets housing the CD ROMs had a little longer flap and a dab of Velcro or something to help keep them in, but that's tiny, too.

Bravo, NOLO!!!

This clearly crafted guide helps you decide how to structure your estate and makes sure you do not miss anything important, including health and do-not-resuscitate directives. You may well need a lawyer nonetheless, but you will know why and you will better understand their advice. It has my highest recommendation.

The biggest problem with WillMaker (for Windows XP) is that it will only run as Administrator. This is a fundamental violation of good security practice. For this reason alone, I cannot give it good recommendation.

Also it is a bit limiting in what you can specify. For example, I would have liked to name a charity to receive my estate if no one survived me. But I couldn't do it.

On the plus side it is very easy to use. And I like the Nolo legal philosophy of making the document be in clear plain English.

I found Quicken WillMaker Plus 2008 to be an easily understood, comprehensive guide for anyone contemplating their own mortality. The presentation is logical with thoughtful recommendations on items which may be skipped if found to be unapplicable. When considering the possible cost of hiring a professional to educate rather than review the will or trust, the choice is clear. Self study of the material can drastically reduce the cost of composition. Quicken WillMaker Plus 2008 then becomes one of the best guarators that there will be more of your estate left for those to whom you wish to leave it.

I purchased this book with cd primarily to create a Revocable Living Trust, as I was determined not to pay an attorney $1500 to do this for me. The product takes you through creation of the trust step by step, very easy to use.