📅 2026 Update: Key Changes in Estate Planning

Since the original article on estate planning software was written, there have been several important updates in the field. Key changes include new federal estate tax exemptions and state legislation allowing electronic estate planning documents. Readers can continue to explore the earlier content further down this page.

📈 Federal Estate Tax Exemption Changes

The federal estate tax exemption has significantly increased. As of January 1, 2026, individuals can shield up to $15 million from federal estate tax. A married couple can protect up to $30 million.

This change reduces the number of estates that will owe federal taxes and makes estate planning less urgent for many families.

📜 Electronic Estate Planning Documents

Several states have made it easier to create and sign estate planning documents electronically. North Dakota and Utah enacted the Uniform Electronic Estate Planning Documents Act, allowing electronic signatures and notarization. Missouri has also authorized electronic signing of last wills and estate planning documents.

These changes can streamline the estate planning process for many individuals.

🕒 Processing Times and Legal Requirements

Processing times for estate planning documents can vary based on complexity. Individuals need to be of sound mind and legal age to create these documents. Some states have specific rules regarding electronic signatures and notarizations, so it's essential to check those laws.

⚖️ State-Specific Estate Taxes

While the federal estate tax exemption has risen, many states still impose their own estate taxes. These taxes have varying exemptions and rates, which can affect estate planning strategies. It's important to consider state laws when planning an estate, as they can differ significantly.

📌 Summary of Key Updates

  • 🎉 Federal exemption increased to $15 million per person.
  • 🖥️ Electronic document laws enacted in several states.
  • ⏳ Processing times can vary by complexity.
  • 🏛️ State estate taxes still apply in many areas.
  • 📚 Check local laws for electronic signatures and notarization.

💡 Tips for Effective Estate Planning

It's important to discuss the details of your situation with your attorney.

📝 Review Your Estate Plan Regularly

Regularly reviewing your estate plan is crucial, especially after significant life events like marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. Changes in these areas may affect how you want your assets distributed.

📚 Utilize Online Tools

Online estate planning tools can help you create documents like wills and trusts. Many of these tools are affordable and can guide you through the process step-by-step.

🏛️ Understand State Laws

State laws regarding estate planning can differ significantly. Make sure you understand the specific requirements in your state, especially concerning electronic signatures and notarization.

⚖️ Consider Tax Implications

With the increased federal estate tax exemption, consider how state estate taxes may still apply. Understanding these implications can help you make better decisions about your estate.

💼 Keep Important Documents Accessible

Ensure that all important estate planning documents, like wills and trusts, are stored safely but are also easily accessible to your loved ones when needed. This will help avoid complications later on.

🏆 Estate Planning Services Ranked by User Reviews (2026)

This section covers various estate planning services that fit the topic of this article. These services help individuals create legal documents, manage their estates, and navigate the planning process. The following order is based on Trustpilot data as of October 2026, but ratings can change over time.

Remember, star ratings are just one part of the picture; unhappy customers often leave more reviews, which can affect scores.

🥇 1. LegalZoom

LegalZoom has been rated 4.6. It is known for legal document preparation and estate planning services. However, some users report delays in customer support response times.

This platform is designed for those seeking to create wills, trusts, and other estate documents efficiently.

🥈 2. Rocket Lawyer

Rocket Lawyer holds a 4.5 rating. It is recognized for its online legal services and document creation tools. Some users find the subscription model costly if they don't use the service frequently.

This service is user-friendly and can help with various estate planning needs.

🥉 3. Quicken WillMaker

Quicken WillMaker has a 4.5 rating. It is known for estate planning software that aids in will and trust creation, although it is primarily focused on the UK market. Users in the U.S. may find it less suitable due to its limited functionality for American estate planning laws.

🆓 Free Government and Nonprofit Help

Many organizations provide free resources for estate planning. The American Bar Association, state bar associations, and legal aid organizations offer valuable information and may connect individuals to pro bono services. AARP also provides resources specifically for older adults, making it easier for them to navigate estate planning.

🔎 What to Compare When Choosing Estate Planning Services

  • 📄 Features offered: Check for document support like wills and trusts.
  • 💰 Pricing structure: Look at both one-time fees and subscription models.
  • ⭐ User reviews: Consider customer satisfaction ratings and feedback.
  • 🛠️ Ease of use: Evaluate how user-friendly the platform is for creating documents.
  • 🏛️ Legal compliance: Ensure the service meets your state’s specific requirements.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🤔 What is an estate plan?

An estate plan is a collection of legal documents that outline how your assets will be distributed after your death. It can include a will, trusts, and powers of attorney.

📜 How often should I update my estate plan?

You should review and update your estate plan regularly, especially after major life changes such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child.

🖥️ What are electronic estate planning documents?

Electronic estate planning documents are legal papers that can be signed and notarized online. Some states have laws allowing this process, making it easier to create and manage your estate plan.

💼 Do I need a lawyer for estate planning?

While many people use online tools for estate planning, consulting a lawyer can be helpful. A lawyer can provide personalized advice and ensure your documents comply with state laws.

📊 Are there costs associated with estate planning software?

Yes, estate planning software varies in cost. Some services offer free options, while others charge fees for document creation or ongoing access.

⚖️ What happens if I die without an estate plan?

If you pass away without an estate plan, your assets will be distributed according to state laws, which may not align with your wishes. This situation is known as dying "intestate."

⚖️ Recent Cases in Estate Planning

Recent court rulings have influenced estate planning practices, especially regarding the validity of wills and trusts. Understanding these rulings can help individuals navigate their own estate planning processes.

For more on recent rulings, check out more rulings on the news page.

End of October 2026 Update







A Good Overview of Estate Planning Software



Typically, when working on planning out the estate in the event of death or mental incapacitation, a lawyer must be present. Most estates are so complex that no one should ever go it alone.



The truth is an individual can. It just takes the right kind of estate planning software.

Estate Planning Software


The Truth About Self-Planning an Estate



Lately, it’s become the rage. With online financial management hitting a high note and less and less people showing up at a bank teller’s booth to deposit a check, more and more people are opting to handle their own wills, trusts, and POAs with ease, without paying any fees for lawyers and other officials to do the work.



There’s something, though, to be said about a lot of the estates many may have. It’s still an important consensus for probate lawyers and estate lawyers to stay away from estate planning software if the estate happens to be worth, for example, more than $5 million!



Planning gets a little trickier when dealing with that much money, not to mention that usually means there are more beneficiaries to contend with in estate planning. Estate planning software will explode into a million pieces when dealing with that much stress.



To sum up, estate planning software should be used by individuals who don’t have many complications regarding their assets and estate.



Consider an Estate Planning Software Brand, Though, Just to Check



However…. It wouldn’t hurt to take a look at how some pieces of estate planning software work. There are four major ones out there that a person can find and try out.



• LegalZoom



• Suze Orman’s Will & Trust Kit



• Quicken WillMaker Plus



We’ll go into some detail on these brands, but know this: when in doubt, consult a lawyer. No program on the computer can replace someone experienced in the field for years and years. But let’s move on….



The Lowdown on LegalZoom



The biggest plus on this software is that it was manufactured by actual attorneys at law. It’s a program that allows an individual to create true legal documents in a snap. One simply has to answer a few online questions, and 48 hours later the document(s) are there. No frills, no strings attached.



Suze Orman’s Will & Trust Kit



If an individual wants more in-depth attention to some of the specific documents involving estate planning, this software will help out tremendously. It can literally create a person’s will, a living revocable trust, and other documents with just a few presses of a button.



Quicken WillMaker Plus



All I can say is comprehensive. With 40,000 document possibilities, the program can assemble a person’s legal forms just how he or she wants them or needs them literally in minutes. There’s no confusion as to what a person may need either, as it has all the information necessary to pick out the right form for the right matter.



Want to Try One of These?



It can’t hurt. In fact, many experienced lawyers rave about these programs, helping out residents as they do it themselves and plan their own estates well.