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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]We are waiting to redo our nearly 20-year-old estate plan, but waiting until after they extend the 2017 Trump tax cuts.  Our 20-year-old one is dated with an A / B trust or spillover trust, which was needed before the much more generous estate tax exemption.  But when I redo our Trusts, I am not using a professional again.  I was given a thick packet of forms to sign that I did not fully understand but felt we needed to sign them since we had a child on the way.  Going forward, I will use one of the online options like wealth.com

When considering estate planning, several online platforms offer services similar to Wealth.com. Notable alternatives include Trust & Will, FreeWill, and Vanilla. Trust & Will provides digital estate planning documents tailored to individual needs. FreeWill offers free online software to help individuals draft wills and make charitable contributions. Vanilla is an all-in-one estate planning software designed for advisors, simplifying the estate planning process for both professionals and clients. 
JUSTVANILLA.COM

Pros of Online/Subscription Services:

Accessibility and Convenience: These platforms allow users to create estate planning documents at their own pace, often with user-friendly interfaces.

Cost-Effective: Online services typically offer lower prices compared to traditional attorney fees, making estate planning more affordable.

Educational Resources: Many platforms provide resources to help users understand estate planning concepts.

Cons of Online/Subscription Services:

Lack of Personalization: Online forms may not account for unique or complex situations, potentially leading to inadequate planning.

Legal Nuances: Estate laws vary by state and change over time. Online platforms might not always reflect the most current legal requirements specific to your jurisdiction.

Validity Concerns: Improper execution or failure to meet state-specific formalities can render documents invalid.

Pros of Using an Estate Planning Attorney:

Customized Planning: Attorneys can tailor estate plans to address specific needs, complexities, and goals.

Up-to-Date Legal Knowledge: Attorneys stay informed about current laws and can ensure documents comply with state-specific regulations.

Comprehensive Advice: They can provide guidance on various aspects of estate planning, including tax implications and asset protection strategies.

Cons of Using an Estate Planning Attorney:

Higher Costs: Personalized services from attorneys are generally more expensive than online alternatives.

Time-Consuming: The process may require multiple consultations, leading to a longer timeline.

Regarding the legality of online forms in Virginia, it's important to note that Virginia law has specific requirements for estate planning documents. While electronic signing and notarization are permitted for certain documents, wills have stricter formalities. An improperly executed will, even if created online, may be deemed invalid. Therefore, it's crucial to ensure that any estate planning documents comply with Virginia's legal requirements. 
WILLIAMSMULLEN.COM

Further Considerations:

Complexity of Your Estate: If your estate involves significant assets, business interests, or complex family dynamics, consulting with an attorney may be more appropriate.

State-Specific Laws: Given that estate laws vary by state, ensure that any online service you consider is tailored to Virginia's regulations.

Regular Updates: Estate plans should be reviewed and updated periodically, especially after major life events or legal changes. Determine how each service facilitates updates to your documents.

By carefully weighing these factors, you can make an informed decision that best suits your estate planning needs.[/quote]

[b]Please don’t post AI crap on these forums.[/b] [/quote]

I found it useful that there are online alternatives.  Chill out.[/quote]

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