Ratings Methodology for Estate Planning Software
NerdWallet’s overall ratings for estate planning software providers are weighted averages of ratings in the following categories:
Pricing.
Ease of access.
State-level compliance.
Features.
Customer support.
Access to a lawyer.
Data collection and review process
We collect data from providers and do firsthand testing as necessary. Our process starts by gathering information from providers and contacting providers for further information where needed. This information, combined with our specialists’ hands-on research, makes up our proprietary assessment process that scores each provider’s performance.
The final output produces star ratings from poor (1 star) to excellent (5 stars). Ratings are rounded to the nearest half-star.
Information updates
Factor weightings
The review team
The combined expertise of our team is infused into our review process to ensure thoughtful evaluation of products and services from the customer's perspective.
Pricing
Ease of access
State-level compliance
Features and ease of use
We also evaluate the typical time to complete a will on the platform. If users can create a will in 10 minutes or less, the provider earns the highest rating; providers that require at least an hour earn the lowest rating.
We look at whether the provider also lets users create a living will, a power of attorney, and a living trust on its platform. Providers that offer these things for free and that are valid in all 50 states earn the highest rating; providers that do not offer these things earn the lowest rating.
Customer support
Access to a lawyer
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