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.
• Loan flexibility
• Customer support.
• Access to a lawyer.
Data collection and review process
NerdWallet reviews several companies that provide will-making software and estate planning tools for U.S. customers. Some of these providers charge additional fees for certain services.
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
Our writers and editors review providers on an annual basis. Throughout the year, we may maintain contact with providers and update any changes to their offerings.
Factor weightings
The weighting of each rating factor is based on our team’s assessment of which features are most important to consumers and which ones impact the consumer experience in the most meaningful way.
The review team
The review team comprises writers and editors who cover estate planning. Each writer and editor follows NerdWallet’s strict guidelines for editorial integrity.
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
If the provider’s list price for will-making software is free, it earns the highest rating in this category. If the provider charges a one-time fee of $200 or more, or it charges annual fees of $120 or more, it earns the lowest rating. We also consider the price of setting up a trust, as well as whether the provider charges for family members to use the product.
Ease of access
We consider whether users can access their documents online and via mobile, as well as whether they can download their documents, use a digital vault and have their documents mailed to them. If the software offers all of these things, it earns the highest rating. If a provider offers none or only one of these accessibility features, it gets the lowest rating.
State-level compliance
For this category, we consider whether the provider offers wills that are valid in all 50 states, offers state-specific templates and provides location-specific notarization instructions for users. If a provider offers all of these things, it earns the highest rating. If it offers none or only one of these things, it earns the lowest rating.
Features and ease of use
We consider how much time users have to change their documents without paying another fee. If that time is unlimited, the provider earns the highest rating; if no changes are allowed, the provider earns the lowest rating.
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
If a provider offers an online support page, an email/contact form, phone support and chat support, it earns the highest rating. If a provider offers none of these options, it earns the lowest rating.
Access to a lawyer
If a provider offers free help from a lawyer, it earns the highest rating. If it does not offer free or paid access to a lawyer, it earns the lowest rating.
