Wills and Estate Planning: You Can Do it
As Benjamin Franklin once said, in this world, nothing is certain but death and taxes. Though tax preparation software sales are brisk every year, most people don't want to think about dying, especially when they are surfing the Internet. Making a list of assets and drawing up a will is not the most pleasant way to spend a Sunday afternoon, but some software packages can ease the pain of funeral and estate planning.
Dad Wanted Me to Have His Porsche
Nothing can drive a wedge between family members like the process of dividing up a relative's assets, but the Last Will & Testament Kit from Socrates helps you make sure that each family member gets the items that you want them to have.
Living Will
A living will is ideal for anyone who doesn't want to be kept alive by extreme measures such as a respirator. The Estate Planner Library Made E-Z from Socrates lets you put your wishes down on paper for your family and friends to follow. This software also lets you assign power of attorney to a trusted family member, document insurance and pension information and keep an inventory of important documents (stock certificates, bank statements, etc.) that the executor of your estate will need.
Quicken Does It All
Quicken WillMaker Plus 2008 is a robust piece of software that does the work of the two previously mentioned programs. It takes you through a step-by-step interview to help determine what kind of will you need and how your assets should be distributed.
A Final Thought
No matter what software you choose, it's important to make family members, especially adult children, a part of your estate planning and funeral process. If they know exactly how you want things handled ahead of time, things definitely will go a lot smoother.
Steven Bryan