Review by Andrea Polk

I’ve been using the Quicken WillMaker Plus software since 2011. It has changed very little since that time, but each year (as with most popular software) it is updated and a new version is put on the market. Older versions came with a book from Nolo explaining various legal terms and information about living trusts. The current 2016 version offers online access to the living trust software for free for 1 year, but that implies a subscription thereafter, however the cost of that access is unclear.

I purchased this, the newest version, more as a curiosity than a need. Having used both the 2011 and 2013 versions - neither is supported by Nolo anymore thus current legal changes (which may or may not be the case for your state) don’t show up on the forms in the software. There’s no way to tell if your state will have any changes to specific forms for years to come, thus using older versions of this software is probably OK - but there’s no real way to know.

This software can be installed via CD or by going to a download site (with the code in the box) and installing it following the download to your computer. Easy to do, and it automatically updates the software upon installation.

NOTE: If you need to re-install the program, you can again download it and re-input your activation code or use the CD. See photo for what comes in the box.

—————————————–nnRE: OLDER VERSIONSnnIf you are considering saving money by purchasing and older version of this software, just be aware your state may have some forms that have been updated and those updates won’t be visible to you if updates are not supported.

I currently use the 2013 version - updated from the 2011 version - and noticed no real difference in the two for my state. No updates to the forms took place in those two years. I could add both programs to multiple computers without an issue (Windows 7 and 8 PCs) and it could be used by multiple users. The information inputted into one program was imported by the updated version and thus I only had to put in the info one time.

One thing that will happen with older versions though is that when you go to do the ‘Web Update’ in the software, you will receive a message stating that that version is no longer supported by WillMaker.

When I receive that message I click out of it and an update starts, but the update is only for the year of the software. For example in the 2013 version, the only updates the software received was for the year 2013. Legal changes to forms for other years did not show up.

Frankly, it’s just a ploy to keep you buying the updated software - and the combination of the update and an Amazon Lightning Deal got me again. (Twenty-seven bucks was a small price to pay for this one.) **Not showing up as a ‘verified purchase’, despite having been purchased on Amazon. *nn—————————————-nnWHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER THIS SOFTWAREnnOverall this is a great DIY-kit for those who don’t have the money to pay attorneys for these services, but truly it’s much more than that because it includes so many useful forms and can be used by several people. The interview format makes filling out the forms easy to do, and there’s room to customize if desired. The resulting documents are legally binding, but in most cases do need signatures with witnesses to make it so.

If you have elderly parents, if you have children, if you have assets you want specifically dealt with in a certain way… this software is a cheap investment in protecting them all.

If you already have a Living Trust or a Will, and don’t need all the forms (listed below), you can skip getting it, but I suspect if you’re reading this review - you’re not one of those people. Truly, it’s worth the money and peace of mind.

———————————–nnABOUT THE CURRENT VERSION:nnThe 2016 version states it will work with Windows Vista, 7 and 8. I’d like to assume it would work with 10 too, but the Amazon description doesn’t indicate that so I went to Nolo’s website and found this info.

SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS:nnComputer: Pentium 400 MHznnOperating System: Windows Vista/ 7/ 8/ 8.1/10nnMemory: 1GB RAM or highernnHard Disk Space: 54 MB (plus up to 600 MB to 1.5 GB for Microsoft .NET 4.0 if not already installed)nnMonitor: 800 x 600 (1024 x 768 recommended; with 16-bit color)nnCD-ROM Drive: 2x speednnInternet Connection: 56 Kbps modem required to access online featuresnnPrinter: Any printer supported by Windows Vista/ 7/ 8/ 8.1 /10nnSoftware: Microsoft Internet Explorer 7.0 or higher; Adobe Reader (optional)nn———————————-nnFORMS INCLUDED IN WillMaker 2016 SOFTWARE PACKAGE:nnEstate PlanningnnWillnDurable Power of Attorney for FinancesnFinal ArrangementsnHealth Care Directive (Living Will & Health Care Power of Attorney)nInformation for Caregivers and SurvivorsnLetter to SurvivorsnProperty WorksheetnRevocation of Health Care DirectivenRevocation of Power of AttorneynExecutorsnnAffidavit of DomicilenEmployee Death Benefits LetternExecutor’s ChecklistnExecutor’s Letter to Financial InstitutionnGeneral Notice of DeathnInformation for Caregivers and SurvivorsnNotice to Creditor of DeathnRequest for Death CertificatenHome and FamilynnAuthorization for Foreign Travel With MinornAuthorization for Minor’s Medical TreatmentnAuthorization to Drive a Motor VehiclenChild Care AgreementnChild Care InstructionsnElder Care AgreementnHousekeeping Services AgreementnHousesitting InstructionsnNotice to Put Name on Do Not Call ListnPet Care AgreementnRequest for Birth CertificatenSubscription or Membership Cancellation formnTemporary Guardianship Authorization for Care of Minorn Personal financennGeneral Bill of SalenLimited Power of Attorney for FinancesnNotice to Terminate Joint Credit Card AccountnPromissory Note (Balloon Payment)nPromissory Note (Installment Payments)nPromissory Note (One Lump-Sum Payment)nPromissory Note (Payments of Interest Only)nRevocation of Power of AttorneynSecurity Agreement for Borrowing MoneynnNOTE: Protect Your Digital Legacy: Quicken WillMaker Plus 2016 gives your executor and attorney-in-fact power over digital assets.

NOTE: These are the same documents available in the 2011 and 2013 versions I own too. Changes in state laws may affect certain documents and these documents are not binding in Canada, Louisiana and US Territories.

NOTE: Free legal updates will keep your program current through 2016. Technical support is also available.

Registering your copy of Quicken WillMaker Plus 2016 gives you a free one-year subscription to Nolo’s Online Living Trust. In addition, you also get free one-year subscriptions to five other online forms which include: Nolo’s Promissory Note, Limited Power of Attorney for Finances, Temporary Guardianship Authorization for Minor, Authorization for Minor’s Medical Treatment, and Authorization for Foreign Travel.

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