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Document Preparation Software for Non-Lawyers

Computer software is rapidly becoming the most popular of the self-help estate planning techniques used by non-lawyers.  Although the programs vary significantly in features and quality, they all operate basically the same way.  The program asks the user a series of questions and based on the user’s answers, the program fills in blanks in boilerplate text and prints out the resulting document.  More sophisticated programs ask the user a greater number of questions, plan for additional contingencies, prepare different types of estate planning documents, and provide greater opportunity for individualization.

Examples of document preparation software designed for non-lawyer users include: