3 stars (GOOD PRODUCT! BUT, ONLY A MINIMAL UPGRADE OPTION FOR USERS OF 2005 & 2004 EDITIONS) - " Quicken Willmaker Plus 2006 Estate Planning Software " is an easy-to-use handy tool for anyone who has to author a written-will and/or similar legal document. The software has a well-designed layout. It runs on any Windows operating system, which is 95 or later version. It can be installed and configured in a shortwhile. Its operational tempo is nice; and, it does not tie-up systems resources as much as other 'Quicken software' like: "Quicken Premier Personal Finance" and "Premier Home & Business" do. However, the first negative sign users of previous editions will notice in this one is that very little has changed. As a result of this, it is difficult to see any good reason why those who own either the 2004 or the 2005 versions should bother themselves with upgrading to this 'new' version. In general terms, the naked truth is that most software manufacturers, who indulge in the production of yearly 'new versions', have very little or nothing to show for the money they ask. They often play on buyers' psychology by rearranging the graphical interface of their 'old' products, and then hype them up as 'new' and 'improved'. This explains in part, why most of the recently released 'new products' have more bugs than the 'older ones', which they are supposed to be replacing. And since most of the potential buyers believe that 'new' items are always better, they fall into the buying trap. What I have mentioned does not partain only to the makers of 'Quicken' products. It includes Microsoft, Adobe, Macromedia, Norton, McAfee, Corel, and so on. But, I hinted it here because I have conclusively inferred that this newly released " Quicken Willmaker Plus 2006 Estate Planning Software " is very much like the 'old' 2005 edition, which it suppose to replace. And, the 2005 version is as well, very similar to the 2004 version: in both design and function. So, how on earth can one justify ... Nolo Press :: quicken :: willmaker :: plus :: 2006 :: estate :: planning :: software :: nolo :: press :: home :: education :: hobbies :: quickenwillmakerplus2006estateplanningsoftware 22 august :: 2005 :: Quicken Willmaker Plus 2006 Estate Planning Software
5 stars (It needs to be done, so do it now!) - As another reviewer noted, the Schiavo case brought to light the need to get our affairs in order in a timely matter. This software does the trick. It's straightfoward and easy to use. There's a basic Q&A that gives the user an idea of what forms need to be used, and further Q&A to fill those forms out. It took me very little time (15 - 20 minutes in my case, others will vary) and gave me great peace of mind. You will have to get some forms notorized just in case there could be a dispute, but even a notary plus the cost of this software is a lot cheaper than any lawyer! It doesn't work in Louisiana because that state organized its laws under the Napoleonic codes, rather than the English commonlaw. I haven't seen similar software developed for that fine state, which is a shame as there is such a need for inexpensive legal help. I notice that the 2006 version of this product is out; as law changes all of the time it would be worth the extra $ to get the new version. If your budget doesn't extend that far, then this will work pretty well. Whatever you do, do it now. It will save your friends, your family, and you yourself much trouble and grief. This is peace of mind at bargain basement pricing! 5 stars (Easy) - I used an old PC with Windows 98. This program was easy and quick. If you have a simple will or trust that is basic then this should save you much time and expense. It asks questions and I was able to make a living trust in about 15 minutes of which 99% of the legal speak is preformatted and has been carefully reviewed. The program gives all of the information on what to do after a will or trust has been made to finalize it. I am very pleased with it and glad I did not pay a lawyer $1000 to type the information into his computer program that does the same thing. 4 stars (Great Product) - We have used all the different documents numerous times. A must have if you have children because of the medical auth... Nolo Press :: Personal Finance (Financial) :: Law States :: Legal :: Computer software (programs) :: :: Quicken Willmaker Plus 2005 With Free eBook