Estate Planning Software vs Attorney: What California Families Should Know
Should you use DIY estate planning software or hire an attorney? The answer depends on your situation—but there's also a third option that combines the best of both worlds.
The Best Option: Attorney-backed online platforms like Living Trust California give you DIY convenience with attorney review—for less than most DIY software ($400).
Quick Comparison: Software vs Attorney vs Hybrid
| Factor | DIY Software | Traditional Attorney | Attorney-Backed Online |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | $100-$800 | $2,000-$5,000 | $400 |
| Attorney Review | ❌ No | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Convenience | ✅ Online | ❌ In-person | ✅ Online |
| CA-Specific | ⚠️ Generic | ✅ Yes | ✅ Yes |
| Error Protection | ❌ You're liable | ✅ Malpractice ins. | ✅ Malpractice ins. |
Let's Do The Math
LegalZoom Trust
$549
+ $199 for attorney review = $748
Trust & Will
$798
No attorney review available
Living Trust California
$400
Attorney review INCLUDED ✓
You save $348-$398 AND get attorney review that others charge extra for (or don't offer at all).
The Problem with Pure DIY Estate Planning Software
Estate planning software like Nolo WillMaker, LegalZoom, and Trust & Will promises to save you money. But here's what they don't tell you:
Risk #1: Generic Templates Don't Understand California
California is a community property state with unique rules. Software designed for all 50 states uses lowest-common-denominator templates that may not properly handle marital property, Prop 19 property tax issues, or California's specific trust execution requirements.
Risk #2: No One Reviews Your Specific Documents
DIY software generates documents based on your answers, but no attorney reviews whether those documents actually accomplish your goals. Errors aren't discovered until after death—when fixing them costs your family thousands in probate court.
Risk #3: You're Responsible for Everything
When you use software, you accept all liability. If the trust is invalid, if assets aren't properly titled, if the signing wasn't done correctly—it's your family's problem. There's no malpractice insurance to fall back on.
The Problem with Traditional Attorneys
Traditional estate planning attorneys provide excellent service, but they come with challenges:
- High Cost: Most California attorneys charge $2,000-$5,000 for a living trust package
- Time-Consuming: Multiple in-person meetings, often during business hours
- Scheduling Hassles: Appointments booked weeks out, hard to coordinate with spouse
- Geographic Limitations: Limited to attorneys in your area
For families with complex estates, high net worth, or business interests, traditional attorneys are worth the investment. But for straightforward California estates? There's a better way.
The Best of Both Worlds: Attorney-Backed Online Platforms
What if you could get:
- ✅ Online convenience (complete from home, any time)
- ✅ Attorney review (CA Bar-licensed lawyer checks your documents)
- ✅ California-specific documents (community property, Prop 19 handled correctly)
- ✅ Malpractice protection (attorney is liable for errors)
- ✅ Lower cost than DIY services ($400 vs $549-$798)
That's exactly what Living Trust California offers. You complete a questionnaire online, and attorney Rozsa Gyene (CA Bar #208356) reviews and prepares your documents. Simple estates can be completed in days, not weeks.
When to Use Each Option
DIY Software Only If:
- You're a legal professional yourself
- You have a very simple situation
- You're comfortable accepting all risk
- You understand CA trust law
Traditional Attorney If:
- High net worth ($5M+)
- Complex family (special needs, blended)
- Business succession needs
- Property in multiple states
- Likely estate challenges
Attorney-Backed Online If:
- Straightforward California estate
- Want professional review
- Prefer online convenience
- Want value for money
- Most California families ✓
Frequently Asked Questions
Is estate planning software as good as an attorney?
No, pure estate planning software cannot match attorney quality because it uses generic templates without legal review. Software doesn't understand your specific situation or catch California-specific issues. However, attorney-backed online platforms like Living Trust California combine software convenience with professional oversight for $400.
When should I use an attorney instead of estate planning software?
Use a traditional attorney if you have: complex family situations (blended families, special needs children), significant assets ($5M+), business interests, real estate in multiple states, or concerns about potential challenges. For straightforward California estates, an attorney-backed online platform offers the best balance.
How much does estate planning software cost vs an attorney?
Estate planning software costs $100-$300 for basic tools. DIY online services like LegalZoom charge $549+ without attorney review. Traditional attorneys charge $2,000-$5,000. Living Trust California offers attorney-reviewed documents for $400—less than most DIY services.
What are the risks of using estate planning software?
Risks include: documents that don't comply with California law, improper handling of community property, missing Prop 19 protections, unfunded trusts that still require probate, and errors discovered after death when they're expensive to fix.
Does Living Trust California include attorney review?
Yes! Unlike LegalZoom, Trust & Will, and other DIY platforms, Living Trust California includes attorney review in the $400 flat fee. Every document is personally reviewed by CA Bar-licensed attorney Rozsa Gyene (Bar #208356) before delivery. This catches errors, ensures California compliance, and gives you malpractice protection—at no extra cost.
Get Attorney Quality at Software Prices
Why choose between software and an attorney? Get both for $400.
Legal Review By
Rozsa Gyene, Esq.
California State Bar #208356 | Licensed Since 2000
25+ years estate planning experience in California
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Whether you use software or an attorney, a properly funded trust avoids these wait times.