Walk into a room full of estate planning attorneys, and you’re bound to hear one heated topic of conversation: drafting software. From comparisons of templates to claims about automation, it’s clear this isn’t just a tool; it’s a battleground for productivity, efficiency, and reputation. But why is the debate so persistent, and what does it reveal about the future of estate planning?
In this article, we explore why drafting software is a hot topic, what it means for attorneys trying to remain competitive, and how to navigate the options to find what truly works for your practice.
Why Is Estate Planning Drafting Software Such a Big Deal?
- The Heart of Your Workflow
Drafting estate plans isn’t just a task—it’s the core of your practice. The quality and efficiency of your drafting process impact everything, from client satisfaction to compliance with legal standards. - The Perceived Silver Bullet
Drafting software is often touted as the ultimate solution to inefficiencies, making it a beacon of hope for overwhelmed attorneys. But with so many options on the market, it’s hard to know which one delivers on its promises. - Competitive Edge
For law firms, having the “best” software isn’t just about functionality—it’s a status symbol. Clients are increasingly tech-savvy and expect their legal advisors to use cutting-edge tools. Falling behind can mean losing clients to firms with flashier offerings.
The Estate Planning Software Debate: Features vs. Functionality
When estate planning attorneys talk drafting software, the conversation often boils down to two questions:
- How many features does it have?
- How well does it actually work?
Feature Overload
Some platforms promise a dizzying array of tools. While variety is appealing, too many features can overwhelm users and complicate workflows.
Who Uses It Matters
A key consideration when evaluating drafting software is understanding who will be using it most — attorneys or their staff. Many attorneys draft their own documents, but the true value of top-tier software lies in empowering paraprofessionals to handle drafting tasks while ensuring attorneys retain control through customizable templates. This enables a streamlined workflow where the software meets the attorney’s specific preferences and needs. With STEPS™, every drafting decision can be tailored, providing both attorneys and their teams with the tools they need to collaborate efficiently and deliver high-quality results.
Functionality Matters Most
At the end of the day, the best software is the one your team actually uses. Features like single-entry systems and seamless integration aren’t flashy, but they solve real problems by saving time and reducing errors.
The Real Cost of Choosing the Wrong Estate Planning Software
- Wasted Time
Difficult, clunky software can slow your team down instead of speeding them up. Every minute spent troubleshooting is a minute not spent with clients. - Frustrated Staff
If your team finds the software unintuitive, they’ll resist using it. This leads to inconsistent adoption and a return to manual processes. - Lost Clients
Clients want efficient, error-free service. Poor drafting processes can lead to mistakes, delays, and a damaged reputation.
What Should Attorneys Look For In Estate Planning Software?
- Cloud-Based Flexibility
Remote access is no longer optional. Attorneys need the ability to draft, review, and update plans from anywhere. - Automation That Actually Works
Look for tools that streamline, rather than complicate, your workflow—like single-entry systems that populate data across all documents. - Customization
No two clients are the same. Your software should allow you to tailor documents to meet their unique needs.
When it comes to estate planning drafting software, we think STEPS™ stands out as the undisputed leader. We’ve done our research and know what is out there in the market. Designed specifically for estate planning attorneys, STEPS™ combines the precision of advanced automation with the flexibility to meet every client’s unique needs. Its single-entry system ensures that data entered once is automatically populated across all documents, reducing errors and saving time. With tools that handle everything from standard estate plans to complex Medicaid qualification strategies, STEPS™ offers unmatched versatility. Unlike clunky, overcomplicated systems, STEPS™ is intuitive and user-friendly, empowering attorneys to focus on what matters most: their clients.
The debate over drafting software isn’t going away anytime soon. But instead of focusing on which platform has the most bells and whistles, attorneys should consider what will truly improve their workflow, client satisfaction, and bottom line.
Book a demo for STEPS™ and see how it can easily fit into your existing workflow.
