We at Inkwell know that the concept of estate planning can be tough to navigate. Beyond that, you have the choice of online DIY sites, traditional law firms and now Inkwell. When choosing your provider you need to ask yourself what is most important to you about the process. Is it cost? Convenience? Quality? To help make your decision, check out how we stack up against the competition.
Inkwell
Online - DIY Model
Hourly Rates
Flat Fee
Cost
Your initial design session with an Inkwell Attorney is at no-obligation to you.
Inkwell always charges an agreed upon fixed fee. Fees depend on the complexity of your plan and start at $750.
No-interest financing plans available.
50% discounts for first responders.
Maintenance Program members receive 50% off amendments to their legal plans, among other benefits.
Inkwell offers free consultation and collaborates with clients to create a properly executed plan that includes a personalized fee.
Typically must pay upfront, before beginning the process.
Long-term costs are unknown as legal situations evolve.
Clients have no control over making sure documents are properly executed and valid.
Plans typically cost several thousands of dollars.
High hourly rates add up quickly.
Hourly rates may reach $500 per hour, and there is no certainty of the total cost.
Attorneys schedule document signing at their convenience instead of the client’s.
Flat fees incentivize efficient processes for the attorneys, but reduce client customization.
This creates economic pressure for clients to fit documents as opposed to creating documents that fit clients, resulting in overly complex plans or inadequate protections.
No oversight to ensure documents are properly executed, therefore documents could be invalid.
Convenience
Meet with your friendly Inkwell attorney for your no obligation design session on your time by phone or video.
Documents are delivered at a time and location of your choosing by a document specialist authorized to oversee the proper execution of your legal documents.
Online models are convenient, but you need to take care of legal oversight, notarization, and execution on your own.
Meetings are set at the time and location of convenience to the attorney, instead of you.
Meetings are set at the time and location of convenience to the attorney, instead of you.
Fast Turnaround / Delivery
After your design session, our documents are typically ready for signature within two weeks.
If you need faster service, we can help you out for an additional fee.
Your documents are hand-delivered by a document specialist, who will make sure they are properly executed.
Documents are available immediately for download, but will still need the proper notarization and execution to be legally binding.
Turnaround times vary at traditional firms and may be prepared several weeks to even months after consultation.
Scheduling of document signing is centered around attorney’s schedule.
Turnaround times vary at traditional firms and may be prepared several weeks to even months after consultation.
Scheduling of document signing is centered around attorney’s schedule.
Attorney Prepared Customized Plans
Inkwell’s attorneys pride themselves on preparing customized legal plans that are both comprehensive and comprehensible.
Generic and only customized by you.
Relies on hours of self-education by client.
Read the small print at the bottom of these options. Both LegalZoom and RocketLawyer note on their websites that their materials may contain inaccuracies and need to be reviewed carefully by the client.
No attorney client relationship means the information you provide is not protected by the attorney-client privilege.
You will be working with an actual attorney, but at a higher cost and on their terms, not yours.
Plans are often written in “legalese” making it difficult for clients to understand their own plan
You will be working with an actual attorney, but at a higher cost and on their terms, not yours.
This creates economic pressure to have clients fit into documents as opposed to creating documents that fit the clients. This may result in overly complex plans or alternatively inadequate protections.
Ongoing Relationships
Work with an Inkwell team member every step of the way.
Inkwell’s attorneys focus on educating you on the process and to prepare legal documents you can understand.
Inkwell offers a funding program to make sure that the titling of your assets coordinates with your plan.
At Inkwell, we believe an estate plan should be maintained throughout various “ages and stages” of life. We offer a maintenance program to help you do just that.
Subscription packages are often more expensive than Inkwell’s maintenance program, while Inkwell’s maintenance program is more robust.
No funding assistance is included.
Many firms will put the burden on you to be proactive about your legal needs and typically will charge an uncertain hourly rate to prepare plan amendments, fund plans, and estate administration work.
Many firms will put the burden on you to be proactive about your legal needs and typically will charge an uncertain hourly rate to prepare plan amendments, fund plans, and estate administration work.
No Matter Where You Are in Life We Have the Plan for You
Fill out the form and sign up for a free consultation with one of our
experienced, friendly lawyers for a custom estate and legal plan that fits you.
