Estate Planning Drafting Software

Estate Planning Drafting Software vs. Generic Legal Software: What’s the Difference?

by Estate Planning Drafting Software

When attorneys compare legal tech or estate planning drafting software, it’s tempting to pick the tool with the broadest feature set. But for estate planning practices, that often leads to compromise: missing features, workarounds, and inefficiency. In contrast, specialized estate planning drafting software is built for your unique needs.

Why Generic Legal Software Looks Attractive—and Why It Fails in Estate Planning

Generic legal drafting tools (document assembly platforms, contract generators, general-purpose document automation) promise flexibility and one-size-fits-all coverage. On paper, that sounds ideal. But in practice, they often fall short.

Here’s why:

ChallengeHow Generic Tools Fall ShortWhy Estate Planning Needs More
Lack of domain depthGeneral templates don’t include trusts, Medicaid trusts, or planning toolsEstate planning has subtleties (e.g. funding, lookback periods, amendment rules)
No scenario modelingNo built-in capability to run “what-if” simulationsAttorneys must prove to clients differing outcomes (e.g. tax, asset protection, Medicaid eligibility)
Manual duplicationData entered in one document rarely auto-propagates elsewhereThis increases error risk and slows drafting
Weak compliance updatesTemplates may not update when law changesEstate planning is heavily regulated; outdated language is risky
Poor workflow supportGeneric tools often leave gaps in full practice flow (intake, signing, funding, trust admin)Real firms need more than drafting—they need process continuity

Estate planning is a specialized practice area. The difference between a trust drafted correctly and one with a flaw can be enormous. That’s why specialized software—designed for estate planning from the ground up—is not just “nice to have”—in many firms, it’s what separates scalable practices from stuck ones.

What Estate Planning Drafting Software Brings to the Table

Here’s what a truly specialized solution should deliver:

  1. Single-Entry Data Model
    Enter client demographics, assets, family structure once—then watch those values flow into all related documents (wills, trusts, powers of attorney, Medicaid applications). No need to retype or re-key.
  2. Deep, Custom Templates
    State-specific rules, layered trust structures, asset protection clauses, CRA/IRS/Medicaid rules—all built in. You don’t have to design everything from scratch or manually adapt generic templates.
  3. Scenario Simulations & Comparisons
    Compare alternate paths (e.g. transfer strategies, Medicaid eligibility vs. spending strategies) side by side. Clients appreciate clarity; you reduce objections.
  4. Built-in Compliance & Law Updates
    The software vendor tracks regulatory changes and updates templates automatically (or sends alerts). You don’t have to monitor every state’s shifting rules manually.
  5. Workflow Integration & Process Automation
    Strong estate planning software links drafting to the rest of the practice: intake, document signing, funding, trust administration, maintenance, and follow-up triggers.
  6. Analytics, Dashboards & Business Insights
    You need to measure KPIs (case volume, revenue per file, efficiency). A specialized tool gives you visibility; generic tools often don’t.
  7. Security, Cloud Access & Collaboration
    Teams can work concurrently, securely accessed from anywhere, with role-based permissions. You avoid versioning conflicts or losing work.

These features are not optional, they’re prerequisites for an efficient, error-resistant, scalable estate planning practice.

How Many Firms Are Embracing Legal Tech—and Why That Matters

You may not find public, precisely quantifiable adoption rates for estate planning drafting software, but the broader legal tech trends are compelling. They show that law firms are shifting rapidly toward adopting technology in core workflows—and that resistance is becoming the exception.

Key Recent Data

  • Cloud adoption among attorneys
    In the 2024 ABA Legal Technology Survey, about 75% of attorneys reported using cloud computing for work-related tasks. American Bar Association
    This shows cloud is fast becoming the baseline environment for legal work—not a luxury.
  • Rapid AI adoption in the legal profession
    According to the ABA Tech Survey, AI adoption in law nearly tripled year-over-year—rising from 11% in 2023 to 30% in 2024. LawSites
    Among larger firms, 46% now report using AI-based tech tools. LawSites
  • Legal operations are becoming institutionalized
    In the “Legal Ops + Tech Survey,” 57% of law firms report having a full-time legal operations function. BBHub Assets
    That means more firms are building infrastructure (people + process) to support tech adoption.
  • Security & barriers to tech adoption
    In the same survey, 86% of respondents cited “security concerns” or “data security concerns” as a barrier when deploying new legal technologies. BBHub Assets
    That underscores the importance of strong security and trust when pitching any new drafting platform.
  • Shifts in legal tech strategy and business models
    Thomson Reuters’ “Future of Professionals Report 2025” finds that 80% of law firm respondents expect AI to fundamentally alter how they conduct business over the next few years. Thomson Reuters
    Also, 47% say their firms are already experiencing at least one benefit from AI. Thomson Reuters
    That suggests law firms believe transformation is underway—not just hype.
  • Growing emphasis on cloud + generative AI for 2025
    The 2025 ILTA Technology Survey notes that many firms are shifting from experimenting with AI toward real deployment—and that cloud migration continues to be a “steady march.” Intellek

These data points show two critical truths:

  • Legal professionals are increasingly open to, and experimenting with, automation, AI, and workflow tools.
  • The rate of transformation is accelerating. What seemed optional a few years ago is now becoming expected.

If more general-purpose legal tools are already being adopted aggressively, there’s a strong argument that more niche, high-value tools (like estate planning drafting software) will follow—and fast.

Enhanced Comparison: Generic vs. Estate Planning Tools (with Metrics & Examples)

Let’s deepen the comparison with more specificity:

Metric / Use CaseGeneric Legal Drafting ToolsEstate Planning Drafting Software
Template CoverageBasic contracts, NDAs, standard boilerplatesWills, revocable & irrevocable trusts, Medicaid plans, trust admin, asset protection
Data PropagationManual copy-paste or “variables” only in limited docsSingle-entry model across full document set
Scenario ModelingNone or weakIntegrated “what-if” models (Medicaid, trust splits, gifting)
Updates & ComplianceManual user updates or noneVendor-maintained updates for law changes
Support for Complex FundingLimitedBuilt-in funding checklists, funding directions, “look-back” alerts
Analytics & ReportingBasic document counts or custom exportsDashboards: case velocity, revenue per client, team productivity
Scaling with TeamHigh friction, version conflictsRole-based access, concurrent work, automation of repetitive tasks

Example / anecdotal metric: Firms using specialized tools often report 30–50% faster drafting times for Medicaid and trust work, due to single-entry and scenario modeling—metrics generic systems rarely come close to.

FAQs on Estate Planning Drafting Software for Attorneys

Q: Is estate planning drafting software worth the cost?
Yes. While the upfront investment can seem steep, the time savings, error reduction, and increased capacity often lead to a 2x–5x ROI within the first year—especially for firms doing medium-to-high volume work.

Q: Can generic legal drafting tools ever be “good enough”?
In very small or occasional use cases, generic tools may suffice. But once your firm scales or deals with complex trusts/Medicaid work, their limitations will become a burden rather than a benefit.

Q: Is drafting software secure and reliable?
Top-tier solutions use encrypted cloud infrastructure, role-based access, backups, and compliance protocols. Always verify vendor security certifications and audit trails.

Q: Do I need training to use estate planning drafting software?
Yes. Even the most intuitive software benefits from initial implementation support and user training. Proper onboarding boosts adoption and ensures you extract full value.

Q: Can I migrate from generic software to specialized tools later?
Absolutely. You’ll want an import path (for client data) and mapping of templates. Most serious drafting software providers help you with the migration.

Looking for an estate planning software upgrade: What an Attorney Should Do Next

  1. Audit your current pain points.
    List recurring drafting bottlenecks: duplicate data entry, version mismatches, manual compliance reviews, delays in scenario analysis.
  2. Evaluate 2–3 top estate planning drafting platforms.
    Compare features (single-entry, modeling, trust templates, updates, dashboards), pricing, support, and migration paths.
  3. Run a pilot on 5–10 cases.
    Try the new tool alongside your current process. Measure time saved, error count, team feedback.
  4. Train your team and enforce usage.
    Set up role-based shoots, accountability, and usage metrics. The tool only helps if your team uses it consistently.
  5. Integrate with your workflows.
    Connect your drafting tool to intake, CRM, billing, trust administration. The more seamless the flow, the more value you unlock.
  6. Track KPIs and iterate.
    Monitor metrics like case turnaround time, client satisfaction, error rates, and revenue per case. Use dashboards and reports to fine-tune.

Avoid generic drafting tools – invest in STEPS™ by Lawyers With Purpose

Generic drafting tools may look tempting—they offer broad flexibility and familiarity. But for estate planning practices, the real work occurs in the details: trusts, Medicaid rules, funding, scenario planning, compliance updates. That’s where estate planning drafting software is purpose-built.

Data trends show law firms are increasingly adopting automation and AI. As the legal landscape evolves, firms that continue to rely on generic tools will find themselves playing catch-up. Firms that invest in specialized drafting software—and use it intelligently—will position themselves for scalability, reliability, and competitive advantage.

If you’re ready to see what a purpose-built solution can do for your practice, let’s talk. STEPS™ is built for your world.

best estate planning software

The Best Estate Planning Software: What Attorneys Should Look for In Drafting Software

by Estate Planning Drafting Software

“According to the ABA’s 2025 Legal Technology Survey, 73% of law firms now utilize cloud-based legal tools, making document management and practice management among the fastest adopted categories.”

Estate planning has always been complex. Attorneys juggle tax rules, Medicaid eligibility, probate timelines, and client expectations, all while trying to run a profitable firm. But here’s the reality: the firms growing the fastest aren’t just better at the law. They’re better at leveraging technology.

The question every attorney should be asking isn’t “Do I need software?” but rather “What’s the best estate planning software for building a business, not just drafting documents?”

Why “Good Enough” Estate Planning Software Isn’t Enough Anymore

With 73% of law firms already using cloud-based legal tools, estate planning attorneys can no longer treat software as optional, it’s now the backbone of a competitive, scalable practice.

Many attorneys are still relying on patchwork solutions, generic templates, clunky drafting programs, and manual spreadsheets to track cases. This approach leads to:

  • Errors that cost clients (and damage reputation).
  • Bottlenecks in drafting that eat up billable hours.
  • Missed revenue opportunities because attorneys are stuck in operations instead of growth.

In today’s market, where legal tech adoption is accelerating, “good enough” is no longer enough. To scale a profitable firm, attorneys need software that does more than draft—it needs to function as a business operating system.

What Makes the Best Estate Planning Software?

If you’re evaluating drafting software, here’s what business-minded attorneys should demand:

1. Single-Entry Drafting

Enter client data once, and it populates across all documents. This saves hours, reduces errors, and ensures consistency.

2. Up-to-Date Legal Compliance

With estate tax exemptions set to drop in 2026 (IRS source), attorneys need tools that evolve with the law. Software should update automatically to reflect new federal and state rules.

3. Scenario Modeling

Clients want to see “what-if” planning. The best estate planning software provides side-by-side comparisons—Medicaid eligibility strategies, trust options, tax exposure—so clients can make confident decisions.

4. Integrated Workflows

From Medicaid applications to probate, workflows keep the whole team aligned and efficient. No more reinventing the wheel for every case.

5. Performance Dashboards

Beyond drafting, attorneys need to see business metrics: revenue, close rates, and team productivity. The right software connects daily work to firm growth.

How LWP’s STEPS™ Sets the Standard

At Lawyers With Purpose (LWP), we built STEPS™ for exactly this reason. Attorneys needed more than drafting—they needed a platform to grow.

With STEPS™, you get:

  • Drafting software with single-entry templates for trusts, wills, Medicaid, and VA planning.
  • Access to exclusive tools like the iPug® Protection Trust, giving clients asset protection and control.
  • Automated eligibility calculations that stay current with Medicaid and tax rules.
  • Cloud-based workflows that keep your team moving in sync.
  • Real-time dashboards that connect your goals to measurable results.

This is why our members call STEPS™ not just software, but an operating system for their law firm.

Cloud-Based Access for Modern Firms

One of the biggest frustrations for estate planning attorneys is being tied to the office. With cloud-based estate planning software like STEPS™, you and your team can securely access client files and draft documents anytime, anywhere.

Whether you’re meeting a client in person, working remotely, or collaborating with staff across locations, STEPS™ ensures that your files are always available, without compromising compliance or security.

Drafting That Covers Every Client Need

The best estate planning software shouldn’t just handle wills—it should cover the entire spectrum of planning documents. With STEPS™, attorneys can draft:

  • Healthcare & financial directives
  • Wills
  • Revocable & irrevocable trusts
  • Ancillary and standalone documents
  • Medicaid qualification plans

Because everything is built on a single-entry system, information entered once flows across all these documents, minimizing errors and saving time.

FAQs About Best Estate Planning Software

Q1: Do I really need estate planning software if I already use templates?
Yes. Templates may save some time, but they don’t scale. The best estate planning software automates, tracks, and updates your work in ways templates never can.

Q2: Can drafting software really help me grow revenue?
Absolutely. By reducing drafting time (often by 40% or more), attorneys free up hours for client consultations and marketing—direct revenue activities. See our post on boosting revenue with drafting software for real numbers.

Q3: Is estate planning software worth the investment for solo attorneys?
Yes. Solo practitioners benefit most because they’re often the most stretched thin. Software lets them operate like a larger firm without hiring additional staff.

Q4: How secure is cloud-based estate planning software?
Reputable providers (like LWP) use encrypted, compliant systems. Cloud-based tools also allow for seamless updates and collaboration without risking outdated local files.

Q5: What’s the difference between generic legal software and STEPS™?
Generic platforms cover multiple practice areas but lack depth. STEPS™ is built for estate planning only—with tools like Medicaid eligibility modeling and proprietary trusts that competitors can’t match.

Why Business-Minded Attorneys Will Lead With Best Estate Planning Software Like STEPS™

The best estate planning attorneys in 2025 won’t just be known for their legal expertise. They’ll be known for running efficient, client-focused, profitable businesses.

Estate planning software like STEPS™ isn’t just about saving time, it’s about:

  • Scaling without burnout.
  • Building predictable revenue.
  • Delivering a client experience that keeps referrals flowing.

Attorneys who see software as a business growth tool, not just a drafting tool, will be the ones who thrive.

Take the Next Step: Invest in the best estate planning software

If you’re ready to evaluate the best estate planning software for your practice, we’d love to show you how STEPS™ works in real life.

👉 Book a demo to see how it fits into your workflow.
👉 Check out upcoming LWP events where attorneys share how they’re scaling with STEPS™.
👉 Explore more insights on our blog.

Don’t settle for software that just drafts. Choose the best estate planning software that builds your business.

drafting software actually increase your law firm revenue

Top 5 Medicaid Planning Mistakes Attorneys Should Help Clients Avoid

by Medicaid

For many families, the high cost of long-term care comes as a shock. With the national average for a nursing home room exceeding $8,500 per month (Genworth Cost of Care Survey, 2023), even well-prepared clients can see their life savings vanish in a matter of months. That’s where Medicaid planning steps in as both a safety net and a vital part of comprehensive estate planning.

But here’s the catch: Medicaid planning is full of landmines. One wrong move can delay eligibility, trigger penalties, or even result in a denial that leaves families scrambling to cover care costs. As an estate planning or elder law attorney, your guidance is crucial to steering clients away from these common errors.

Below are the top five Medicaid planning mistakes attorneys should help their clients avoid, along with strategies to get it right.

1. Relying on Outright Gifts to Family Members

Many clients assume that simply giving assets to children or grandchildren will solve their eligibility issues. On the surface, it seems logical: move assets out of the estate, and Medicaid can’t count them.

The problem? Medicaid’s five-year lookback period. Any transfers made within five years of applying can trigger penalties that delay eligibility. Worse, outright gifts expose assets to the creditors, lawsuits, or divorces of the recipients.

Better Approach:
Use tools like an Irrevocable Pure Grantor Trust (iPug®) instead. This allows clients to protect assets, maintain some level of control, and avoid the risks that come with outright gifting. Trust-based strategies also prevent the unpredictability of a child’s financial situation from jeopardizing the family’s security.

2. Waiting Too Long to Start Planning

A common mistake is waiting until a client is already in a nursing home—or on the verge of needing one—before considering Medicaid planning. At that point, options are limited, and families often face a spend-down that could have been avoided.

Better Approach:
Encourage early, proactive planning. By starting well before the need for long-term care arises, attorneys can help clients protect significantly more assets. Even when planning starts late, tools like Medicaid-compliant annuities or promissory notes can still preserve resources—but the earlier the planning begins, the greater the protection.

3. Misunderstanding Medicaid Eligibility Rules

Medicaid eligibility is notoriously complex, and rules vary by state. Clients often misunderstand which assets “count” and which are exempt. Retirement accounts, primary residences, and spousal allowances can all be treated differently depending on the jurisdiction.

Better Approach:
Attorneys should use state-specific tools and software to ensure accuracy. For example, LWP’s STEPS™ software automates Medicaid calculations, identifies protected assets, and clarifies penalty periods—removing guesswork and reducing costly errors. Staying current with state regulations is non-negotiable.

4. Submitting Incomplete or Incorrect Applications

The Medicaid application process is paperwork-heavy, and missing even one document can lead to delays or outright denial. Common missteps include misreporting income, failing to provide proof of asset transfers, or missing deadlines for supplemental requests.

Better Approach:
Implement a systematic application process. Checklists, templates, and dedicated intake systems ensure nothing is overlooked. Attorneys can also educate clients on the importance of keeping organized records well in advance of applying.

5. Overlooking Ongoing Compliance and Recertification

Many attorneys focus only on the initial Medicaid application, but annual recertification is just as critical. Clients who fail to update their information or who inadvertently exceed income or asset limits risk losing their benefits.

Better Approach:
Build recertification support into your workflow. Attorneys can schedule proactive check-ins, use client status dashboards, and provide ongoing guidance to ensure compliance. This not only prevents lapses in eligibility but also strengthens client relationships over time.

How Attorneys Can Get It Right

Avoiding these mistakes requires more than legal knowledge—it requires systems, processes, and the right tools. Firms that excel in Medicaid planning tend to have:

  • Documented workflows for intake, eligibility review, and application prep
  • Centralized task tracking so nothing falls through the cracks
  • State-specific software, like LWP’s STEPS™, that removes guesswork from eligibility calculations
  • Education materials (like the Asset Protection Analysis Letter) that help clients understand the “why” behind the strategy

By pairing strong technical knowledge with proven workflows, attorneys can deliver consistent results while reducing stress on their team.

Final Takeaway

Medicaid planning is one of the most impactful services estate planning attorneys can provide—but it’s also one of the easiest areas for clients to make costly mistakes. By helping families avoid outright gifting, delayed planning, eligibility missteps, incomplete applications, and recertification pitfalls, you can safeguard both their care and their legacy.

With the right guidance—and the right tools—your firm can become the trusted partner clients turn to when navigating the uncertainty of long-term care.

👉 Want to see how LWP’s STEPS™ software helps attorneys streamline Medicaid planning and protect more assets? Schedule a discovery call with our team today.

Estate Planning Attorneys

Adapt or Fall Behind: Why Keeping Up with Technology Is Non-Negotiable for Estate Planning Attorneys

by Uncategorized

The legal industry isn’t known for rapid innovation, but times are changing—and estate planning attorneys who don’t keep up risk losing clients to more tech-savvy competitors. 

From estate planning drafting software to client communication tools, technology is no longer a luxury; it’s a necessity.

This article explores why staying current is critical for your practice and how to embrace change without disrupting your workflow.

Why Technology Matters More Than Ever In Estate Planning Law Firms

Client Expectations Have Changed

Generally speaking, clients are becoming more tech-savvy than ever before. Whether it’s streaming services, online shopping, or social media, people are accustomed to having information at their fingertips instantly. When they engage with an estate planning law firm, they expect a similar experience—efficient, transparent, and fast.

Clients now expect to be able to view documents and track their case progress online, without needing to wait for phone calls or in-person meetings. They want seamless communication, immediate access to their files, and the ability to get updates on their cases at the click of a button. If a firm is still using outdated processes—like manual drafting or relying on paper documents—it can create a disjointed, frustrating experience that could drive clients to seek out competitors who offer a smoother, more modern process.

Moreover, today’s clients have a broader understanding of technology thanks to their experiences with other industries, like e-commerce and entertainment. They’re familiar with software that lets them monitor the status of their order, make real-time adjustments, and get fast responses. When an estate planning firm fails to meet these expectations, it can quickly become a red flag for potential clients.

Using technology to meet these heightened expectations is essential to building trust and ensuring client satisfaction. For example, STEPS™, an advanced drafting and document management software, provides an efficient, cloud-based platform that not only streamlines operations but also enhances the overall client experience, ensuring that clients feel their needs are being met in a timely and organized manner.

Estate Planning Attorneys: Competitors Are Adopting Tech

As much as clients have come to expect modern technology, so too have your competitors. Law firms, especially in the estate planning space, are increasingly turning to technology to streamline their processes and enhance their service offerings. If your competitors are using advanced tools like document drafting software, automated workflows, and cloud-based systems, they can deliver a faster, more efficient service that appeals to today’s consumer.

This creates a major competitive advantage. Firms using technology can reduce the time spent on repetitive, manual tasks, giving them the ability to take on more clients without sacrificing quality. Additionally, the efficiency gains that come with technology translate to cost savings, allowing these firms to offer more competitive pricing without cutting into their bottom line.

If your firm isn’t adopting technology, you risk falling behind. In a world where clients are increasingly looking for firms that are quick, accessible, and efficient, adopting technology is crucial to staying competitive. STEPS™ helps you stay ahead of the curve by offering a cloud-based platform that integrates seamlessly with existing workflows, helping you stay organized and efficient while enhancing client satisfaction.

While you’re managing your clients, the software is working to populate necessary legal forms, reduce human error, and ensure compliance with the latest legal standards. This creates a more professional and reliable service, giving you an edge over firms that are still relying on outdated methods.

Efficiency Is Key to Profitability for Estate Planning Attorneys

In a competitive market, estate planning attorneys are under constant pressure to improve their profitability while maintaining high levels of client satisfaction. One of the easiest ways to achieve both is by embracing technology that can boost efficiency.

For example, manual drafting processes are often time-consuming, requiring attorneys and staff to spend significant hours inputting data, generating documents, and making adjustments for individual client needs. Even with the most skilled staff, this process is slow and prone to human error, which can lead to costly revisions and unhappy clients.

STEPS™ addresses this challenge by automating much of the drafting process. With features like a single-entry system, where data entered once populates all related documents, the software minimizes duplication and manual entry. Attorneys can draft a wide range of estate planning documents—wills, trusts, healthcare directives—faster, with fewer errors, and with less reliance on support staff. This results in better use of billable hours, reduced overhead, and improved productivity.

Moreover, automation frees up attorneys to focus on higher-value tasks, such as client consultations and strategic legal advice. Rather than spending countless hours drafting documents, they can spend more time discussing complex legal matters and refining the details of their clients’ estate plans. This enables the firm to increase its output without needing to hire additional staff, which keeps overhead costs lower and improves profitability.

Additionally, technology like STEPS™ helps law firms stay compliant with the constantly changing legal environment. As legal requirements evolve, having a system in place that updates automatically ensures that your firm is always operating within the latest guidelines, reducing the risk of costly legal mistakes.

The Risks of Falling Behind

  1. Lost Clients
    Clients who perceive your firm as old-fashioned may turn to competitors who offer a more modern experience.
  2. Burnout
    Without the right tools, your team will spend unnecessary time on repetitive tasks, leading to frustration and high turnover.
  3. Reputational Damage
    In an industry where image matters, being seen as behind the times can hurt your credibility.

How to Stay Ahead With The Right Software 

  1. Invest in the Right Tools
    Start with software that addresses your biggest pain points. For most estate planning attorneys, drafting software like STEPS™ is a game-changer.
  2. Embrace Cloud-Based Solutions
    Cloud-based tools allow for greater flexibility and collaboration, ensuring your team can work from anywhere.
  3. Educate Your Team
    Technology is only effective if your team knows how to use it. Invest in training to ensure seamless adoption.

The importance of technology in estate planning law firms cannot be overstated. With evolving client expectations, increasing competition, and a need for greater efficiency and profitability, adopting advanced tools like STEPS™ is essential to staying competitive. By streamlining workflows, improving accuracy, and offering a modern, client-friendly experience, technology enables firms to grow while maintaining high standards of service. Law firms that resist adopting technology risk falling behind and losing out on clients to more innovative competitors. Now more than ever, embracing tech is not just an option—it’s an imperative for the future of estate planning law.

Change can be intimidating, but the cost of staying stagnant is far greater. By using modern tools and practices, estate planning attorneys can not only survive but thrive in an increasingly competitive market.


When you’re ready to future-proof your practice? Discover how STEPS™ can help. Book a demo today

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