Half of Americans Don't Have a Will, Says Nolo Survey

BERKELEY, CA--(Marketwired - Dec 17, 2013) - Nolo, the nation's leading publisher of do-it-yourself legal guides, has released Quicken WillMaker Plus 2014, an updated version of its best-selling estate planning software -- and millions of Americans could benefit from using it, if they're like the consumers who responded to a recent Nolo survey.

Almost half of the consumers Nolo surveyed reported that they didn't have a will. Many of them said they either don't know where to start when it comes to creating a will or don't have time to start.

Among additional highlights from the Nolo "State of Wills" survey *:

• Two-thirds of male respondents had wills, compared to just over a third of women
• Almost one in five people said that since they had made their most recent will, they had experienced at least one major life event such as a marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child
• People who hired a lawyer to draft a will spent an average of $1,400

Developed by Nolo's staff of expert attorneys, Quicken WillMaker Plus addresses these common will-making roadblocks by guiding users through a step-by-step interview process to create a legal will. Helpful legal information and tips are presented throughout the process to help users make the best decisions for themselves and for their families. Priced starting at just $42.99, Quicken WillMaker Plus can save consumers hundreds -- if not thousands -- of dollars over hiring an attorney to create a will.

Beyond creating a legal will, Quicken WillMaker Plus enables users to create a customized, comprehensive estate plan, with essential documents including Health Care Directive, Power of Attorney, Living Will, and Letters to Survivors, among dozens of other crucial legal documents. Free downloadable legal updates will keep the software current through 2014.

As an added value, Quicken WillMaker Plus 2014 users receive a free activation of Nolo's Online Living Trust (http://www.nolo.com/products/online-living-trust-nntrus.html). This $59 value enables users to establish a free living trust, sparing their families the hassle and expense of probate court as they carry out users' wishes.

Availability & How To Purchase
Nolo's Quicken WillMaker plus is available immediately via instant download or CD at www.nolo.com. It is also currently available for purchase in select retail stores including Costco and Target. Quicken WillMaker Plus is not valid in Louisiana or U.S. Territories.

*A complete analysis of Nolo's State of Wills Survey results can be found at http://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/too-busy-make-will-think-again.html.

About Nolo
Nolo (www.nolo.com) is a leading provider of plain-English legal information and products for consumers and businesses. A subsidiary of Internet Brands, Nolo focuses most of its efforts on its award-winning website, which features extensive free content, online tools and a consumer-friendly lawyer directory. Nolo also develops market-leading software, online legal forms, and print and ebooks. Nolo was founded in 1971 by two legal aid attorneys who set out to demystify the law for people who couldn't afford lawyers. Since then Nolo has produced over 20 million plain-English legal guides across all areas of the law. Quicken is a registered trademark of Intuit Inc., used under license.