Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between WillCounsel and more traditional law firms?
Nothing, and everything. WillCounsel is a law firm, just like the local law shop on Main Street and the big firm in the downtown high-rise. The firm is owned and operated by licensed Illinois attorneys, plain and simple.
WillCounsel just thinks differently than most law firms. We embrace technology. We forgo expensive, well-appointed offices (and pass along the savings to clients). We acknowledge and implement client preferences regarding web-enabled convenience and fixed-fee structures. As a result, WillCounsel clients receive quality legal documents befitting a sophisticated law firm, coupled with an uncommon and delightful customer experience.
What's the difference between WillCounsel and other online legal services?
WillCounsel is a law firm, and the firm provides its clients with Wills, Trusts, and related legal services performed by a licensed attorney. For example, prior to preparing and finalizing your legal documents, an attorney will review your interview responses to check for potential life or financial circumstances which might warrant alternative estate planning options. By contrast, most online legal services provide their customers with "dynamically completed" simple Will forms similar to those you might buy at your local office supply store.
For the same reason you wouldn't trust a non-physician to perform a critical surgery, we think it's short-sighted to trust a non-lawyer to prepare your critical legal documents. WillCounsel allows its clients to take advantage of the convenience and cost predictability our non-lawyer competition offers, while getting the peace of mind that could only come from working with a bona fide law firm.
How and when do I pay for my legal documents?
Your fee isn't due until we send you your personalized legal documents. After we compete your legal documents, we'll send you a link to a secure online invoice allowing you to pay for your legal documents with a credit card. If you prefer, you can also send a check to the office address on your invoice.
Are WillCounsel's standard Will and Trust documents appropriate for all clients?
No estate planning solution is "one-size-fits-all," but the Firm's standard legal documents were created to address the last wishes of a large percentage of the Firm's clients. As experienced legal counsel, WillCounsel can advise you if your specific life or financial circumstances warrant alternative estate planning options.
Do I automatically become a WillCounsel client when I submit my questionnaire?
No. WillCounsel will review your interview responses to determine whether the Firm can accept your legal project. While we try hard to accept all interested clients, we occasionally need to decline a legal project. As a law firm, WillCounsel is required to adhere to ethical rules restricting the firm's ability to serve certain clients. For example, the Firm can't work with clients in every state (yet). While the Firm's expansion plans call for coverage in other states, for now, WillCounsel only serves Illinois residents. The Firm also needs to research potential "conflicts of interest" which might prohibit WillCounsel from accepting a new client based on previous client engagements and other factors. Finally, the Firm may decline a project if the potential client's specific financial or family circumstances, or last wishes, exceed the scope of WillCounsel's standard services.
I'm married. Do both of us need a Will?
Yes, most legal professionals agree that you and your spouse should have your own, separate Wills.
Do I need to sign my Will?
Yes. In fact, Illinois law requires that a valid will must be signed in the presence of two witnesses, and you should also have a Notary Public notarize the signatures. We'll send you detailed signature instructions to walk you through the signature process step-by-step.
Nothing, and everything. WillCounsel is a law firm, just like the local law shop on Main Street and the big firm in the downtown high-rise. The firm is owned and operated by licensed Illinois attorneys, plain and simple.
WillCounsel just thinks differently than most law firms. We embrace technology. We forgo expensive, well-appointed offices (and pass along the savings to clients). We acknowledge and implement client preferences regarding web-enabled convenience and fixed-fee structures. As a result, WillCounsel clients receive quality legal documents befitting a sophisticated law firm, coupled with an uncommon and delightful customer experience.
What's the difference between WillCounsel and other online legal services?
WillCounsel is a law firm, and the firm provides its clients with Wills, Trusts, and related legal services performed by a licensed attorney. For example, prior to preparing and finalizing your legal documents, an attorney will review your interview responses to check for potential life or financial circumstances which might warrant alternative estate planning options. By contrast, most online legal services provide their customers with "dynamically completed" simple Will forms similar to those you might buy at your local office supply store.
For the same reason you wouldn't trust a non-physician to perform a critical surgery, we think it's short-sighted to trust a non-lawyer to prepare your critical legal documents. WillCounsel allows its clients to take advantage of the convenience and cost predictability our non-lawyer competition offers, while getting the peace of mind that could only come from working with a bona fide law firm.
How and when do I pay for my legal documents?
Your fee isn't due until we send you your personalized legal documents. After we compete your legal documents, we'll send you a link to a secure online invoice allowing you to pay for your legal documents with a credit card. If you prefer, you can also send a check to the office address on your invoice.
Are WillCounsel's standard Will and Trust documents appropriate for all clients?
No estate planning solution is "one-size-fits-all," but the Firm's standard legal documents were created to address the last wishes of a large percentage of the Firm's clients. As experienced legal counsel, WillCounsel can advise you if your specific life or financial circumstances warrant alternative estate planning options.
Do I automatically become a WillCounsel client when I submit my questionnaire?
No. WillCounsel will review your interview responses to determine whether the Firm can accept your legal project. While we try hard to accept all interested clients, we occasionally need to decline a legal project. As a law firm, WillCounsel is required to adhere to ethical rules restricting the firm's ability to serve certain clients. For example, the Firm can't work with clients in every state (yet). While the Firm's expansion plans call for coverage in other states, for now, WillCounsel only serves Illinois residents. The Firm also needs to research potential "conflicts of interest" which might prohibit WillCounsel from accepting a new client based on previous client engagements and other factors. Finally, the Firm may decline a project if the potential client's specific financial or family circumstances, or last wishes, exceed the scope of WillCounsel's standard services.
I'm married. Do both of us need a Will?
Yes, most legal professionals agree that you and your spouse should have your own, separate Wills.
Do I need to sign my Will?
Yes. In fact, Illinois law requires that a valid will must be signed in the presence of two witnesses, and you should also have a Notary Public notarize the signatures. We'll send you detailed signature instructions to walk you through the signature process step-by-step.