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10 Best Estate Administration Software Shortlist

Here’s my shortlist of the best estate administration software:

Navigating the complexities of estate administration can be daunting. You’re juggling multiple tasks, managing client expectations, and ensuring compliance with regulations. Estate administration software is here to ease that burden. It helps you organize documents, track deadlines, and manage communications efficiently.

I’ve spent considerable time testing and reviewing these tools to find the best solutions for your needs. I understand the challenges you face and how the right software can make a difference in your daily operations.

In this article, I’ll share my top picks for estate administration software. You'll get an unbiased, well-researched review to help you make an informed decision for your team. Let's dive in and explore the options that can support your practice.

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Best Estate Administration Software Summary

This comparison chart summarizes pricing details for my top estate administration software selections to help you find the best one for your budget and business needs.

Best Estate Administration Software Reviews

Below are my detailed summaries of the best estate administration software that made it onto my shortlist. My reviews offer a detailed look at the key features, pros & cons, integrations, and ideal use cases of each tool to help you find the best one for you.

Best for comprehensive case management

  • 7-day free trial
  • From $39/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.6/5

Clio is a legal practice management software designed for law firms handling wills and estates. It provides tools for managing cases, documents, and client communications effectively.

Why I picked Clio: Clio offers comprehensive case management, making it suitable for law firms needing an all-in-one solution. Its case management features allow you to track every detail related to your clients' estates. Document automation reduces manual paperwork, saving time and effort. Clio's client communication tools ensure you stay connected with clients, providing updates and managing expectations efficiently.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include document automation that minimizes manual paperwork, enhancing efficiency. Case management tools let you track client details and estate progress effectively. Client communication tools keep you connected with clients, ensuring timely updates and managed expectations.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Evernote, Box, HubSpot, Salesforce, Asana, and Trello.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports document automation
  • Tracks estate progress
  • All-in-one case management

Cons:

  • Regular updates necessary
  • May need technical support
  • Learning curve for new users

Best for client communication

  • 10-day free trial + free demo available
  • From $49/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 4.4/5

MyCase is a legal practice management software designed for attorneys specializing in estate planning. It focuses on improving client communication and managing case-related tasks efficiently.

Why I picked MyCase: MyCase excels in enhancing communication between legal professionals and their clients. With features like a client portal, it makes sharing documents and updates straightforward. The software's task management tools help you stay organized and on top of deadlines. Billing and invoicing features integrate with communication tools, ensuring you and your clients are always aligned.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a client portal that streamlines document sharing and communication. Task management tools keep your team's workflow organized and efficient. Billing and invoicing features are integrated, providing a seamless experience for both you and your clients.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Evernote, Box, HubSpot, Salesforce, Asana, and Trello.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Streamlined document sharing
  • Integrated billing and invoicing
  • Strong client communication tools

Cons:

  • Regular updates needed
  • Limited customization options
  • Learning curve for new users

Best for cloud-based management

  • Free demo available
  • From $60/user/month (billed annually)
Visit Website
Rating: 3.8/5

Actionstep is a cloud-based estate administration software designed for law firms involved in estate planning. It provides a comprehensive suite of tools to manage client information, documents, and workflows efficiently.

Why I picked Actionstep: Actionstep excels in cloud-based management, offering flexibility for remote access and collaboration. Its workflow automation helps your team manage tasks efficiently, reducing administrative burdens. The document management feature ensures all files are organized and easily accessible. With customizable dashboards, you can tailor the interface to suit your firm's specific needs.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include workflow automation to streamline task management. Document management keeps your files organized and accessible. Customizable dashboards allow you to tailor the interface to your firm's needs, providing a personalized user experience.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Evernote, Box, HubSpot, Salesforce, Asana, and Trello.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Flexible remote access
  • Efficient workflow automation
  • Comprehensive document management

Cons:

  • Initial setup complexity
  • Learning curve for new users
  • May need technical support

Best for estate planning

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

EstateWorks is an estate administration software designed for legal professionals who manage estate planning and settlement. It helps users organize, track, and complete estate-related tasks efficiently.

Why I picked EstateWorks: EstateWorks is tailored for those focusing on estate planning, offering a clear framework for managing complex tasks. The tool provides automated task lists and document management, which helps streamline workflows. It also includes deadline tracking to ensure timely completion of tasks. The estate accounting feature provides detailed financial insights, supporting informed decision-making.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated task lists that help you manage workflows efficiently. Document management keeps all your estate-related files organized and accessible. Deadline tracking ensures tasks are completed on time, and estate accounting offers detailed financial insights.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Evernote, Box, HubSpot, Salesforce, Asana, and Trello.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Supports complex estate planning
  • Organized document storage
  • Detailed financial insights

Cons:

  • Not suitable for small estates
  • Learning curve for new users
  • Limited customization options

Best for Canadian estates

  • Free plan + demo available
  • From $69/user/month

Estateably is an estate administration software tailored for professionals handling estate settlements, particularly in Canada. It helps users efficiently manage estate tasks, track progress, and handle documentation.

Why I picked Estateably: Estateably is particularly suited for Canadian estates, providing localized support and compliance features. The software's intuitive interface simplifies task management and progress tracking. Document automation helps reduce manual errors, ensuring accuracy. Estateably's reporting tools offer insights into estate performance, which is crucial for compliance and efficiency.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include document automation that minimizes manual errors and ensures accuracy in paperwork. The intuitive interface simplifies task management and progress tracking. Reporting tools provide insights into estate performance, aiding compliance and efficiency.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Evernote, Box, HubSpot, Salesforce, Asana, and Trello.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Compliance-focused features
  • Accurate document automation
  • Localized support for Canadian estates

Cons:

  • Learning curve for new users
  • Limited to Canadian regulations

Best for accounting integration

  • Free demo available
  • Pricing upon request

The Lackner Group offers estate administration software tailored for law firms, accounting firms, and banks. It focuses on estate and trust management, providing comprehensive tracking and management capabilities.

Why I picked The Lackner Group: The Lackner Group excels in accounting integration, making it ideal for firms that manage complex financial records. Its '6-in-1' software offers a unified platform for estate and trust management. The inclusion of 'NumberCruncher' provides advanced estate planning tools. These features ensure that financial data is meticulously managed and easily accessible.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include comprehensive estate and trust management tools. A unified platform helps handle complex financial records efficiently. The software ensures accurate tracking and easy access to all estate-related information.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Evernote, Box, HubSpot, Salesforce, Asana, and Trello.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Unified platform for records
  • Comprehensive financial management
  • Advanced estate planning tools

Cons:

  • Limited customization options
  • May require setup assistance
  • Learning curve for new users

Best for small law firms

  • Free plan available
  • From $38.95/month

Legacy Logix is an estate administration software tailored for small law firms that manage estate plans. It automates document organization and asset management, serving as a secure hub for estate settlement processes.

Why I picked Legacy Logix: This software is ideal for small law firms needing efficient estate management. Real-time summaries and financial analysis help you stay on top of estate details. Controlled access ensures sensitive information is shared only with relevant stakeholders. The secure digital vault provides a comprehensive overview, making it a practical choice for firms handling multiple estates.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a secure digital vault for storing documents, real-time summaries for quick insights, and financial analysis tools for better decisions. Expense tracking helps you manage costs easily. Automated reminders keep estate plans up to date.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Evernote, Box, HubSpot, Salesforce, Asana, and Trello.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Controlled stakeholder access
  • Real-time estate summaries
  • Secure digital document storage

Cons:

  • Not ideal for large firms
  • Learning curve for new users
  • Limited customization options

Best for solo practitioners

  • 10-day free trial
  • From $199

EstateExec is an online tool designed for estate executors, including first-time users and professionals. It caters to individuals managing estate administration tasks, aiming to simplify processes and reduce errors.

Why I picked EstateExec: EstateExec is tailored for solo practitioners who need a straightforward solution. It offers automated task generation and comprehensive guides, which help users navigate their duties without needing additional support. Simplified accounting features and centralized information storage add to its value, making it a practical choice for those managing estates independently. The bank import capability further enhances its usability for solo users.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include automated task generation, comprehensive guides, and simplified accounting to make estate management easier. Bank import capabilities help with financial tracking. These tools reduce manual work and support smooth administration.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Evernote, Box, HubSpot, Salesforce, Asana, and Trello.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Centralized information storage
  • Automated task generation
  • Strong customer support

Cons:

  • Not ideal for large teams
  • Limited customization options
  • Learning curve for new users

Best for executor support

  • Free demo available
  • From $169/month (billed annually)

Trustate is an estate administration software designed to assist executors with managing estate settlement tasks. It provides tools for tracking assets, liabilities, and other essential estate details.

Why I picked Trustate: Trustate focuses on offering robust support for executors, making it a preferred choice for those managing estate settlements. It features asset and liability tracking, which helps you maintain accurate records. The intuitive dashboard ensures you have a clear view of the estate's status at all times. Additionally, Trustate's document management system simplifies the organization and retrieval of important files.

Standout features & integrations:

Features include a comprehensive dashboard that gives you an overview of estate status. The asset and liability tracking tools ensure accurate record-keeping. Document management simplifies organization and retrieval, making it easier to manage estate paperwork.

Integrations include QuickBooks, Dropbox, Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive, Evernote, Box, HubSpot, Salesforce, Asana, and Trello.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Clear estate status overview
  • Simplifies document management
  • Strong executor support

Cons:

  • May need technical support to implement
  • Regular updates needed
  • Initial learning curve

Other Estate Administration Software

Here are some additional estate administration software options that didn’t make it onto my shortlist, but are still worth checking out:

  1. WealthCounsel

    For trust drafting

  2. LEAP

    For automated workflows

  3. zCalc Estate Planner

    For tax planning

  4. Trust & Will

    For online will creation

  5. Emergent

    For Canadian law firms

Estate Administration Software Selection Criteria

When selecting the best estate administration software to include in this list, I considered common buyer needs and pain points like compliance with legal regulations and efficient document management. I also used the following framework to keep my evaluation structured and fair:

Core Functionality (25% of total score)
To be considered for inclusion in this list, each solution had to fulfill these common use cases:

  • Manage estate accounting
  • Track tasks and deadlines
  • Store and organize documents
  • Facilitate communication with stakeholders
  • Generate reports and summaries

Additional Standout Features (25% of total score)
To help further narrow down the competition, I also looked for unique features, such as:

  • Automated document generation
  • Real-time collaboration tools
  • Integration with legal research databases
  • Advanced data analytics and insights
  • Customizable workflows

Usability (10% of total score)
To get a sense of the usability of each system, I considered the following:

  • Intuitive interface design
  • Ease of navigation
  • Customizable dashboard options
  • Minimal learning curve
  • Accessibility on multiple devices

Onboarding (10% of total score)
To evaluate the onboarding experience for each platform, I considered the following:

  • Availability of training videos
  • Interactive product tours
  • Access to templates and guides
  • Responsive chatbots for assistance
  • Regular webinars for new users

Customer Support (10% of total score)
To assess each software provider’s customer support services, I considered the following:

  • Availability of 24/7 support
  • Multiple contact options (email, phone, chat)
  • Access to a comprehensive help center
  • Quick response times
  • Personalized support options

Value For Money (10% of total score)
To evaluate the value for money of each platform, I considered the following:

  • Competitive pricing compared to features offered
  • Flexible subscription plans
  • Transparent pricing without hidden fees
  • Discounts for long-term commitments
  • Free trial or demo availability

Customer Reviews (10% of total score)
To get a sense of overall customer satisfaction, I considered the following when reading customer reviews:

  • Overall satisfaction ratings
  • Frequency of updates and improvements
  • Feedback on customer support
  • Comments on ease of use
  • Reports of any recurring issues

How to Choose Estate Administration Software

It’s easy to get bogged down in long feature lists and complex pricing structures. To help you stay focused as you work through your unique software selection process, here’s a checklist of factors to keep in mind:

FactorWhat to Consider
ScalabilityEnsure the software can grow with your practice. Consider whether it can handle an increasing number of clients and estates without compromising performance.
IntegrationsCheck if it integrates with tools you already use, like accounting software or document storage solutions, to streamline workflows and reduce manual data entry.
CustomizabilityLook for options to tailor the software to fit your specific needs. Customizable workflows and dashboards can enhance efficiency and user satisfaction.
Ease of UseEvaluate the user interface and navigation. A tool that's easy to use will reduce training time and encourage adoption across your team.
BudgetAlign the software cost with your budget constraints. Consider the total cost of ownership, including subscription fees and any additional charges.
Security SafeguardsEnsure the software has strong security measures in place to protect sensitive client data. Look for features like encryption and regular security audits.
SupportAssess the availability and quality of customer support. Reliable support can be crucial when encountering issues or needing assistance with the software.
ComplianceVerify that the software complies with relevant legal regulations and standards, ensuring your practice stays within legal boundaries.

In my research, I sourced countless product updates, press releases, and release logs from different estate administration software vendors. Here are some of the emerging trends I’m keeping an eye on:

  • AI-Powered Insights: More tools are using AI to analyze estate data and provide insights. This helps you make informed decisions quickly. Some vendors offer AI-driven recommendations for asset distribution and tax implications.
  • Blockchain for Security: Blockchain technology is being integrated to enhance data security and transparency. It's particularly useful for tracking changes in estate documents, ensuring they're tamper-proof.
  • Cloud-Based Collaboration: Cloud technology is enabling real-time collaboration among team members and clients. This trend is growing as remote work becomes more common, allowing for easy access to documents and updates from anywhere.
  • User-Centric Design: There's a shift towards more intuitive and user-friendly interfaces. Vendors are focusing on reducing the learning curve, making it easier for new users to get started without extensive training.
  • Data-Driven Decision Making: Tools are now offering advanced analytics to track estate performance and outcomes. This trend supports better decision-making by providing detailed reports and visualizations of key metrics.

What Is Estate Administration Software?

Estate administration software is a tool designed to help manage the process of settling an estate after someone passes away. Legal professionals, such as attorneys and estate planners, generally use these tools to organize documents, track tasks, and ensure compliance with legal requirements. Document management, task tracking, and compliance support help with efficiently managing estate settlements and reducing errors. Overall, these tools provide significant value by simplifying complex processes and saving time for legal professionals.

Features of Estate Administration Software

When selecting estate administration software, keep an eye out for the following key features:

  • Document management: Organizes and stores all estate-related documents in one place, making them easy to access and manage.
  • Task tracking: Helps you monitor and manage deadlines and tasks, ensuring nothing is overlooked in the estate settlement process.
  • Compliance support: Ensures that all actions and documents meet legal requirements, reducing the risk of errors and legal issues.
  • Client communication tools: Facilitates communication with clients, keeping them informed and engaged throughout the estate administration process.
  • Billing and invoicing: Manages financial transactions and generates invoices, simplifying the financial aspects of estate administration.
  • Analytics and reporting: Provides insights and visualizations of estate data, helping you make informed decisions and track performance.
  • Customizable workflows: Allows you to tailor processes and workflows to fit the specific needs of your practice, enhancing efficiency.
  • Security safeguards: Protects sensitive client data with encryption and regular security audits, ensuring confidentiality and compliance.
  • Integration capabilities: Connects with other tools and software, such as accounting or document storage systems, to streamline operations.
  • User-friendly interface: Simplifies navigation and reduces the learning curve, making it easy for new users to adopt and use the software effectively.

Benefits of Estate Administration Software

Implementing estate administration software provides several benefits for your team and your business. Here are a few you can look forward to:

  • Improved efficiency: Automates routine tasks and processes, helping your team work faster and more accurately.
  • Enhanced organization: Centralizes documents and information, making it easier to access and manage estate data.
  • Legal compliance: Supports adherence to legal standards, reducing the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties.
  • Better communication: Facilitates clear and consistent communication with clients, keeping them informed and engaged.
  • Accurate financial management: Manages billing and invoicing with precision, ensuring financial transactions are handled smoothly.
  • Insightful analytics: Offers data-driven insights, helping you make informed decisions and track estate performance effectively.
  • Customizable solutions: Allows you to tailor workflows and processes to meet the specific needs of your practice, enhancing productivity.

Costs and Pricing of Estate Administration Software

Selecting estate administration software requires an understanding of the various pricing models and plans available. Costs vary based on features, team size, add-ons, and more. The table below summarizes common plans, their average prices, and typical features included in estate administration software solutions:

Plan Comparison Table for Estate Administration Software

Plan TypeAverage PriceCommon Features
Free Plan$0Basic document storage, limited task tracking, and basic client communication.
Personal Plan$10-$30/
user/month
Document management, task tracking, client portal, and basic reporting.
Business Plan$40-$70/
user/month
Advanced document management, comprehensive reporting, integrations, and enhanced security features.
Enterprise Plan$80-$150/
user/month
Customizable workflows, premium support, advanced analytics, and full compliance support.

Estate Administration Software FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about estate administration software:

What is the difference between probate and estate administration?

Probate involves court-supervised proceedings to settle an estate, often when a will is present. Estate administration generally occurs when there’s no will, and it involves managing and distributing the deceased’s assets. Understanding these differences helps you navigate estate matters more effectively.

What is the difference between trust and estate administration?

Trust administration is typically a less formal process compared to estate administration, which involves probate court oversight. Trusts are managed according to the terms set out in the trust document, while estate administration follows legal processes to distribute assets.

What are the security measures in estate administration software?

Security is crucial in estate administration software to protect sensitive client data. Look for features like encryption, regular security audits, and compliance with data protection regulations. These measures help safeguard information and maintain client trust.

What documents are essential for estate administration?

Estate administration often requires several key legal documents to ensure everything is handled smoothly. These include estate planning documents like a living trust, power of attorney, and directives that outline a person’s wishes regarding finances and healthcare. You’ll also need probate forms to navigate the legal process after a death. These documents help executors or fiduciaries manage and distribute assets efficiently and in accordance with the law.

How can software help with estate administration tasks?

Using estate planning software and drafting software can simplify estate administration by automating tasks like creating estate planning documents or generating a comprehensive solution for managing estates.

These platforms often include document drafting tools that support the creation of legally valid forms, making it easier to navigate complex requirements. For administrators or legal professionals, these tools can save time and reduce errors throughout the process.

What legal concepts should estate administrators understand?

Estate administrators must understand key concepts like estate tax, which can significantly affect asset distribution. Knowledge of fiduciary responsibilities is also vital, as administrators must act in the best interest of the estate and its beneficiaries.

Additionally, understanding elder law helps navigate legal protections for older individuals, and being aware of permissions ensures legal access to important accounts and documents during administration.

Why is customization important in estate administration?

Estate administration often varies by location, so using state-specific documents is crucial for legal compliance. A step-by-step approach ensures nothing is overlooked, from filing probate to distributing assets.

Tools like questionnaires help gather accurate information, making the process smoother and more tailored to the individual estate’s needs.

What's Next?

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Ben Aston
By Ben Aston

Ben Aston is an online media entrepreneur and founder of Black & White Zebra, an indie media company on a mission to help people and organizations succeed.

Since 2011, he has been evaluating, reviewing, and helping to recommend software through hundreds of articles across the company's influential digital publications, seeking to make technical workplace topics fun and easier to understand.