Essential Tools for Virtual Estate Planning Attorneys

As the popularity of digital wills and trusts rise, the expectations of estate planning clients are shifting towards virtual services. In fact, 70% of clients say they prefer working virtually with lawyers, which means modernizing your practice is more important than ever. With the best estate planning software for attorneys, you’ll better be able to streamline operations, prioritize your clients, and set your firm up for long-term success.  

In this guide, we cover how to integrate technology into your practice, including how to build your tech stack and which software solutions are best for virtual estate planning attorneys. 

Why virtual estate planning is the new normal

As legislation responds to the popularity of online wills, estate planning attorneys need to adapt to legal tech trends like AI and adopt software to future-proof their practice. The investment is well worth it, boasting benefits like:

1. An expanded client base. Virtual services can be a deciding factor for potential clients. Estate planning tools simplify processes, reducing your clients’ stress, building trust and positive experiences that strengthen your reputation.
2. Increased efficiency. Estate planning comes with complexities, emotions, and layers of collaboration that can be difficult to navigate. Virtual estate planning tools help streamline processes to retain clients and maximize your billable hours and close flat fee cases quicker.
3. Heightened accessibility and flexibility. Your clients and their family members may be in different locations and have varied responsibilities, schedules, and mobility. Virtual estate planning gives equitable access to documents and legal expertise with convenience and comfort.  
4. Client communication: Wills and estate attorneys need to meet clients on their terms. Some prefer a quick text, others a good old-fashioned phone call. The key? Stay flexible and keep communication easy.
5. Regulatory support. Receive the added benefit of software that understands estate planning regulations and legal compliance so you can be assured your work is error-free.

The 8 best estate planning tools for attorneys

Not every estate planning tool will be right for your practice. To help you choose the ones that fit best, we’ve outlined the top wills and estates law software and tools available today.

As you explore the list, consider where your firm needs the most support, and where you can simplify workflows to better serve clients. Later, we’ll show you how to build the ideal tech stack for your estate planning practice.

1. Practice management software

With heightened emotions and potential friction points between family members, you’ll want your focus to be on guiding your estate planning clients through the entire process, and putting them at ease. Practice management software gives you the flexibility to build confident client relationships and enhance your firms internal efficiencies with automation and AI.

Clio Manage 

Your go-to hub for your estate planning practice. Clio Manage supports routine task automation, grows client relationships, and manages cases all in one place. And, with Clio Duo, you can access AI-powered assistance from anywhere within Clio Manage to further boost your efficiencies..

Features: 

• Client communications: Keep clients informed and engaged, whether they’re elderly, remote, or coordinating on behalf of an estate, with secure and flexible messaging options.
• Calendar syncing: Avoid missed deadlines for probate filings or trust administration by syncing key dates across your team’s calendars and client matters.
• Task tracking and automation: Stay on top of critical steps like document signing, court filings, and follow-ups with automated task lists and reminders for each estate plan or probate matter.
• Case management: Centralize every matter—wills, POAs, trusts—in one place so you can easily access notes, communications, and documents across long timelines and multiple stakeholders.
• Document management: Store and organize estate planning documents, probate court filings, and client correspondence securely, with easy access whenever needed.
• Clio Payments enables anyone to pay on behalf of the estate: Let executors or family members securely pay invoices online, without needing to visit your office or set up accounts.
• Clio Manage offers an end-to-end billing solution: Simplify billing for flat fees, retainers, or hourly services, and ensure compliance with trust accounting rules commonly required in estate administration.

Benefits of practice management software:

1. Improved client experience. Reduce confusion and frustration during the estate planning process with clear-cut and efficient client communication and processes, so you’re always meeting expectations.
2. Streamlined day-to-day. Automate and reduce paperwork and administrative tasks for a more simplified and efficient estate planning practice. 
3. Simplified billing workflows. Easily manage flat fees, hourly rates, or retainers with built-in tools that keep your billing organized, accurate, and easy to track.
   
4. Flexible, secure payment options. Make it easier for executors, family members, or clients to pay invoices online, with options for credit cards, eChecks, and secure links that eliminate the need for in-person visits.

2. Legal-specific AI tools

Integrating AI into your legal workflow isn’t just a trend, it’s becoming essential. As the legal industry evolves, firms adopting legal specific AI tools are gaining a competitive edge by enhancing efficiency, reducing burnout, and delivering better client experiences. Embracing AI now positions your firm to meet the increasing demands of modern legal practice and stay ahead in a rapidly changing landscape.

Clio Duo

By adding Clio Duo to your Clio Manage workflow, you can get AI-assistance without having to context switch. Clio Duo is your legal AI assistant that is always right where you need it, to help you stay organized, boost productivity, and supercharge your workday.

Features:

• Case and document summarization: Instantly review key points from long case files or estate planning documents.
• Detail extraction: Quickly pull out critical info like names, dates, and citations without manual scanning.
• Client communication drafting: Write polished email and text responses in seconds, ready to send to clients or family members.
• Smart task suggestions: Get AI-powered recommendations on next steps, deadlines, and calendar scheduling to stay on top of every matter.

Clio Duo prompt ideas for wills and estate lawyers:

1. Summarize the key beneficiaries and their inheritances in [Name’s] will. Identify any conditional bequests, legal inconsistencies, or potential disputes among heirs.
2. Break down the client’s estate assets into categories and calculate the total value after liabilities. Highlight any items with special probate considerations or major depreciation risks.
3. Verify that estate liabilities were deducted correctly and distribution follows the will. Identify any discrepancies or outstanding issues that might delay estate closure.

Benefits of legal-specific AI:

1. Faster legal reviews. Summarize lengthy case files, flag key details, and surface cited information instantly, so you can spend less time reading and more time strategizing.
2. Enhanced data security. Unlike general AI tools, Clio Duo works within Clio Manage keeping your firm’s and your clients’ data protected with built-in security and compliance safeguards.
3. Built-in compliance. Legal AI tools are designed with industry regulations in mind helping you stay compliant with confidentiality obligations and professional standards without extra configuration.

Ready to get started? Book a demo to explore all the automation power and time-saving potential of Clio Manage + Clio Duo. 

3. Document automation software

Wills and estate lawyers deal with complex, detail-heavy documents. Document automation helps you draft faster, reduce errors, and maintain consistency across every will, POA, and trust—so you can focus more on serving your clients and growing your practice.

Clio Draft

Streamline your estate planning practice by turning your Word documents into dynamic templates. Clio Draft automates wills, trusts, and POAs—saving time, reducing errors, and tailoring each document to your client’s needs with smart conditional logic.

• Customizable client questionnaires: Collect key details—like beneficiaries, birthdates, and Social Security numbers—upfront, so you can skip the back-and-forth and start drafting immediately.
• Instant document generation: Automatically populate documents with questionnaire responses, reducing manual work and minimizing errors.
• Draft in Microsoft Word: Prepare complex estate planning documents directly in Word with no technical skills required.
• Reusable templates: Turn your Word files into dynamic templates that autofill with case-specific information.
• Access to official court forms: Quickly find the right documents with access to thousands of official state court forms.
• E-signature-ready packages: Create, review, and send complete document sets for secure e-signature in just a few clicks.

Gavel

An easy-to-use document automation system that integrates with Clio Manage for data exchange that enhances your workflow, with powerful document automation for Word, PDF, or other .docx documents. 

Features: 

• User questionnaires
• Document suites and template builder
• Collaboration and external sharing 

WealthCounsel

Drafting software with marketing and continued education features. It integrates with Clio Manage so your contacts and matters flow directly into WealthCounsel’s drafting technology.

Features:   

• Solutions for workflows and drafting
• Coaching programs
• Content marketing

Benefits of document automation software:

1. Improve efficiency. Decrease errors in your legal drafting and store your documents in one place. Autogenerate wills, trusts, and powers of attorney that are customized to your clients. 
2. Better client experience: Clio Draft’s client questionnaires make the process easier and more convenient for clients—no more long phone calls spelling out names. They can complete forms on their own time, from any device, with autosave if they need to pause.
3. Better client retention. Never leave your clients waiting. Document automation adds convenience that builds trust and eliminates misalignment in expectations. 

Learn more about how document automation can support your firm with Clio’s Essential Guide to Legal Document Automation. 

4. Client intake and Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

For wills and estate lawyers, client trust starts at intake. CRM tools help you collect key details upfront, stay organized through long decision cycles, and deliver a smoother, more personalized experience that builds lasting client relationships.

Clio Grow

Clio Grow helps you win more clients and save hours by automating intake, streamlining communication, and delivering a seamless, professional client experience from day one.

Features: 

• Automated client intake: Collect key information like beneficiaries and asset details upfront with secure, easy-to-complete online forms.
• Lead and follow-up tracking: Stay on top of prospective clients and consultations with built-in CRM tools designed for long decision cycles.
• Document generation and e-signature: Quickly draft and send engagement letters, wills, and POAs for secure e-signature—no printing needed.
• Client source tracking: Identify where your clients are coming from to double down on the most effective marketing and referral channels.

Lawmatics

Available as an integration with Clio Manage to connect client intake with case management and grow your practice. 

Features: 

• Client onboarding 
• Automated workflows and marketing
• Legal billing and time tracking

Benefits of client intake and CRM tools:

1. Simplifies client onboarding. Over time, your cases can evolve, and client involvement can shift. These tools give you clear historical insight into case progress with comprehensive dashboards.
2. Heightens client communication and engagement. Create a client-centred law firm with personalized automation and features that add trust and convenience. 

5. Client communication tools

Foster stronger client relationships with tools that support clear, timely, and transparent client communication. Keep clients, and their family members, informed at every stage of the estate planning process to build trust, reduce confusion, and strengthen your practice’s reputation.

Clio for Clients

A secure portal designed for your clients to communicate and collaborate with you on their estate planning. 

Features: 

• Unified communications, documents, and calendar: Keep everything in one place so clients can easily track appointments, messages, and key estate planning documents.
• Document review notifications: Prompt clients to review wills, POAs, and trust documents right away—there is no need for follow-up calls or emails.
• Clients can make payments from the Clio App: Make it easy for executors or family members to securely pay invoices from anywhere, without needing a desktop.
• Clients can scan documents with their phone: Let clients upload IDs, deeds, or other paperwork instantly using their smartphone—no printer or scanner required.
• Secure file sharing and messaging: Share sensitive estate planning documents and communicate privately with end-to-end encryption for peace of mind.

Zoom

Conduct virtual meetings with enhanced security that gives your clients the comfort to relay sensitive information. Zoom, also integrates directly with your calendar in Clio Manage.  

Features: 

• Whiteboard and meeting templates
• Caption translations
• Recording and live transcription
• End-to-end encryption

Microsoft Teams

Meet online with your clients to review matter updates and upcoming deadlines. Microsoft Teams also integrates seamlessly with Clio Manage.

Features: 

• Chat and messaging
• Video and voice calling 
• Polling and file sharing

Benefits of client communication tools:

1. Better efficiency. Elevate your client relationships with enhanced collaboration and minimize the client learning curve with secure messaging and file exchange. 
2. Higher client satisfaction. Add convenience and improve visibility, trust, and support with all involved family members throughout the estate planning process.

6. E-Signature and remote notarization

Speed up estate planning by letting clients sign and notarize documents securely from anywhere. These tools reduce delays, eliminate travel, and make it easier to finalize wills, POAs, and trusts with confidence and convenience.

DocuSign

Easily create, sign, and manage legal documents in one place—streamlined and secure. DocuSign integrates seamlessly with Clio Manage, allowing you to automate document creation and workflows with custom actions.

Features: 

• Wide file type support 
• Signer authentication and data validation
• Document templates
• Bulk send functionality

Dropbox Sign

Dropbox Sign speeds up your signature process with a simple, secure eSignature solution—so you can finalize documents faster and keep your workflow moving.

Features: 

• Application programming interface (API) features
• PDF, contract, and document e-signing

OnlineNotary

Notarize lets you complete secure, remote notarizations in minutes, no in-person meetings required. Easily integrate it with Clio Manage to keep your documents organized and your workflow efficient.

Features: 

• Legal validity and state-by-state compliance
• Document replication
• Identity verification
• Payment collection

Benefits of e-signature and remote notarization tools:

1. Improves the estate planning process. Speed up your signing and execution process with added convenience, security, and compliance.
2. Better document integrity. Get access to a clear paper trail that makes audits easier and maintains the integrity of your documents during the entire signing process. 

7. Secure client portals

Give your clients peace of mind with a centralized, secure portal for sharing updates, documents, and messages. Secure client portals make it easy to keep everyone informed, organized, and confident throughout the estate planning process.

Clio for Clients

Give your clients transparency into their estate planning progress including upcoming meetings, task requirements, and pending payments. 

Features: 

• Secure draft and document sharing: Give clients 24/7 access to their estate planning documents and securely share updates as needed.
• Real-time comments and review notifications: Keep the process moving with instant alerts and client feedback on shared documents.
• Faster payments and easier invoicing: Let clients pay securely from any device, speeding up collections without added admin.

Benefits of secure client portals:

1. Provide client-centric service. Add clarity and visibility into case progress and centralize your clients’ priorities in one place.  
2. Added security. Deliver private and secure communication between you and your client with password-protected portals and SSL encryption.  

8. Online payment processing

Accept online client payments for legal bills and trust requests. Modernize your estate planning practice with secure fee collection and financial management that integrates with your management tools.

Clio Payments

Clio Payments helps wills and estate attorneys get paid faster with secure in-person and online transactions, customizable bill templates, and real-time financial reporting. It’s especially useful for managing retainers, flexible billing (including payment plans), and payments from executors—making it easier to stay organized and compliant throughout the life of a matter.

Features: 

• PCI-compliant processing: Meet payment security standards and protect sensitive client and estate information.
• Trust accounting support: Easily track trust transactions and payment histories to stay compliant with accounting rules.
• Integrated financial reporting: Sync payment data with billing and trust records in Clio Manage to simplify reconciliation and reporting.
• Centralized billing workflows: Keep payments, billing, and client communication in one place to save time and reduce admin tasks.
• Custom payment links: Let executors manage multiple invoices or service stages with a single, secure link.
• Flexible payment options: Offers flexible payment options by allowing U.S.-based firms to accept credit cards and eChecks directly into trust accounts, helping keep retainers funded and ensuring trust accounting compliance.
• Third-party payment support: Allow anyone to pay on behalf of the estate via secure link, QR code, portal, or invoice—no in-person visit required.
• Automated payment plans: Give clients a flexible, hands-off way to pay over time.

Benefits of online payment processing software:

1. Better cash flow. Optimize flat-fee and trust-based matters by removing data entry from your task list. Get real-time notifications on payments and outstanding balances, so you can stay on top of your receivables without the follow-up.
2. Improved workflows. Get more convenience, security, and efficiency with real-time insights that help you build a better practice. 

How to choose the right tools for your law firm

Before you select your virtual estate planning tools, it’s worthwhile to slow down and analyze what fits with your firm’s unique requirements, so you make the right investment. 

1. Assess your firm’s size, workflow, and budget. Identify your needs and budget constraints. Depending on your firm’s size, you may need buy-in from stakeholders.
2. Choose cloud-based tools for flexibility and security. Cloud-based solutions are affordable and offer flexibility and added security that prevents data loss. 
3. Ensure seamless integration with your current systems. Evaluate your current technology and, above all, prioritize products that support your long-term success. You may need to look for an application programming interface (API) to facilitate communication between new and existing tools. Make it easy and start with a legal practice management (LPM) tool that integrates with over 280 other tools.
4. Think about scalability as your practice grows. Choose tools that can adapt and evolve to changing needs and growth without sacrificing performance. 
5. Evaluate user experience & support. Look for tools that are reliable, intuitive to use, and function as promised. Check estate planning software reviews or speak to other attorneys in your field for recommendations. 
6. How important is using AI to your firm? According to our latest Legal Trends Report, 70% of clients are either neutral or would prefer to work with firms that use AI, meaning that the vast majority of clients either want their lawyers to use AI or are adaptable. 

Automation powered by AI reallocates more time towards better client service and generating more business. Whether AI is a good fit for you depends on training and use cases. AI may be a worthwhile investment if you want to add efficiencies to:

• Documenting and recording information
• Gathering information
• Data and information analysis.

Take this quick 2-minute quiz to find out where your firm stands on the AI adoption curve—and get practical tips to help you take the next step with confidence.

How to build your virtual estate planning tech stack

A legal tech stack is a collection of tools, software, and systems that help streamline and support your estate planning practice. Here’s how to build one for your virtual estate planning. 

1. Prioritize your specific needs

Identify current pain points and areas of friction in your workflows and client experience. Use this information to narrow down the most helpful tools and features.

2. Research and create your shortlist

Select tools that meet regulatory legal compliance and requirements for data privacy and protection, electronic signatures, intellectual property, and more. Be sure it can monitor changes in regulations, understand the importance of critical timelines, and alert you of possible risks. Start with a scalable, cloud-based practice management platform with good customer support, so you get maximum return on your investment.

3. Select your tools

Finalize your list and be strategic. Don’t start with too many tools and make sure they can integrate seamlessly, share data, and work as a team. If needed, get buy-in from stakeholders.

4. Integrate your technology

Create standard operating procedures (SOPs) that are clear and succinct. Integrate software like your document automation and e-signature tools and train all staff. Finally, for all client-facing technology, conduct a pilot program with a single client before expanding access.

5. Iterate on your tech stack

Each virtual estate planning firm is different, and you may find some tools end up being redundant or unnecessary. Learn from data, team and client feedback, and performance reports to improve and iterate.

Final thoughts on tools for virtual estate planning attorneys

Over time, your estate planning cases can shift and change, involving complex layers of emotion, strategies, and skills that make your billable hours crucial. With the right virtual estate planning tools, you can reduce your administrative work and focus on what’s important: building the best estate plans for your clients and delivering service that exceeds expectations, leaving them feeling satisfied and supported. 

We published this blog post in May 2025. Last updated: May 12, 2025.

Posted in: Technology