Q&A with Viken Mikaelian Re Online Will Planner

The number one reason some nonprofits do not want a will maker on their planned giving website is because they know “better.” Fundraisers are deeply rooted in their belief that a donor should use an attorney to draft a will.

True. But that, is not our decision.

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Major Gifts Today
How did you come up with the idea of an online will-planning service?

Viken Mikaelian
It’s been around since we started our business PlannedGiving.Com in 1998. One of the early developers was LegalZoom, but they didn’t have a platform specifically for nonprofits. That’s why we developed LegacyPlanner™. We had a primitive version back in 2008 but that only collected and organized information for the donor. It did not really generate a will.

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MGT
How about the name LegacyPlanner™? Why didn’t you call it “will” something?

VM
Our plan is to educate donors to invest in their legacy, not just to create a free will online. This is a major paradigm shift. Also, there are too many commercial will-creation services out there among insurance firms, and we wanted to eliminate confusion.

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MGT
Shouldn’t donors be using an attorney to write their wills?

VM
Regardless of anyone’s recommendation, many people like to do it themselves. Why not provide them with a custom-branded choice such as LegacyPlanner™ that keeps your organization top-of-mind? But yes, it’s always good to recommend that an attorney review what they draft. And our disclaimer on LegacyPlanner™ actually says so.

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MGT
Why does a nonprofit have to be a client to subscribe to LegacyPlanner™?

VM
LegacyPlanner™ is designed to directly integrate into a planned giving website. In order to produce the seamless and efficient experience that LegacyPlanner™ delivers, we cannot integrate it with sites created or maintained by others. Our integration creates a seamless transition where the nonprofit’s brand is maintained, thus delivering trust and protecting the organization’s reputation. This is in stark contrast to other online will preparation services for nonprofits which direct donors to a company website instead.

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MGT
How do donors find LegacyPlanner™ through my organization’s website?

VM
LegacyPlanner™ is strategically integrated within your planned giving website, with over 100 entry points. We also give guidance on how to promote the use of LegacyPlanner™ through email, direct mail, social media, and more.

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MGT
What happens when tax laws change, and how do you deal with the different rules for estate planning and will preparation in different states?

VM
Our team of attorneys keeps current on all federal and state laws to ensure that LegacyPlanner™ is compliant and always up to date. We perform updates behind the scenes, so you don’t have to do a thing. Our disclaimer informs your donors that LegacyPlanner™ is not your content, limiting any chance of liability.

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MGT
Why do I need the LegacyPlanner™ on my planned giving website?

VM: Over 60% of Americans do not have a will, so you will be giving your donors an opportunity to invest in their legacy by making your organization part of their estate plans. You will also be opening a door to discuss other planned giving options with your donors.

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MGT: Does LegacyPlanner™ work for nontraditional couples?

VM: A version of LegacyPlanner™ specifically tailored to LGBTQ couples is offered alongside the traditional version, and offering this option can be of huge benefit to your organization, depending on your constituency.