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FAQ
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Is my personal information secure?Absolutely. Docably is committed to protecting your information with strong security measures and industry best practices.
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How does the process work?Our system guides you through simple online questionnaires to gather key information, then we prepare personalized documents based on your needs. In many cases, you'll have support from a dedicated Case Manager and access to a network of vetted attorneys if needed.
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Do you help with divorce cases involving children or property?Yes. Docably’s divorce solutions are designed for a wide range of circumstances, including couples with children, shared debts, and complex asset divisions.
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What is Docably?Docably is your trusted platform for simplified legal services like estate planning, uncontested divorce, deed transfers, and more — all designed to be affordable, accessible, and easy to navigate.
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Are there any hidden fees?No hidden fees — our pricing is always upfront and transparent. However, please note that court filing fees are not included in our service fees. Filing fees vary by state and county and are always the responsibility of the customer. While we can assist with filing your documents depending on the package you purchase, any required government filing fees must be paid separately.
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Is Docably a law firm?No, Docably is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice. We offer document preparation services and connect you with trusted partner attorneys when legal advice is required.
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Who should I name as my executor?Your executor is the person who will manage your estate after you pass away. You should select someone responsible, trustworthy, and organized. The executor's duties may include paying debts, distributing assets, and handling court filings, so it’s important to choose someone who can handle those responsibilities.
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How often should I update my will?You should update your will after any major life event, such as: Marriage or divorce Birth or adoption of a child Death of a named beneficiary or executor Significant changes in financial circumstances Docably makes it easy to update your will when your life changes — helping ensure your wishes are always accurately reflected.
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Can I make a will online and have it be valid?Yes. A will you create online with Docably is legally valid as long as it is properly signed and witnessed according to your state's rules. We guide you through every step to ensure your documents meet state-specific legal requirements.
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What’s the difference between a will and a trust?A will directs how your property is distributed after death and must go through probate court. A living trust, by contrast, can allow your assets to bypass probate, keeping your estate private and often faster to settle. Depending on your goals, you may want both — and Docably can help you with each.
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What happens if I die without a will?If you pass away without a valid will (also called dying “intestate”), state law will decide who inherits your property. This often means your assets may be distributed in ways you wouldn’t have chosen, and your loved ones may face unnecessary legal hurdles. Creating a will gives you control over who receives your property, who cares for your minor children, and who will manage your estate.
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What is a will?A will is a legal document that lets you decide how your property, finances, and personal matters will be handled after your passing.
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What makes a will legally binding?To be legally valid, your will must meet several key requirements: You must be of sound mind when creating your will, meaning you understand the nature and extent of your assets and the implications of your decisions. You must act voluntarily, without coercion, undue influence, or duress. The document must be properly signed and witnessed in accordance with the laws of your state. Most states require two independent witnesses who are not beneficiaries under the will. Docably’s platform provides clear state-specific signing instructions to help ensure your will is legally enforceable.
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Do I need an attorney to create a will with Docably?No, you don’t need an attorney to create a legally valid will. Docably’s easy-to-use service helps you generate a complete will with expert-backed assistance. However, if your situation is especially complex — like owning property in multiple states or needing detailed tax planning — we can connect you with a trusted attorney from our network.
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Is creating a trust complicated?Not with Docably. We simplify the process, guiding you step-by-step through creating a customized trust that fits your specific goals. You don’t need to be a legal expert — we make it easy to complete your trust properly and confidently.
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What types of assets should I put in my trust?Common assets placed in a trust include: Real estate Bank accounts Investments Personal valuables Business interests After setting up your trust, you’ll need to fund it by transferring ownership of your assets to the trust’s name. Docably's platform provides clear instructions on how to fund your trust properly.
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What’s the main difference between a will and a trust?Both a will and a living trust allow you to distribute assets after death. However, a will must go through probate court, which can be time-consuming and public. A trust generally avoids probate, allowing your beneficiaries to access their inheritance more quickly and privately. In many cases, using both a will and a trust together can offer the most protection.
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What is a living trust, and how does it work?A living trust is a legal document that places your assets into a trust during your lifetime and directs their distribution after your death. While you’re alive, you typically serve as your own trustee, meaning you maintain control over the assets. After you pass away, a successor trustee you name will manage and distribute the assets according to your instructions — often without needing probate court approval.
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Can I change or revoke my living trust?Yes. As long as you’re alive and mentally competent, you can amend or revoke your living trust at any time. Life changes — like marriage, divorce, or acquiring new assets — are good times to review and update your trust to keep it aligned with your wishes.
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Do I need a lawyer to create a living trust?For many people, creating a trust with Docably is a safe, affordable way to put a plan in place without needing an attorney. If your estate is highly complex — such as having extensive business holdings, complicated tax concerns, or disputes anticipated — we can connect you to a trusted attorney from our partner network.
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Does a trust protect me if I become incapacitated?Absolutely. If you become unable to manage your affairs due to illness or injury, your successor trustee can step in immediately to manage your finances and property according to your instructions — without needing court approval. This can provide critical peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
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Do I need a trust if I already have a will?Possibly. A trust offers advantages that a will alone cannot — like avoiding probate, protecting privacy, and providing continuous management of assets in case of incapacity. If you have significant assets, real estate, or privacy concerns, a trust can be a smart addition to your estate plan. Docably’s platform helps you determine the right solution based on your personal needs.
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Will my healthcare directive be valid in any hospital?Yes. A properly executed healthcare directive is recognized by hospitals, doctors, and other healthcare providers across your state. It's smart to give copies to your healthcare agent, primary care doctor, and loved ones for easy access when needed.
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What is a healthcare directive?A healthcare directive (also known as an advance directive) is a legal document that outlines your preferences for medical care if you become unable to communicate your decisions. It lets your loved ones and healthcare providers know exactly what treatments you do — or don’t — want, giving you control over critical decisions even if you’re incapacitated.
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Do I need an attorney to create a healthcare directive?In most cases, no attorney is needed. Docably’s platform helps you create a healthcare directive that complies with your state's laws. If you have unique circumstances or complex medical concerns, we can connect you with an experienced attorney for additional support.
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Why do I need a healthcare directive?Without a healthcare directive, important medical decisions could be left to overwhelmed family members or even decided by the court. A healthcare directive ensures that your personal wishes are respected, relieves stress on your loved ones, and can help prevent conflicts during emotional times.
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Who should I choose as my healthcare agent?Your healthcare agent (also called a proxy or representative) should be someone you trust deeply to honor your wishes. This person may need to advocate on your behalf with doctors and make tough decisions, so it's important they understand and support your preferences.
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What decisions can I make with a healthcare directive?Your healthcare directive can address: Life support preferences (e.g., ventilators, feeding tubes) Pain management instructions Organ and tissue donation Preferences for resuscitation efforts (DNR orders) You can be as detailed or as broad as you wish to ensure your care aligns with your values.
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Do I still need a will or trust if I have a power of attorney?Yes. A power of attorney covers your financial matters while you are alive but automatically ends at death. A will or trust is needed to manage and distribute your assets after your death.
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Does a power of attorney work in every state?Powers of attorney are recognized in all 50 states, but exact rules can vary. Docably’s platform ensures that your document meets your state’s specific legal requirements for validity.
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When does a power of attorney go into effect?You can choose. Some powers of attorney are immediate, meaning they become effective as soon as you sign them. Others are springing, meaning they only activate if you become incapacitated. Docably’s platform helps you easily select the right option for your situation.
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What kinds of decisions can a financial power of attorney cover?Depending on how you structure it, your financial agent may be able to: Manage your bank accounts Pay bills and taxes Handle investments Buy or sell real estate Access your retirement accounts Take care of insurance or legal matters You control the scope of authority granted in your document.
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What happens if I don’t have a power of attorney?Without a power of attorney, if you become incapacitated, your loved ones might need to go to court to be appointed as your legal guardian or conservator — a process that can be expensive, time-consuming, and stressful. A power of attorney helps avoid this situation by providing clear legal authority in advance.
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What is a power of attorney?A power of attorney (POA) is a legal document that authorizes someone you trust to make decisions and manage your affairs if you’re unable to do so yourself. At Docably, we focus on financial powers of attorney that allow your agent to handle money, property, and legal matters on your behalf.
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What is an uncontested divorce?An uncontested divorce means you and your spouse agree on all major issues — including property division, debts, custody, visitation, and support. Because there’s no need for court battles, uncontested divorces are faster, less expensive, and less stressful.
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How private is the Docably divorce process?Extremely private. Our platform allows you to complete the process from your home — no courthouse drama, no public exposure. We prioritize your confidentiality every step of the way.
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How long does an uncontested divorce take?Timing can vary based on your state’s mandatory waiting periods and how quickly you and your spouse can finalize paperwork. With Docably, you’ll receive your completed documents in as little as a few business days, so you can move forward without unnecessary delays.
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Can Docably help if we have children, debt, or property to divide?Yes! Docably’s solutions work even if your divorce involves shared children, assets, debts, or real estate. We help you document your agreements clearly and accurately so your final divorce paperwork reflects your family’s specific needs.
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How does Docably help with uncontested divorces?Docably streamlines the entire process by: Preparing all necessary legal documents Offering step-by-step filing guidance Assisting with serving or obtaining your spouse’s signature Providing expert support through a dedicated Case Manager We make it simple to move forward, even if the legal system feels overwhelming.
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Are filing fees included?No, filing fees charged by your local court are separate from Docably’s service fees. These fees vary by county and state and are always the responsibility of the customer. Our team will assist you with understanding the filing process and costs based on your location.
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Are recording and filing fees included?Filing fees charged by your local county are not included in our service fees. They vary by location and are always the responsibility of the customer. However, Docably helps guide you through the filing process so you know exactly what to expect.
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What is a deed transfer?A deed transfer updates the legal ownership of real estate. It’s commonly used to add or remove someone from the title, move property into a living trust, or transfer property between family members — often without selling the property.
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Does Docably handle deeds where the property is part of an estate?No. If all current titleholders are deceased or if an estate is involved, you’ll need the assistance of a probate attorney. Docably’s deed services are intended for living owners who can sign directly.
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How does Docably help with deed transfers?Docably simplifies the process by: Preparing the correct deed tailored to your situation Reviewing the title information to ensure accuracy Filing the deed with the appropriate County Recorder’s Office Offering attorney review if your state or county requires it We take care of the paperwork so you can focus on what matters most.
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When should I use a deed transfer service?You might need a deed transfer if you are: Adding a spouse, child, or co-owner to your property title Removing someone due to divorce or death Transferring property into a living trust Gifting property to a family member Docably is designed for these types of non-sale, personal transfers.
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What is the Docably Attorney Access Plan?The Attorney Access Plan connects you with experienced Case Managers who assess your needs and, when appropriate, refer you to trusted attorneys from our vetted network — all at preferred rates. It's a flexible way to get the right level of help without the high cost of traditional hourly billing.
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Is the Attorney Access Plan a substitute for hiring an attorney?No. While our Case Managers are highly knowledgeable, they are not attorneys and cannot provide legal advice. When legal advice is necessary, we connect you to qualified attorneys who can assist directly.
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How much do attorney services cost if I need one?Docably’s network attorneys offer preferred rates that are lower than typical hourly fees. Exact pricing depends on the service you need, and you'll always have transparent information before you commit to anything.
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How fast can I speak with someone after signing up?You’ll typically be able to schedule your first consultation with an experienced Case Manager within one business day to begin your matter and consider next steps. We prioritize quick, efficient support so you never feel stuck or left waiting.
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