Technical Support - Quicken WillMaker


We are currently supporting versions 2011 and 2012 of Quicken WillMaker.

Installing, Registering, and Upgrading

 

Using Quicken WillMaker

 

Printing and Exporting Documents

 

Troubleshooting Issues

 

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Installing, Registering, and Upgrading

Will Quicken WillMaker work on my Mac?

No. Quicken WillMaker is a Windows-only software.



What versions of Windows is Quicken WillMaker compatible with?

Windows XP Service Pack 2, Windows 7, or Vista.



How can I tell which version of Quicken WillMaker I have?

Start Quicken WillMaker and select Help > About Quicken WillMaker to see the version number. To see version info for specific program files, click the Version.

If you can't get the program running, use My Computer to go to the program file for Quicken WillMaker 2012 and find the "QWP.EXE" file. Right click the file, select Properties, and click the Version tab, where you'll find it listed.



How do I register my copy of Quicken WillMaker?

If you purchased this software from Nolo.com, you are already registered. Otherwise, you can register by choosing Online > Online Registration and following the directions that appear on the screen. If you have trouble, contact us and provide us with as much detail as possible.

Registering enables you to receive technical support.



I am upgrading to Quicken WillMaker 2012. Do I need to uninstall the older version first?

No. Keep your old version of Quicken WillMaker until you have successfully converted and opened all of your documents files with the 2012 version.

Before installing the new version, back up your Quicken WillMaker documents files to a CD, flash drive or other external medium. Next, install Quicken WillMaker 2012, start the program and open your WillMaker documents files. Once a WillMaker document is opened and converted to the 2012 WillMaker File format, you won't be able to open it using an older version of Quicken WillMaker. (You will be able to open it with the current version.)

When you first open a file created with an older version of Quicken WillMaker, a "Pre-2012 Documents.pfl" file is automatically created in your Nolo Documents Backup folder. This file can be helpful if you've signed or amended a living trust using a pre-2012 version of Quicken WillMaker. (See below.)

It's possible that some of the documents you created with the older version won't appear in the 2012 My Documents screen. If a document is missing, we've either made substantial revisions to it or deleted it altogether. [You can always open those older documents in the version of the program you used to create them.] In addition, you may need to review document interviews you'd completed in previous versions before you can print out old documents using Quicken WillMaker 2012.



Are documents made with older versions compatible with the most current version of Quicken WillMaker?

Yes. Documents and WillMaker File files from older versions can be used with the current version of Quicken WillMaker. When you open an older-version file, your preexisting documents are put into your "Nolo Documents Backup" folder.



How do I keep Quicken WillMaker current and up to date?

To keep your program up to date, periodically run the Web Update feature of Quicken WillMaker. Within the program, select Online > Web Update. Your computer needs to be connected to the Internet to run Web Update.

Click here to access all of our product patches and updates.



What should I do if nothing happens when I put the Quicken WillMaker CD into my CD-ROM drive?

  • Double click the icon of your CD-ROM drive.
  • Double click the Setup file.
  • Follow the instructions that appear on the screen.


What should I do if I am having trouble using Web Update?

If you are running Windows Vista or Windows 7: Due to increased security measures in Windows Vista and Windows 7, when the update finishes you will see a user access control dialog. Click Continue (on Vista) or Yes (on Windows 7) or enter an administrator password as prompted.

If you use a firewall and security application and receive warnings, you'll need to "allow" or add "fl.nolo.com" to the trusted site list.

If, after adding fl.nolo.com to the trusted site list, you still are unable to complete the update, you may need to turn off your firewall program. Once the update is downloaded and installed, you can turn your firewall back on.

If you are a Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Service Pack 3 user, the built-in Windows Firewall feature could prevent you from using Web Update. When you use Web Update, if you see a Windows security alert that asks you whether you want to block or unblock your Quicken program's Internet connection, select unblock. Once you have unblocked the Quicken program, you should be able to download future Web updates.

If you are trying to update behind a corporate proxy server and get various error messages, you won't be able to use Web Update. Web Update was designed for the home user with a basic firewall. Unfortunately, we cannot support proxy servers and other corporate VPN security configurations.

If the problem persists, please contact us and include the following details to expedite a solution.

  • How are you connected to the Internet (modem dial-up, DSL, etc.)?
  • What version of Windows are you running?
  • Who is your Internet service provider?


What should I do if I have a problem using Quicken WillMaker?

Step 1. Review the information that came with the program.

The following resources may help:

  • the Users' Manual
  • the program's Help menu, and
  • this FAQ document.

Step 2. Run Web Update.

We may have already detected the problem and corrected it in the latest version of the program. To make sure that you have the latest version, run Quicken WillMaker and select Online > Web Update.

Step 3. Contact Nolo's technical support staff.

If the problem persists, please contact us. Please provide as much information as you can about the problem, including:

  • the name of the program
  • the program version (To find this information, run Quicken WillMaker and select Help > About Quicken WillMaker 2012)
  • any error messages, and
  • details about what you were doing with the program when the problem occurred.

The following information about your computer may also be helpful:

  • operating system (for example, Windows XP Home)
  • processor type (for example, Pentium III, 500 Mhz)
  • RAM (for example, 128 MB)
  • video card information, and
  • printer model.

Product support (including Web Update) for Quicken WillMaker 2012 is available through December 31, 2012. Be sure to register your product to qualify for special upgrade pricing.



How do I uninstall Quicken WillMaker?

Before you uninstall, make sure you have backups and/or printouts of your documents. For more on finding backups, see "Does Quicken WillMaker make backups of my documents?"

Then, go to the Start menu to find the option to uninstall the program.

Windows XP: Start > Programs > Quicken WillMaker 2012 > Uninstall Quicken WillMaker 2012.

Windows Vista and Windows 7: Start > All Programs > Quicken WillMaker 2012 > Uninstall Quicken WillMaker 2012.

If you can't find the uninstaller, try one of these methods:

  • Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs and follow the onscreen instructions.
  • Find the Quicken WillMaker 2012 folder on your computer and delete it.


Using Quicken WillMaker

Why can't I use Quicken WillMaker if I live in Louisiana?

Unlike the other states' laws, Louisiana law is derived from Napoleonic code. This makes Louisiana estate planning law very different from the laws of the rest of the country, and WillMaker doesn't address Louisiana's unique requirements.



Can I use Quicken WillMaker if I live outside of the United States?

If your permanent residence is outside of the United States, you should not use Quicken WillMaker. If you are out of the country temporarily — for school, a job or because you serve in the military, you probably still have ties with a particular state that make it your legal residence. In that case, you can still use Quicken WillMaker. For example, if you were born in Wisconsin, lived there for many years, are registered to vote there and receive mail there in care of your parents, who still live in Milwaukee, then Wisconsin is your legal residence for purposes of making a will even if you are spending three months on sabbatical in Europe.

If you're not sure where you legally reside, consult a lawyer.



Making a Will with Quicken WillMaker

Can I use Quicken WillMaker to make a joint will with my spouse?

No, each of you must make your own will, even if you both agree about how your property is to be distributed. There is solid legal reasoning behind this rule. Joint wills are intended to prevent the surviving spouse from changing his or her mind about what to do with the property after the first spouse dies. The practical effect is to tie up the property for years and make it impossible for the surviving spouse to react to changed circumstances. Also, many court battles are fought over whether the surviving spouse can revoke any part of the joint will. That's why joint wills are very uncommon these days. If you want to restrict how your property can be used after your death, or make special provisions for children from a prior marriage, using a trust is usually a better solution; see a lawyer for specifics.

You and your spouse can easily create identical wills -- that is, two separate wills in which all the provisions (such as beneficiaries and children's guardians) are the same. If you want to do this, look for the button provided on the Congratulations screen at the end of the will interview.



Does the signature on my will need to be notarized?

No. You must sign your will in front of two witnesses, but no state requires that a will be notarized to be valid. However, some states allow you to attach a self-proving affidavit, which must be notarized, to your will. A self-proving affidavit is a separate document, signed by your witnesses, that makes it simpler to admit your will to probate after your death. If your state offers this option, your Quicken WillMaker will will print out with a self-proving affidavit. Read more about self-proving affidavits in the Quicken WillMaker Legal Manual.



How do I make a pour-over will?

Pour-over wills transfer property to a trust after death. Most people who make pour-over wills leave most or all of their property through a living trust or through other beneficiary designations (such as life insurance), so that very little property ends up passing through the will. You can use the Quicken WillMaker will as a pour-over will. To do so, name your trust as beneficiary of the will, using the trustee's name and the name of the trust. For example: "John Doe as trustee of the John Doe Living Trust, dated January 1, 20xx."

The property you leave through the will may have to go through probate when you die. Because living trusts are designed to avoid probate, if you leave too much property through your will, you may end up thwarting your own intentions. Before you make a pour-over will, be sure you know how much property your state allows you to pass through your will without triggering probate proceedings. (You'll find more information about pour-over wills and probate in the Quicken WillMaker Legal Manual.)



How many people can I name to serve as my executor?

Quicken WillMaker allows you to name three levels of executors — your first choice, one alternate executor and one second alternate executor. It is best to name just one person for each level of alternate.

The Quicken WillMaker will allows you to name two coexecutors to serve together. But think twice before you do this. Coexecutors may act without each other's consent -- and, if they ever disagree, your estate may be the loser because of lengthy probate delays and court costs.

If you're really set on naming more than two people to serve together as executor, see a lawyer.



Does the Quicken WillMaker will have a 'common disaster' clause?

A clause that deals with what will happen if spouses die at the same time is sometimes referred to as a 'common disaster' clause. The Quicken WillMaker will does not use a common disaster clause. Rather it provides for such an event using two common tools — alternate beneficiaries and a survivorship requirement of 45 days. The will states that if your beneficiary does not survive you by 45 days, then the gift goes to your alternate beneficiary.

Here's an example to show how this works to provide for a common disaster:

Harry and Wilma are in a fatal car accident. Wilma dies immediately, and Harry dies a few days later. In each of their wills, they left everything to the other with a survivorship requirement of 45 days. Wilma named her sister as her alternate beneficiary and Harry named his son from a prior marriage as his alternate beneficiary. Because Wilma was already dead when Harry died, his property goes his son. Because Harry did not outlive Wilma by 45 days, her property passes to her sister.

The result would be the same even if Harry and Wilma died simultaneously or if it could not be determined who died first.



Can I use the Quicken WillMaker will to make a conditional bequest?

No. You cannot make a bequest that will take effect only if a certain condition occurs — for example, "$5,000 to John if he stops smoking." Such conditional bequests are confusing and usually require someone to oversee and supervise the beneficiaries to be sure they satisfy the conditions in the will. For example, when and how could an executor decide that John had really stopped smoking? To use Quicken WillMaker, you must be willing to leave property to adults outright; you cannot make them jump through hoops or change their behavior to get it.(You can, however, appoint an adult to manage property you leave to children or young adults.) If you really want to make a conditional bequest, seek the advice of an experienced estate planning attorney.

We recommend using Explanatory Letter function in Quicken WillMaker if you would like to explain why you made the choices you did when you created your will.



Do I have to leave property to my children?

You are not generally required to leave property to your children. (There are a few exceptions; for example, in Florida, your primary residence must go to your spouse or minor children.)

It is important, however, that you at least state each child's name. If you don't, it may not be clear whether you intentionally left a child out of your will or whether the child was accidentally overlooked (called "pretermitted," under the law). Children unintentionally omitted from your will -- usually because you made your will before they were born -- may have a right to claim a share of your estate.



Can I use Quicken WillMaker to make a will that provides for someone with special needs?

No. The management provided under Quicken WillMaker is not sufficiently detailed to provide for people with special needs. If you need this type of management, see Special Needs Trusts: Protect Your Child's Financial Future, by Stephen Elias and Kevin Urbatsch (Nolo), or consult an attorney who specializes in dealing with the needs of people with disabilities.



Does Quicken WillMaker make backups of my documents?

For your protection, Quicken WillMaker automatically creates a backup copy of your WillMaker File every time you work on it. This file is kept in a folder in your My Documents (Windows XP) or Documents (Windows Vista or Windows 7) folder called "Nolo Documents Backup." We suggest copying these backup WillMaker Files to an external medium (backup storage, external hard-drive, flash drive or CD/DVD) and storing them in a separate location. You can also change where Quicken WillMaker stores backups. See the Users' Manual, Part 5.



How do I open documents in my backup folder?

To protect against inadvertently overwriting a backup, the program won't let you open a WillMaker File while it's stored in the Nolo Documents Backup folder. If there's a problem with your original WillMaker File, and you need to use the backup, copy the backup from the Nolo Documents Backup folder to a different location.



How do I change the formatting of my documents?

Generally, you do not need to change any of the default formatting of your documents. Nolo legal editors have checked the documents and verified that signature lines and witness lines appear as they are supposed to.

That said, the program does allow you to change the font, line spacing and margins of your documents. Choose File > Print Options or select Print Options from the Print Preview screen. Make your adjustments in the Print Options window and click OK. The changes will appear in the preview of your document.

To restore the default settings at any time, return to the Quicken WillMaker program window, choose File > Print Options. When the options dialog comes up, click the Use Defaults button.

You can also export your document to a text file and edit your document in a word processor (see below), but it is safer to format your document using the options within Quicken WillMaker.



Can I see a sample document before completing a document interview?

To see an example of a completed document:

  • Use the My Documents screen to select the document you want to create.
  • Select the document you want to see and continue to the first interview screen.
  • At the bottom of the first guide topic, find View an example... and click the link.

This will open a completed version of the document, using fictitious data. Your actual customized document might look different, based on the interview answers you provide.



Is WillMaker LGBT-friendly?

WillMaker does allow you to create a will leaving as much property as you wish to your partner, and to name him or her as your executor if you like. The program asks whether you are married or have a registered domestic partner. The language in Willmaker refers to a spouse, not a husband and wife if you choose either “married” or “registered domestic partner”.

There are also help screens built into WillMaker that cover a wide variety of topics, including same sex marriages, domestic partnerships and common law marriages.



Can I amend or revoke a living trust with Quicken WillMaker, even if I didn't create it with the program?

The amendment and revocation features are only available if you've created your trust within the WillMaker program. After printing/signing/notarizing your WillMaker trust document, the program will ask you to enter the signing date. Once the signing date is entered, you will be able to amend and/or revoke your Quicken WillMaker Plus trust.

If your trust was created any other way, you will not be able to use Quicken WillMaker Plus to amend and/or revoke it.

Make Your Own Living Trust includes blank forms that you can use to amend or revoke a pre-existing living trust. Please refer to our product page and click "Forms" for a list of blank forms that are included with this book.



How can I omit a child from my will?

While you cannot state a fraction that equals zero to omit a child, you can use Quicken Willmaker Plus to omit a child from your will. In order to achieve this, you must name all of your children in the will checklist section labeled "Children and Grandchildren."

In the will checklist section titled "Main Bequest", progress through the screens until you reach the "Choosing how to leave your Property" screen. On this screen you will choose your main beneficiary. Make the appropriate selection and click "Next.” .

On the following screen, the program gives you the opportunity to name persons who will receive property if your main beneficiary does not survive you. If you are married and choose to leave all your property to your spouse on the previous screen, you should see an option "Leave it all to your children". Instead of choosing that option, choose "Leaving it all to one or more alternate beneficiaries you name". This allows you to name just the children you wish to receive your estate.

Please note, if you instructed the program that you are not married, then when you reach the "Choosing how to leave your Property" screen you will see options for leaving your property to your children. Instead of choosing one of the first two options, you will choose "Leave it some other way". This allows you to name just the children you wish to receive your estate .

When you reach the section titled "Wrap Up", the program will display "Omitted Children and Grandchildren." The software will list any of your children and/or grandchildren that you have listed but not assigned as beneficiaries, and ask you whether you intended to omit them. If this list is accurate, you should make the selection which states that this was your intention.



When forming my trust, what is an “Assignment of Property”?

If an item doesn't have an official title document, you can hold it in trust very easily with a document called an Assignment of Property. Quicken WillMaker Plus automatically assembles this document; you can print it when you print the trust document itself.

The Assignment of Property lists every item of trust property that you've indicated doesn't have a title document, plus ones you weren't sure about. It simply says that you're transferring all those items to you as the trustee of your trust. All you need to do is sign it and keep it with your trust document. (Examples of items without trust documents: appliances, dishes, artwork, furniture, books, jewelry, clothing, stereos, computers, tools).

Remember that the Assignment of Property works only for items that do not have their own specific title documents. If an item has a title document -- for example, the deed to a house or the title slip to a car -- you'll need to create a new one. The rest of this chapter explains how.

For complete information and instructions on creating an Assignment of Property in Quicken WillMaker Plus, see Legal Manual, Chapter 19. Transferring Property to the Trust, section "Property Without Title Documents."



What is a “backup will”?

A will and backup will use the same form. The term "backup will" means it is a will in addition to a trust (a backup will to backup a trust). For more on living trusts and making a backup will, please see Quicken WillMaker’s legal guide, chapter 13, “About Living Trusts.”

 



How do I set-up a child’s trust, or UTMA?

Create a will and list all your children and their ages. In the "Main Bequest" step, choose to leave your property to your children (whether as primary beneficiaries or alternate beneficiaries to your spouse) and proceed to step 9, Property Management. On the "Managing Property Left to Young People" screen, check "Yes" to arrange a property manager. Click Next. You will then be provided more information on setting up a child’s trust or UTMA custodianship. Make sure to read carefully before proceeding in the program.



Should I include a "per stirpes" clause in my will?

We don't use the term "per stirpes” because we think that a will is better off without it. "Per stirpes" is an old-fashioned term frequently used (sometimes misused) by attorneys and rarely fully understood by will makers. It's intended to make sure that children inherit in the place of a deceased parent, but over the years there have been many lawsuits surrounding the term, with varying results. Because of these variables, using per stirpes may have unpredictable or unintended consequences.

The Nolo Will allows you to leave your property exactly as you want, and avoids possible confusion because it asks you to identify each beneficiary by name. Nothing is left to be determined at a later date, so nothing is left to interpretation. Doing it this way means you must revise your will when a new child or grandchild comes along. However, revisions are necessary in many situations--for example, the death of a main beneficiary, divorce, marriage, and so on. Making changes is simple with the Nolo WillMaker program because all of your information is saved for you, making it easy to create and print out a new document.

If you would like additional information, we suggest you speak with an attorney directly. You can locate an attorney by going to Nolo's Lawyer Directory.



How do I name co-secondary executors in my will?

Using the WillMaker software, you can name one or two primary executors and one to three alternate executors -- it is not possible to name two third-level alternate executors.

To minimize confusion and delays, we strongly encourage users to name only one executor and one alternate, but we allow co-executors at the primary and secondary level in order to accommodate those who feel that they absolutely must name more than one person.

Our goal is to offer a simple will that will work for most people. We hope that WillMaker works for you, but if you find that your needs are more complex, it may be wise to consult an attorney for help.



Do I have to worry about the HIPAA privacy rule for documents produced by WillMaker?

The short answer: you need not be concerned about HIPAA and documents made with WillMaker. The law does not require changes to any of our documents.

Basically, the law refers to privacy rights and when health care providers may or may not disclose a patient's health information. Some people have been concerned that HIPAA will prevent people who are named as agents under a health care power of attorney from getting important health care information and making decisions for the person they are named to represent. But this is not true. The law is designed to protect patients in many circumstances, but won't interfere with anyone's ability to make a health care power of attorney and doesn't require any special language in those documents.

For general information about the law, vist the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services website.

Click on "Frequently Asked Questions" on the left hand side or scroll down to "Guidance Materials for Consumers", "Personal Representatives", which will specifically address health care powers of attorney.



Can I create multiple wills with the Quicken WillMaker software?

Yes, Quicken WillMaker Plus 2012 is intended for individual family use, and will make more than one of any document (except a living trust). You can make a will for yourself, your spouse, and your brother, for example.

WillMaker provides you with a link to create one living trust using Nolo’s Online Living Trust application for free (usually $89).



I moved out of state. How do I update my Quicken WillMaker documents?

You can use Quicken WillMaker for all states except Louisiana. Re-open the program, and at the Document Page, choose to make a new will. When the program asks you where you live, enter your current state. The program updates your document to reflect the applicable laws of the state selected.

 



Printing and Exporting Documents

Why does my printed document look different than the document preview?

The appearance of a completed document in Quicken WillMaker's Print Preview window might not exactly match the appearance of the printed document -- line breaks, page breaks, and the number of pages may differ in the actual output from the printer. Be assured that the document you print out is accurate and legally valid.



Will Quicken WillMaker documents print on my printer?

Nolo has made every effort to ensure that Quicken WillMaker documents will print correctly regardless of the printer you use. Nonetheless, printer anomalies can occur. If you encounter any problems when printing your documents, you can export your document to PDF and print it from Adobe Reader. Please contact Technical Support to report the problem so that we can investigate and fix the problem, if possible.



Why can't I print a document before I'm finished with the interview?

The output of most documents depends on the answers you give in the interview. So, for most forms, you must complete the document interview before you can print out a document.

If you decide to change answers for a completed document, you may need to step through the entire interview and review all of the interview screens before you can print out that document.



Can I print a blank document before completing a document interview?

No. Your Nolo software creates custom documents based on your responses to document interview questions. There is no blank template that can be printed. If you just want to see what a document looks like, you can view a document example (described below).



How do I print a copy of a document without also printing the signing instructions?

To print out a draft version without including signing instructions:

  • Follow the program's instructions on completing and printing a document.
  • At the Print Preview screen, click the Print icon. You'll then see a Print dialog box.
  • In the Print signing instructions box in the lower right of the Print dialog, select No.
  • Click OK to send the displayed document to your printer.

Exclude the signing instructions only if printing a draft copy. If it's the final version, print and read the signing instructions.



How do I print a draft of a document that won't be mistaken for the final, signable version?

To print with each page clearly labeled as a draft:

  • Follow the program's instructions on completing and printing a document.
  • At the Print Preview screen, click the Print icon. You'll then see a Print dialog box.
  • In the Watermark box in the lower left of the Print dialog, select Draft.
  • Click OK to send the displayed document to your printer.


How do I print a copy of a document that won't be mistaken for the original version?

To print with each page clearly labeled as a duplicate:

  • Follow the program's instructions on completing and printing a document.
  • At the Print Preview screen, click the Print icon. You'll then see a Print dialog box.
  • In the Watermark box in the lower left of the Print dialog, select Duplicate.
  • Click OK to send the displayed document to your printer.


What if I still can't preview or print?

There are some possible causes that may stop the software from generating your document:

Names may be entered in an unaccepted format, rather than just first and last name. Click on “Edit” and “Manage Contact List…” to make sure all contact names are listed in the correct format and do not contain symbols or locations.

Specific bequests should not be listed with extra blank line(s) or space(s), which can cause issues with the software.

 



How do I export Quicken WillMaker documents to PDF?

After you've completed a document, you can export it to PDF.

To export your completed document:

  • Click the Export to PDF button on the Print Preview screen.
  • Name the exported file.
  • Click Save.
  • Click Yes to open the exported file with Adobe Reader.


Why won't the program let me rearrange the clauses in my document?

Quicken WillMaker does not allow you to make substantial changes that might affect the validity of the document. If you want to change the wording of your document or the order of its clauses, see a lawyer.



How do I reset my print options to the default settings?

Select File > Print Options. Then, click the Use Defaults button to reset your print options.



When I try to print one of my documents, why do I get strange characters, part of a page or nothing at all?

There can be several reasons for this.

Printer driver. You may have the wrong printer driver selected. Check your printer setup and go to your printer manufacturer's website to make sure you have the latest printer driver.

Interference by other software. Some programs alter the printer setup with special format commands or fail to reset a printer to its default settings when finished. Try resetting your printer by turning it off and then on again before printing from Quicken WillMaker.

Network printers. If your printer is part of a network, the network itself may have special commands. Your system administrator may need to alter some settings.



What should I do if I have problems printing or displaying my documents?

Make sure you have the current version of your software by running Web Update. For more on running Web Update, see How do I keep Quicken WillMaker current and up to date?

Get the latest printer driver. Check your printer manufacturer's website to make sure you have the current version of your printer driver.

The program's registry settings may be corrupt. To fix it, start the program while holding down the CTRL key. Doing this will reset the program's registry settings to their default values.



How do I fix problems with hash marks (////)?

Many documents have lines of "////" at the end of a page; these are called hash marks. Hash marks are both a precaution and a legal necessity -- they prevent someone from inserting additional contract language into a blank space in a document after you have signed it. Specifically, hash marks are used when the page that precedes the document's signatures contains less than a full page of text. Quicken WillMaker has built-in formatting that forces certain blocks of text to stay together on the same page.

Occasionally, the program miscalculates the length of the hash marks, leaving you with a page with very little text except the hash marks. You can usually fix this problem by making slight adjustments to your print margins in the Print Options dialog. (For example, the standard bottom margin is 0.45 inch; changing it to 0.6 inch will usually correct the problem.)



I can't open the PDFs or checklists.

These same files can also be located in your computer by going to your C: drive. Open the "Program Files" or "Program Files (x86)" (for 64 bit users) folder. Locate and open the "Quicken Willmaker Plus (year)" folder.



How can I export my will to modify it?

Within the Preview and Print screen of the Quicken WillMaker software, you should see an icon on the left labeled "Export". Clicking here will export your document in RTF, which can be opened by any word processor program for customization. (For more information on exporting your documents, please see the appropriate section within the program's Users' Manual.)

The WillMaker software will warn you against changing text without consulting with an attorney first. Please review this information carefully before proceeding with any revisions to your document.

Our editors have ensured WillMaker documents are legal and safe. We cannot guarantee the validity of the document if the words are modified.

Troubleshooting Issues

How do I resolve an "I/O device error"?

Windows XP may display an "I/O device error" while accessing your CD drive.  For troubleshooting tips, visit Microsoft's support page here.



I’m using Windows 7, and my spouse can’t access the program.

To "fix" the permissions in WillMaker to reflect correctly in Windows 7, from your spouse’s account:

  • Open the WillMaker folder in C:\Program Files (x86).
  • Right-click QWP.exe and select Properties.
  • Click the Security tab and then click the Continue button.
  • Click the Add...
  • Enter spouse’s account name and click OK.
  • Click OK in Permissions window.
  • Click the Compatibility tab and check the "Run this program as administrator" checkbox.
  • Click OK.

     



How can I change the screen resolution for Windows XP?

Quicken WillMaker Plus is designed to open as an 869 x 848 pixels window by default. The middle button on the top right corner expands the window to fill up the entire monitor.

For more information and instructions on how to adjust the resolution on Windows XP, please refer to Microsoft’s help page.



I get an error message when trying to complete the Caregivers / Survivors section.

You will get an error message if you enter "none" or "zero” as your monthly mortgage payment. If you do not have a mortgage payment, simply leave it blank or enter "0."

If you are still experiencing difficulty, you may wish to start over and create new information. Very frequently, the problem resolves itself when the document is restarted from scratch.

To start over with a new document, you should abandon the previously created document. From the document list, click on "All Documents," click "Information for Caregivers And Survivors," then click the "Create Document" tab at the bottom of the screen.



How do I increase the font size in Vista?

Click on Start, Control Panel, and Personalization. On the left side of the screen, you should see Tasks for "Change desktop icons" and "Adjust font size (DPI)." Click on "Adjust font size (DPI)" and click "continue" to grant permission. Checking "Larger scale" will increase the overall font size for your computer, as well as the software.



Why am I being asked to pay for the free living trust?

If you are being asked to pay to create further documents, you may have stayed on the Nolo website after registering the product, or setting up your Online Living Trust. You may have then tried to access Nolo’s Online Will.

You should only be on the Nolo website to create your Online Living Trust. The rest of your document creation should be offline using the Quicken WillMaker software.

If you have the Premium edition of Quicken WillMaker, you won’t need to use the Online Living Trust program at all. One of the CDs in the Premium package is The Living Trust Maker, and it works just like the online application but is hosted on your computer so you won’t need to worry about expirations. (The Online Living Trust allows you access for a limited period of two years.)



I have Quicken WillMaker Plus 2012. Where’s the free living trust?

With your Quicken WillMaker Plus 2012 purchase, there is a link that allows you to make a Living Trust using our Online Living Trust application for free. After installing the program:

  • Go to your Start Menu (on your PC)
  • Choose All Programs
  • Find and open the folder entitled Quicken WillMaker Plus 2012
  • In that folder, you will see Nolo's Free Online Living Trust. Click and follow the instructions.

Once you've followed these instructions you will be able to log in and out directly from the Nolo website (upper right-hand corner, Sign-In area) for two years.



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