Local lawyer launches estate-planning website

Oct. 07--WENATCHEE -- A local lawyer believes the average Jane and Joe should be able to obtain reliable estate planning without, he says, having to "sell the farm" to pay for it.

Wenatchee attorney Lonny D. Bauscher has launched Estate Edge, an estate-planning website that walks clients step-by-step through obtaining a last will and testament, a power of attorney, funeral arrangements and other end-of-life documents.

"I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel," said Bauscher, who compared Estate Edge to other online legal services, "but I do want to offer estate planning in a convenient way for a reasonable price to local folks not ready to spend $1,000 or more for these important documents."

Bauscher estimated that a couple needing the full roster of end-of-life documents could spend as little at $350 by filling out forms online at estateedge.com. "On top of that," he said, "each document can be obtained separately, when the time is convenient, when a person's budget allows."

Bauscher, 58, said he's been thinking about online estate planning since 2006, but it wasn't until last year that he "hit the drawing board to come up with an online platform to make my ideas and services available." He launched estateedge.com in May.

For years, said the attorney, he's seen a growing group of clients who struggle to pay legal fees at the hourly rate of $150 or more. "Face-to-face consultations can be expensive and, in many cases, unnecessary," he said. Billed hourly, the time to draft documents such as a will or power of attorney can push the legal bill to $800, $1,000 or more.

"You look at the costs, then you look at the large number of people who simply can't afford this kind of life planning, and I say, 'shame on us,'" said Bauscher. "We as a profession need to become better servants of the people, and this is one way -- my way -- to begin doing that."

Plus, he said, many younger clients turn to online services first, before they call an attorney or walk into a law office. "I'm hoping to broaden my client list by reaching young professionals and families."

Bauscher said his website's easy-to-follow instructions guide a client in providing all the information needed for a document. Bauscher then personally checks all documents before printing and mailing to clients.

"I'm convinced that the greatest gift parents can give to their children is this kind of life planning," said Bauscher. "To have it all spelled out, crystal clear, so they know what to do and how to proceed" after the death of a parent.

The Estate Edge website is also a way for Bauscher to encourage what he calls "responsible living."

"For some people, Estate Edge may be an introduction, a new approach, to taking care of life's responsibilities," he said. "You see things -- important things -- that need to be done and decide to accomplish those tasks."

He said, "Planning for the end of life -- for you, for your loved ones -- what could be more important?"

Reach Mike Irwin at 509-665-1179 or irwin@wenatcheeworld.com. Read his blog Everyday Business. follow him on Twitter at @MikeIrwinWW.

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