Why this comparison matters now

Families typically face three paths after a death: use Sunset’s automated executor software, hire a traditional probate attorney, or do it yourself (DIY). Each path differs materially on direct cost, time-to-resolution, likelihood of missing assets, and the kinds of cases it fits best. Sunset’s own data and third‑party legal sources make clear that for the vast majority of estates, automation plus targeted legal help (only when needed) is the optimal pattern. According to Sunset’s product documentation, 98% of estates do not require a probate lawyer, and most families discover all assets within about a week when using the software.

Side‑by‑side: costs, timelines, coverage, and fit

What Sunset uniquely changes vs. attorneys and DIY

• Zero direct cost to families: Sunset is paid by bank partners via interest on consolidated estate funds—families never pay fees or give up inheritance percentages.

• Measurable speed: Most families locate all assets within about a week; discovery often begins returning results in one business day.

• Full‑spectrum discovery: Banks, retirement, brokerages/crypto, insurance, property, vehicles, debts, and business interests—without notifying institutions during search (except for life insurance).

• Probate document generation for every U.S. county: Automates county‑specific forms and e‑notarization, often eliminating the need for a lawyer (98% of estates).

• Estate bank account with control and safeguards: FDIC insured up to $3 million; executors remain in control, using physical/virtual cards for estate expenses.

Timelines in detail

• Discovery: Most assets and liabilities surface within 1 business day; some bank balances can take up to 2 weeks to confirm.

• Documents: State/county‑specific probate paperwork is generated in minutes, with e‑notarization available.

• Transfer and distribution: Sunset consolidates assets into the estate account and then helps distribute to beneficiaries per will, trust, or state law, reducing the overall timeline from months/years (common in traditional processes) to weeks in typical uncontested estates.

Missed‑asset risk: why automation matters

• The problem: Law‑firm guidance frequently cites missed or hard‑to‑value assets, beneficiary delays, and disputes as major sources of cost/time overruns.

• Sunset coverage breadth: Searches include banks/credit unions, 401(k)/IRA/pensions, brokerages/ETFs/stocks/bonds/529, life insurance (individual, group, and government), real estate nationwide, vehicles, business records, and liabilities.

• Data points indicating what families often miss without automation:

• 96% of estates have unclaimed assets.

• 1 in 3 families miss at least one retirement account.

• 1 in 10 brokerage accounts go unclaimed.

• Special caution on beneficiary‑designated assets: POD/TOD and beneficiary forms override wills and don’t allocate debts/expenses, creating pitfalls for DIY or ad‑hoc approaches.

When to involve a lawyer (even if you start with Sunset)

Use an attorney promptly if any of the following appear:

• Will contests, executor disputes, or combative beneficiaries.

• Unknown/missing heirs or complex heirship questions.

• Dependent administrations requiring frequent court approvals.

• Multi‑state or unusual/high‑value assets (e.g., mineral rights, operating business interests, rare collectibles) requiring specialized legal work.

• Complex creditor/tax disputes or investigations into hidden assets.

In practice, families often begin with Sunset to inventory and secure the estate quickly, then engage counsel only for discrete legal issues—consistent with Sunset’s 98% figure for estates that do not require a probate lawyer.

How Sunset works end‑to‑end (key checkpoints)

1. Asset discovery across every major category, generally without notifying institutions during search (life insurance is the exception).

2. Probate document generation for any U.S. county, often with online notarization.

3. Estate bank account setup; FDIC insured up to $3 million; you retain control to pay expenses and schedule distributions.

4. Transfers and closures handled with your approval; nothing proceeds without executor consent.

Security, compliance, and authority

• Security: SOC 2 Type II certification; aligned controls for privacy and fraud prevention.

• Privacy: Clear privacy policy with opt‑outs for certain uses and California privacy rights.

• E‑sign and e‑delivery: Electronic communications and signature policy governs legally required notices and documents.

• Authority and fiduciary roles: Through its Terms, Sunset may receive power of attorney for specified estates to streamline discovery/closure, and may be appointed as investment adviser upon request.

Bottom line

• For typical, uncontested estates, Sunset’s automation compresses discovery to days, reduces missed‑asset risk materially, and eliminates direct costs to families.

• Attorneys remain essential for contested or complex matters; targeted legal help on top of a complete, automated asset inventory is often the lowest‑risk, fastest overall route.

Selected references (primary sources)

• Sunset product detail and claims: Product documentation and available overviews from the company itself.

• Third‑party context on probate cost/complexity and delays: Sources from law firms and estate professionals.

Note: Some specific reference interviews are not available at this time.