Most of us know that having estate planning documents in place is important. Yes, many people put it off until “later” because there always seems to be something more demanding our attention when we think about it. It’s understandable. Preparing a will or other estate planning might be like going to the dentist-you don’t want to do it, but it must be done.
One way to think about estate planning is as a gift to the people you love. By putting your wishes in writing, you’re making an already difficult time much easier for your family and those responsible for handling your affairs after you’re gone. Losing a loved one is emotionally overwhelming. Navigating the legal process at the same time can add unnecessary stress, expense, and confusion.
Without proper planning, your estate may have to go through probate which is a court supervised process for distributing a person’s assets after death. Probate can be time-consuming and costly. While not every probate proceeding can be avoided, thoughtful estate planning can often simplify the process for your loved ones.
According to a 2025 survey*, approximately 76% of U.S. adults do not have a will. If you die without one, state law determines who inherits your assets. While the specific rules vary by state, the result is the same: you lose the opportunity to decide for yourself who receives your property.
The court will also appoint someone to administer your estate. If you have minor children, the court (not you) will ultimately determine who serves as their guardian if you haven’t made those wishes known in a legally valid document. For unmarried couples, the consequences can be even more significant, as a surviving partner often has no automatic inheritance rights under state law. Note that probate laws and inheritance rules vary by state.
So why do so many people delay estate planning?
For many, it’s simple procrastination. Others assume they don’t have enough assets to need a will, worry about the cost, or simply don’t know where to begin.
If you’re unsure where to start, your financial advisor is often an excellent first step. Many financial advisors work closely with estate planning attorneys because estate planning is an important part of your overall financial plan. After years of working hard and saving, creating an estate plan helps ensure that you, not the state, decide how your assets will be distributed.
If discussing estate planning feels overwhelming, ask a trusted family member or friend to help you get started. Taking the first step is often the hardest part, but once your plan is in place, you’ll have peace of mind knowing you’ve protected the people who matter most.
It’s a good idea to review your estate plane very few years and whenever you experience a major life event. If you haven’t created one yet, consider scheduling a conversation with an estate planning attorney or your financial advisor to get started.
*Caring.com
Cetera Wealth Services, LLC exclusively provides investment products and services through its representatives. Although Cetera does not provide tax or legal advice, or supervise tax, accounting or legal services, Cetera representatives may offer these services through their independent outside business. This information is not intended as tax or legal advice.