Don't Wait: Get Your Estate Plan Done

If you're over 30, you've likely considered getting your estate plan in order, but maybe you're unsure where to begin. Often, the thought of estate planning comes up during major life events like buying a house, marriage, the birth of a first child, international travel, or the passing of a loved one. Many of us have these thoughts, but unfortunately, too few actually take action. Even I, an attorney married to a financial planner, waited until our son Luke was born when I was 35 to set up our estate plan. Don't put it off until you're 60—life is unpredictable.

Three Easy Steps to Complete Your Estate Plan

Here are three simple steps to help you make progress and get your estate plan done:

1. Find a Reputable Estate Planning Attorney. Start by researching and asking for recommendations. Talk to friends, especially older ones, about who they've used or heard good things about. That's exactly what we did when we updated our estate plan in 2023.

2. View it as an Investment, Not an Expense. Getting a comprehensive estate plan will cost money, ranging from a few thousand dollars to potentially $10,000 or more, depending on its complexity. However, think of this as an investment in your future and the well-being of your loved ones. It creates essential documents that guide your family through difficult times, such as physical or mental incapacity, and death. This ensures the right decisions are made for you and your family.

3. Take the Plunge and Contact an Attorney. Once you've done your research, take the crucial next step: reach out to a trusted estate planning attorney. You'll never regret putting these plans in place.

Completing your estate plan is the ultimate "adulting" move. It's one thing to tell someone you love them; it's another to show them by putting a plan in place. This thoughtful act makes life easier for your family and other loved ones if and when the unexpected occurs.