It's National Estate Planning Awareness Week 2025: Don't Leave Your Family Unprotected

If you have children, own a home, run a business, or simply want to have a say in your own future, this week is a call to action. Leaving your affairs to default state laws is not a plan; it’s a gamble that will force your family into crisis during their most vulnerable time.

The Myth of "Too Young" or "Not Wealthy Enough"

The truth is, estate planning isn't about building a monument to your wealth; it's about building a safety net for the people you love. So, why would you want to strap them with one of the most devastating and difficult things they may ever have to endure?

1. Protecting Your Young Children 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

For parents of young children, estate planning isn't optional—it’s child protection. If both parents pass away unexpectedly, state law will step in to appoint a guardian for your children. Do you want a judge who doesn't know your family, your values, or your friends making that life-altering decision?

• Guardianship: A Will is the only document where you can nominate the exact person or couple you trust to raise your children according to your wishes.

  
  

• Inheritance Management: Minor children cannot legally receive large sums of money outright. A Trust allows you to name a trusted manager (Trustee) to handle the funds for your children's education, health, and maintenance until they reach an age you deem responsible—not the age the state mandates.

  
  

2. Home and Business Owners: Securing Your Biggest Assets 🏡

Whether you have a starter home, an investment property, or a thriving small business, these assets require proactive management.

• Probate Avoidance: In many states, real estate owned solely in your name triggers probate—a public, costly, and lengthy court process. For homeowners, this means months of delay before heirs can sell or even live in the property. Tools like a Revocable Living Trust ensure that your home transfers directly to your beneficiaries, skipping probate and saving your heirs significant time and money.

  
  

• Business Continuity: For entrepreneurs, an estate plan (specifically a Business Succession Plan) is vital. It outlines who runs the business, who owns it, and how operations continue if you become incapacitated or pass away. This protects your employees, partners, and the financial foundation you built.

  
  

3. Planning for Incapacity: Before the Worst Happens ⚕️

Accidents and sudden illnesses don't check your age or retirement status. If you're alive but unable to communicate or make decisions, who manages your finances or speaks for you medically?

• Financial Power of Attorney: This document names a trusted agent to pay your bills, manage your bank accounts, and handle financial affairs if you can't. Without it, your family might face a time-consuming and expensive conservatorship proceeding just to access your money to pay for your care.

  
  

• Healthcare Directives (Living Will/Healthcare Proxy): These documents ensure your medical wishes regarding life support or invasive procedures are followed, removing the agonizing guesswork from your family members during an emotional crisis.

  
  

Your Estate Plan Is a Living Document

Estate planning isn't a "set it and forget it" task. Life changes—marriages, births, deaths, divorces, career shifts, and a change in your assets—mean your plan must change, too. Reviewing and updating your documents every few years is just as important as creating them in the first place.

This National Estate Planning Awareness Week, don't leave your family unprotected or your legacy to chance. Take the proactive step to secure their future, ensure your children are cared for by the right people, and keep your assets out of public court records. Advance estate planning will save you considerable time, heartache and money. Start the conversation today.

Legal disclaimer:

This blog article is not legal advice. Please consult with an attorney to discuss your specific circumstances.