You’ve likely encountered the striking statistics, whether in conversations with fellow advisors or industry publications, about how many Americans lack an estate plan. While the numbers differ across surveys and demographics, the message remains clear: nearly two-thirds of all Americans are unprepared to transfer their assets or ensure their loved ones’ care in the event of a medical emergency. So, what should advisors make of this widespread gap? And, more importantly, what can they do about it? It all begins with understanding why so many Americans are avoiding estate planning.

Modern families come in all shapes and sizes. Some are blended through divorce and remarriage, while others are formed through long-term partnerships, adoption, or fostering. They may include same-sex or opposite-sex couples, married or unmarried partners, and children from various relationships—or none at all. Many also balance the care of aging parents or relatives with special needs. As families continue to evolve and diversify, estate planning strategies must evolve with them.

Test your knowledge with our Advisor Estate Planning Challenge Quiz and see how your expertise stacks up across key estate planning topics.

For blended families, advisors must navigate sensitive legal and emotional dynamics to ensure clients’ estate plans align with their intentions. Because stepchildren typically have no automatic inheritance rights, proactive strategies (like customized living trusts, QTIP provisions, and coordinated beneficiary designations) are essential to prevent disputes and unintentional disinheritance. This article explores key planning considerations and techniques to help blended-family clients achieve fairness, clarity, and lasting family harmony.

With life expectancies steadily increasing, clients are facing “longevity risk”—the financial and legal strain of outliving their plans. Many retirees now spend 30 to 40 years in retirement, yet few have updated their estate or incapacity documents to reflect that reality. Our article examines how advisors can help clients stress-test their plans for longer lifespans, integrate healthcare and income strategies, and ensure their estate documents and fiduciary appointments remain aligned with evolving family and financial circumstances.

This information is for educational purposes only and cannot be considered legal advice, nor does the receipt of this newsletter create an attorney client relationship.

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