While an estate plan isn’t legally required, having one can make a world of difference, for both you and your loved ones, during your lifetime and after your passing. Yet, the majority of adults still don’t have one. According to a 2025 Caring.com survey, just 24 percent of Americans have a will. Online provider Trust & Will reports a slightly higher figure at 31 percent, but only 11 percent have a trust. Regardless of which source you reference, the takeaway is the same: most families are unprepared. Keep reading to learn how to move past the excuses and start securing your future today.

Modern families come in many shapes and sizes. Some are blended through divorce and remarriage, while others are formed through long-term partnerships, adoption, or fostering. Families may include married or unmarried partners, and may have children from different relationships—or none at all. Many also care for aging parents or relatives with disabilities. As families continue to evolve and diversify, estate planning must evolve with them. Read more to learn how modern estate planning strategies can help protect every kind of family.

Test your knowledge and see how much you really know about estate planning by taking our Estate Planning Challenge Quiz.

Blended families often face complex estate planning considerations. Because stepchildren aren’t automatically covered under inheritance laws, your true wishes may not be carried out without proper planning. Whether your goal is to include, exclude, or balance inheritances among biological and stepchildren, clear documentation and strategic tools, like living trusts or QTIP provisions, are essential to protecting everyone’s interests. Discover how intentional planning can help ensure your legacy accurately reflects your family’s story.

Americans are living longer than ever, which makes keeping your estate and financial plans up to date more important than ever. While reaching 100 may once have seemed rare, increased longevity brings new challenges—rising healthcare costs, extended retirements, and the need for updated legal documents to protect you in case of illness or incapacity. Our article dives into how to prepare a plan that stands the test of time, ensuring your finances, healthcare wishes, and legacy remain secure no matter how long you live.

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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