Although an estate plan is not required by law, having one will truly benefit you and your loved ones during your lifetime and when you pass away. Unfortunately, roughly two-thirds of adults have no estate plan in place. A 2025 Caring.com survey found that only 24 percent of Americans have a will. Online service Trust & Will puts the number slightly higher, at 31 percent (with only 11 percent having a trust). While the exact numbers vary depending on the source, the message is clear: far too many families are unprepared. Read more to learn about how to stop making excuses and start planning for your future.

Today’s families take many different forms: Some are blended through divorce and remarriage while others are built through long-term partnerships, adoption, or fostering. Families may include same-sex or opposite-sex couples; married or unmarried partners; or children from different relationships or no children. Many households also juggle the needs of aging parents or relatives with disabilities. Read more to discover that as today’s modern families evolve and become more diverse, so too must the estate planning strategies that protect them.

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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.