The Top “Reasons” People Don’t Have the Right Estate Plan

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Last Updated: Aug 24, 2026

Read Time: 5 mins

Welcome back! Today, I want to talk about the top reasons people don’t have the right estate plan for their particular situation. I put “reasons” in quotation marks because, let’s be honest, they’re usually just excuses. So, let’s dive right in!

Reason #1: “I’m Not Sick, I Won’t Die Anytime Soon”

No one knows when they’re going to die. I’ve had doctors tell me this exact thing: “Hey, you know, me and my husband, we’re not sick right now. We don’t anticipate dying anytime soon.” And I’ll ask them, “How do you know when you’re going to pass away?” They usually just sit there puzzled. Most of us don’t want to deal with the fact that we’re not here forever, but the reality is none of us know when our time will come. This is something to seriously consider when thinking about your estate plan.

Reason #2: “I’m Too Young”

Estate plans aren’t about age. The moment you turn 18, you’re no longer a minor and legally an adult. Your guardian or parents can no longer make decisions for you. Your assets belong to you, and it’s your responsibility to make sure they’re transferred the way they need to be. Whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or older, this has nothing to do with being close to retirement age. It’s about being prepared.

Reason #3: “I Read It on the Internet”

If I had a dime for every time someone said, “I read it on the internet,” I’d be a very wealthy man. This usually means someone has watched a video or read an article and thinks they know exactly what they need for estate planning. While these resources can be helpful for learning, they’re not actual legal advice. Most estate planning attorneys don’t have backgrounds in tax or asset protection, and you’re not getting advanced information from experts just by browsing online. So, don’t show up at an attorney’s office saying, “This is what I want because I watched a video.” It’s never what the client actually needs.

Reason #4: “Attorney Fees Are Too Expensive”

The people who say this are often the ones who just got back from an all-inclusive vacation in Hawaii, or a cruise in Europe, or a trip to Asia. They just don’t want to spend money on an estate plan. Priorities matter, and this is one you don’t want to skip over.

Reason #5: “Only Extremely Wealthy People Need Estate Plans”

Wealth is subjective. Many people who are wealthy think they don’t need an estate plan because they know someone wealthier. But everyone needs an estate plan, regardless of how much or little they think they have. It’s not just for the ultra-rich; it’s for everyone.

Reason #6: “My Former Sister-in-Law’s First Cousin Seven Times Removed Told Me I Don’t Need a Trust”

I often meet with people, create a strategy for them, and then they call back saying, “Hey, I was talking to some guy I met at Walmart or while standing in line at McDonald’s, and he told me I don’t actually need a trust.” Usually, it’s someone with no legal or tax background whatsoever, yet people take their advice. Don’t take legal advice from random people with no credentials or expertise!

Reason #7: “I’m Too Busy”

This one is actually a legit reason. We’re all busy—there’s never enough time in the day to get everything done. But I’ve had several clients who unexpectedly passed away before we could complete their estate plan because they didn’t make time for it. It’s crucial to prioritize this because it really is important.

Reason #8: “I Already Completed My Estate Plan”

This is often the person who did their estate plan 20, 30, or 40 years ago when their kids were first born. Now their kids have kids of their own. You need to update your estate plan regularly. Most attorneys recommend revisiting it every three to five years, or whenever significant life events happen. It’s not a one-and-done process; it’s ongoing. Make sure you’re not using this as an excuse not to update your estate plan.

In Summary: Don’t let any of these excuses keep you from getting your estate plan in order. It’s not just about wealth or age; it’s about being responsible and prepared for whatever life throws your way. Make sure you have the right estate plan in place and keep it updated as your life changes.

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