Recognizing that estate planning is important is one thing. Actually doing it? That’s where most people hesitate. At The Werner Law Firm, we’ve heard nearly every reason why someone hasn’t gotten around to creating a plan—and we’ve also seen firsthand how devastating the consequences of delay can be.
A recent article from MarketWatch, “The top 3 excuses people make to put off estate planning—and why they’re all wrong,” lays out some of the most common excuses—and why they don’t hold up. Let’s break them down.
Many people assume that estate plans are only for the ultra-wealthy. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Even if your estate is modest—or even if you have debts when you pass—you still need a plan to protect your loved ones from unnecessary court proceedings and financial hardship.
For example, without basic medical documents like a Healthcare Power of Attorney, HIPAA Release, or Living Will, your family could be left guessing about your medical wishes or struggling to get information from healthcare providers. These aren’t just estate planning tools—they’re essential documents for your lifetime, especially as you age or face serious illness.
Bottom line: If you care about your family’s well-being, you need an estate plan—regardless of how much you own.
Procrastination is human nature. But when it comes to estate planning, waiting can cost your family dearly. Right now, federal estate tax exemptions are set to change at the end of 2025. If you’re near the current exemption threshold and don’t act soon, your estate could suddenly become taxable—possibly at rates as high as 40%.
Estate planning isn’t something you can do overnight. It takes time to gather information, weigh options, and finalize documents. Waiting until the last minute can mean lost opportunities and avoidable tax consequences.
Bottom line: Procrastination is the most expensive excuse.
That’s exactly why estate planning attorneys exist. We guide people through this process every day. It’s normal to feel overwhelmed—but you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Start by gathering basic information: any wills or trusts you may already have, insurance policies, account statements, and property deeds. Then, sit down with an experienced estate planning attorney who can help you map out a plan that fits your goals and values.
Bottom line: You don’t need to have it all figured out—you just need to get started.
Too many families end up facing avoidable stress, legal costs, and even resentment simply because a loved one didn’t plan ahead. The choice is yours: leave a clear, thoughtful plan—or leave your family to piece things together in the midst of grief. At The Werner Law Firm, we’re here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible. Whether you think your estate is too small or just don’t know where to begin, our estate planning attorneys will walk you through it step by step.
If you have any questions, schedule a free appointment with us through our online appointment page.
You can also read reviews from some of the hundreds of clients we have helped over the years.
Reference: MarketWatch (April 17, 2025) “The top 3 excuses people make to put off estate planning--and why they’re all wrong”
Founded in 1975 by L. Rob Werner, The Werner Law Firm and our dedicated attorneys are available for clients, friends, and family members to receive the legal help they need and deserve. You can trust in our experience and reputation to help navigate you through your unique legal matters.
Hiring a lawyer can be a daunting task, but it doesn’t have to be. From the moment you contact our firm, through the final resolution of your matter, our goal is to make the process easy and understandable. Through our Werner Law Firm Difference, our goal is to have you feel like a burden was lifted from your shoulders, and that we made the whole process an easy one
If you’re looking into taking care of your estate planning, we urge you to schedule a free initial appointment today and join the many satisfied clients who have contacted Werner Law Firm.
