When Is the Best Time to Create Your Will or Estate Plan? Sooner Than You Think
One of the most common questions people ask is, “When is the best time to get my will done?” The honest answer is that none of us ever truly knows. Life is fragile, and circumstances can shift without warning. Many families learn, often too late, that waiting for the “right time” can leave loved ones unprotected when it matters most.
For many people, the wake-up call comes through a personal or medical scare. Even moments that thankfully turn out to be minor can serve as powerful reminders that life doesn’t always follow our preferred timeline. It’s uncomfortable to think about incapacity or death, which is why so many Americans put off estate planning altogether. But delaying an estate plan can create confusion, unnecessary taxes, family conflict, and outcomes you never intended.
That’s why the best time to complete your estate plan is now, before life forces your hand.
At Yanowitz Law Firm, we’ve helped Minnesota families put solid plans in place for over 30 years, and we’ve seen firsthand how much peace of mind a completed estate plan can provide. Getting your plan done today means your loved ones won’t be left scrambling, guessing, or dealing with avoidable problems down the road.
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Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Create Your Estate Plan
Without a will or proper estate plan:
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Your assets may not go to the people you intended
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Unintended tax consequences may arise
- It may lead to needless family conflict
When people pass away without an estate plan, state law determines where assets go, often with results that do not align with their wishes. Even worse, the lack of clear direction can trigger disputes, delays, and costly probate administration.
Creating your will is an act of care for the people you love. It protects them during a vulnerable time and ensures your wishes are followed.
How to Get Unstuck and Finally Complete Your Estate Plan
If you’ve been meaning to create a will for years but haven’t taken the leap, you’re not alone. Here are a few simple steps to make the process easier:
Set a personal deadline.
You don’t need to finish your estate plan today, but commit to completing it within a set period, such as the next 90 days. Having a timeline creates accountability and helps break the cycle of procrastination.
Tell someone you trust.
Sharing your goal with a spouse, child, or close friend increases the likelihood that you’ll follow through. It also opens the door to helpful conversations about your wishes.
Start Thinking About Your Decisions
You don’t need to have every detail figured out before meeting with an attorney, but consider questions like:
• Who should receive your assets?
• Who should make decisions for you if you become incapacitated?
• Do you want to include charitable gifts?
• Should your children inherit equally?
Even a rough outline makes your planning appointment more productive.
Visualize the relief of having your plan completed.
Finishing your estate plan brings peace, clarity, and confidence. You’re taking a courageous, thoughtful step that your family will appreciate long after you’re gone.
At Yanowitz Law Firm, we make the process as approachable and stress-free as possible. Our goal is to help you craft a plan that truly aligns with your wishes and protects your family when they need it most.
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SCHEDULE A FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATIONFrequently Asked Questions
1. Do I need an estate plan even if I don’t have substantial assets?
Yes. An estate plan isn’t only about money, it also determines who acts on your behalf, who manages your estate, and how personal items or sentimental belongings should be distributed. Even small estates benefit from clarity and direction.
2. How often should I update my estate plan?
Every three to five years, or sooner if major life events occur, such as marriage, divorce, birth of a child, or significant financial changes. Regular updates ensure your documents reflect your current wishes.
3. What happens if I pass away without a will?
Your estate will be distributed under Minnesota intestacy laws, which may not reflect your preferences. Loved ones may face delays, added costs, or unintended tax consequences.
Author
Claire creates wills and trusts which provide security and peace of mind. She compassionately listens to her clients’ dreams, goals, and fears and then fashions plans that best meet their needs. It is important to Claire that her clients understand different options and make decisions that are right for them. She loves to educate clients by drawing out complicated concepts.Come visit us! Conveniently located in Rochester, Minnesota.
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