The Hardest Part About Estate Planning? Talking About It
The hardest part of building a quality estate plan is getting started. This month we are sharing tips to start thinking about estate planning. According to a 2025 Caring.com study, “The number of Americans with a will (24% in 2025) has declined steadily from 33% of respondents in 2022.”
Many people think they are too poor to have a will, while a number of people know they need a plan but procrastinate because it is difficult to start. At Lubnau Law, we have developed several self-paced resources to help you start thinking about estate planning, including our recorded seminars:
Legacy Wealth Estate Planning
Trustee Training
Protecting Your Children’s Future
Sometimes it helps to be able to go at your own pace when tackling estate planning. Kiplinger.com shares some helpful tips for discussing and preparing for an estate plan in their recent article, “How to Talk to Your Family About Estate Planning (Without the Drama).” Here are three of our favorite tips from that article.
Get your plan in shape before talking to family
Determine what you want your estate plan to include before you sit down with your family.
Consider the emotional impact on your family
Discussing estate planning also requires consideration of the potential for emotional responses. You might not always be there as a shoulder to cry on.
Choose the right time and place
Because end-of-life conversations can be difficult and sometimes a bit awkward, choosing the right time and place is important — for you and your family. Select a time and place that lead to open and honest communication. Family gatherings, holidays and other celebrations, when emotions are already running high, might not be the best time. Instead, schedule a family meeting at a time and place that works for everyone, or set aside some one-on-one time with each family member to discuss your estate plan privately.
If you are struggling to start an estate plan, you are not alone. Millions of Americans will die or be incapacitated without a plan for themselves or their estate. Contact us today to get started with estate planning, or take a look at our free resources online to help you get started.