It’s National Make a Will Month: Why Most Americans Still Don’t Have One (and Why You Should)

Did you know that August is National Make a Will Month? It’s a reminder that taking a few hours this month can save your loved ones years of stress and uncertainty later.

Yet despite how important having a will is, surveys consistently show that two-thirds of Americans still don’t have one. According to Gallup, as of 2021 only 46% of U.S. adults have a will. The likelihood of having a will rises with age and income—but nearly three-quarters of adults between 30-49 don’t have a plan, and even among those 50–64, less than half have taken this step.

Why don’t more people have a will? The most common reasons are:

• “I don’t own much, so I don’t need one.”

• “I’ll get to it later.”

• “It feels overwhelming or expensive.”

The truth is, no matter your age, assets, or family situation, having a will is one of the simplest and most important acts of love and responsibility. A will is also one of the most effective tools for building and protecting generational wealth, ensuring that what you’ve worked hard to earn benefits your loved ones for years to come.

5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Wait to Make a Will

1. You decide—not the courts. Without a will, state law determines who inherits your assets. That may not reflect your wishes.

2. Protect your children. If you have minor children, your will lets you designate guardians. Without it, the decision is left to the court.

3. Ease the burden. Losing a loved one is already hard. A clear will helps your family avoid disputes and confusion.

4. Build generational wealth. A will is a cornerstone of creating and preserving wealth for your family. It allows you to pass on assets intentionally, helping the next generation build stability and opportunity.

5. Peace of mind. Once you have a will, you can live with the comfort of knowing you’ve provided security for those you love.

Common Misconceptions About Wills

• “I don’t have enough assets to need one.” Even if you don’t own property, your will can cover personal belongings, guardianship, and final wishes.

• Planning for incapacity matters too. Even without major assets, you can still ensure your wishes are honored—like who will make healthcare or financial decisions for you, or who can access your medical records. Estate planning is about preparing for incapacity as much as it is about distributing assets after death.

• “My family knows what I want.” Having your wishes in writing relieves the burden of decision-making—your loved ones can take comfort knowing they are honoring your wishes rather than making painful choices on their own. And even close families may disagree without clear, written instructions.

• “It’s too expensive.” A simple will is often more affordable than people expect—and far less costly than leaving your loved ones without one. While someone can still contest a will, having one gives the court clear authority and direction to reaffirm your properly drafted, witnessed, and notarized wishes.

Already Have a Will? You May Need a Tune-Up

Even if you already have a will, it’s worth reviewing it periodically. Life changes quickly, and these shifts are a natural time to revisit your plan:

• Major life events. Marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, or buying a home can all affect your estate plan. Revisit related documents such as healthcare directives, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations to ensure they still reflect your wishes.

• Specific bequests. If you’ve left a gift—say, your prized Taylor Swift memorabilia (because who wouldn’t want to inherit those eras?)—but you no longer own it or have had a change of heart, updating your plan ensures your wishes remain accurate.

• Codicils. While codicils can be a convenient way to amend a will, they can also create confusion if outdated or conflicting provisions remain. Checking in with your CPA or estate planning attorney can help identify opportunities to simplify, reduce taxes, and keep documents consistent.

• Changing laws. Tax rules, probate procedures, and estate planning requirements evolve, sometimes even within just a few years. Regular reviews make sure your plan complies with current laws and continues to protect your family the way you intend. Your attorney may recommend leaving it as is, or they may suggest tweaks that can save headaches and reduce costs for your family and your estate.

  
  

Why August - National Make A Will Month - Is the Best Time to Start

Summer often feels like a natural pause. As kids get ready to head back to school and routines reset, it’s a great time to check “make a will” off your life admin list. The national spotlight on estate planning during Make a Will Month makes it the perfect time to prioritize this essential step.

Think of it as back-to-school for your future self—a small effort now that pays dividends in peace of mind.

How to Get Started

At LM Law, PLLC, we make the process simple and approachable. We’ll walk you through:

• What documents you actually need (it may be simpler than you think).

• How to protect your children and your assets.

• What to consider for healthcare decisions and powers of attorney.

Make your will this August—peace of mind today, protection for tomorrow. Commit to creating or updating your plan before the month ends to take advantage of our special Make a Will Month incentive.

Act now to protect your family and secure your legacy.

👉 Schedule a consultation today