7 Common Excuses to Delay Estate Planning — And Why They’re a Mistake

What makes you hesitate about estate planning? Many people come up with reasons to put it off, but most of those reasons end up causing bigger problems later. Below are 7 of the most common excuses we hear — and why you should avoid them.

1. “My family and I don’t own much. Can’t we wait until we can afford it?”

No. Even if you don’t have much, estate planning is critical. You need to give legal authority to someone you trust to care for your children if something happens to you. Without that, your children could end up in court custody or with a relative you never would have chosen.

Estate planning now also saves money later. Waiting could mean facing steep legal fees down the road.

2. “My son just graduated. He owns nothing but a pickup truck. Why worry about an estate plan for him?”

Because estate planning isn’t just about property. It’s also about protecting life and decision-making.

Once your child turns 18, you no longer have automatic authority to make medical decisions for them. If they were in an accident and lost consciousness, you’d have to go to court for guardianship — even over your own child.

A simple power of attorney now avoids that stress and expense.

3. “Our kids are grown and married. Can’t my spouse and I postpone planning?”

No. Life is unpredictable. Accidents, illness, or even divorce could put your family’s inheritance at risk. Without planning, money and property could be lost in lawsuits, bankruptcies, or bitter divorces.

4. “Our kids are healthy. Why worry about disability benefits?”

Your children may not need benefits now, but the future is uncertain. If they become disabled later, an inheritance could cost them thousands of dollars in lost benefits. With the right planning, you can protect their inheritance and their future.

5. “I trust my doctors. I don’t need to give anyone else authority.”

Doctors are ethically obligated to keep you alive, often using machines and invasive measures. That could mean being kept alive for years without the ability to care for yourself, recognize loved ones, or even swallow.

With proper legal documents, you can choose what treatments you want — and decline the ones you don’t.

6. “Can’t I just download a will, do a transfer-on-death deed, and call it done?”

Unfortunately, no. Estate planning involves more than documents. A good plan avoids probate court, protects inheritances from creditors and divorce, and prevents disputes between children.

Even simple situations have many moving parts. Only an experienced attorney can coordinate those parts so they work smoothly together.

7. “Why not just forget the whole thing and let my kids deal with it?”

You could, but your kids won’t thank you for leaving behind a mess. They’ll be left with stress, expenses, and possibly broken family relationships. That’s not the legacy you want to leave.

Don’t Put It Off Any Longer

There are many bad reasons to delay estate planning — but one very good reason to act now: peace of mind.

At Aging in Maine, the documents we prepare may look like “pieces of paper,” but they save families time, money, and heartache when it matters most.

📞 Call us today at (207) 848-5600 or visit our CONTACT page to schedule your appointment.

Don’t wait. Protect your family. Start your estate plan today.