Over 40% of Americans Lack Estate Plans as More Than 50% Haven't Started Wills
Updated
Updated · themindencourier.com · Aug 19
Over 40% of Americans Lack Estate Plans as More Than 50% Haven't Started Wills
3 articles · Updated · themindencourier.com · Aug 19
Summary
More than 40% of Americans have not made an estate plan, and over half of those without one have not even started drafting or considering a will, Caring's 2025 survey found.
More than 40% of respondents without an estate plan said the main reason was simply not getting around to it, pointing to procrastination rather than a specific legal or financial barrier.
The findings add to earlier evidence that estate planning remains sparse: a prior report said only 24% of U.S. adults have wills despite warnings that missing documents can trigger delays, legal costs and family disputes.
Experts cited in earlier coverage said a basic plan should include a will plus healthcare and financial powers of attorney, underscoring how far many households still are from even a starter package.