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When Should You Start Estate Planning? Why the Best Time Is Sooner Than You Think

Many people assume that estate planning is only for the wealthy or the elderly—but that couldn’t be further from the truth. In reality, estate planning is for anyone who wants to protect their family, control their assets, and prepare for the unexpected.

So, when should you start estate planning?
The answer is simple: as soon as you’re a legal adult—and definitely by the time you have any significant life responsibilities.

Whether you’re in your 20s just starting out, raising a family in your 30s, or approaching retirement in your 50s or 60s, estate planning should be part of your long-term strategy.

Let’s explore why starting early matters, what to include at each stage of life, and how an estate planning attorney can help you create a plan that evolves with you.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Start Estate Planning

Estate planning is more than just writing a will. It’s about:

• Protecting your family and children
  
  
• Making your healthcare and financial wishes clear
  
  
• Avoiding court delays and family conflict
  
  
• Minimizing taxes and preserving your assets
  
  
• Ensuring someone you trust is in charge if you’re incapacitated
  
  

🚨 Waiting too long to plan can lead to confusion, costly legal battles, and your assets going to the wrong people.

Life is unpredictable. Having a plan in place—sooner rather than later—means peace of mind for you and your loved ones.

Milestones That Signal It’s Time to Start Estate Planning

While you should ideally start at age 18, here are some key life events that make estate planning especially important:

✅ Turning 18

Once you’re legally an adult, your parents no longer have automatic authority over your medical or financial decisions. You need:

• A healthcare proxy
  
  
• A durable power of attorney
  
  

✅ Starting a Career or Business

With income and investments come responsibility. Now’s the time to:

• Set up a simple will
  
  
• Name beneficiaries for retirement and insurance
  
  
• Create a financial power of attorney
  
  

✅ Getting Married

Marriage changes everything—financially and legally. You may need to:

• Update your will and beneficiary designations
  
  
• Consider joint ownership of property
  
  
• Plan for spousal inheritance
  
  

✅ Buying a Home

Your home is likely your biggest asset. Estate planning ensures:

• It passes smoothly to your spouse or heirs
  
  
• You avoid probate delays
  
  
• You can create a trust to manage the property
  
  

✅ Having or Adopting Children

This is one of the most important triggers. You’ll want to:

• Name legal guardians
  
  
• Set up a trust for your child’s inheritance
  
  
• Ensure life insurance policies are up to date
  
  

✅ Getting Divorced

A divorce should prompt a full estate plan review to:

• Remove your ex-spouse from your will, trust, or power of attorney
  
  
• Update guardianship for children
  
  
• Re-title assets or insurance policies
  
  

✅ Receiving an Inheritance or Windfall

If your financial situation changes suddenly, you’ll want to:

• Protect the assets from taxes or creditors
  
  
• Reevaluate your distribution plans
  
  
• Possibly update trust structures
  
  

✅ Approaching Retirement

Now’s the time to finalize your estate plan and:

• Minimize taxes for heirs
  
  
• Plan for long-term care
  
  
• Update advance directives
  
  
• Review your living trust or will
  
  

What Happens If You Don’t Plan Early?

If you die or become incapacitated without a plan:

• Texas intestate laws decide who gets your assets, which may not reflect your wishes
  
  
• Your family may need to go through probate court, which can be costly and time-consuming
  
  
• No one may be legally authorized to make medical or financial decisions for you
  
  
• Minor children may be placed with a court-appointed guardian, not necessarily someone you would choose
  
  
• Your loved ones may argue or face legal uncertainty during an already difficult time
  
  

💡 These are avoidable problems—if you plan ahead.

Estate Planning at Any Age: What to Include

It’s Never Too Early, But It Can Be Too Late

The best time to start is before you need it. Many people don’t realize they need estate planning until:

• A medical crisis happens
  
  
• A loved one dies without a plan
  
  
• There’s a family dispute over an inheritance
  
  
• They’re facing retirement with no clear plan
  
  

By then, the cost—both emotional and financial—can be much higher.

How The Lange Firm Can Help

At The Lange Firm, we make estate planning approachable, affordable, and personal. We help Texans at all life stages:

• Draft and update wills and trusts
  
  
• Name guardians and executors
  
  
• Create durable powers of attorney and healthcare directives
  
  
• Protect assets and reduce taxes
  
  
• Plan for business succession or charitable giving
  
  

📞 Contact us today for a free consultation and start building a plan that grows with you and protects your loved ones.

Final Thoughts

So, when should you start estate planning?
The answer is simple: Now.
Not when you retire. Not when you buy a house. Not when you “get around to it.”

Estate planning is one of the most important—and loving—things you can do for your family. And it’s never too early to begin.

✅ Take the first step today. Secure your future with clarity and confidence.