Before proceeding, please review the legal disclaimer.
Most people associate estate planning with retirees, wealthy families, or those facing serious health issues. But in truth, estate planning is something every adult should consider much earlier—ideally before life gets complicated.
At The Lange Firm, we work with Texans at all stages of life to build estate plans that are practical, personal, and protective. In this article, we’ll break down when you should start estate planning, why it matters, and how to make sure your plan evolves as life changes.
Estate planning isn’t just about who inherits your home or your money. It’s about making decisions now so your loved ones aren’t left guessing later. If you have assets, responsibilities, or people you care about, having a plan in place is one of the most thoughtful things you can do.
Let’s clear something up: you don’t need to be rich or nearing retirement to need an estate plan. Your “estate” simply includes:
Your home, car, and belongings
Bank accounts and investments
Retirement accounts and life insurance
Debts and liabilities
Digital assets (like social media or online banking)
And most importantly—your wishes
Estate planning gives you control over what happens to these things—and who’s responsible for managing them—if something happens to you.
Without a plan in place, Texas law takes over. That might mean:
The court decides who receives your assets
A judge chooses a guardian for your children
Your loved ones go through a lengthy, stressful probate process
No one can manage your finances or healthcare unless they petition the court
Even if everything “works out” legally, the process can be emotionally and financially difficult for the people you care about. Planning ahead helps avoid unnecessary burdens.
To help you figure out the best time to begin estate planning, let’s look at a few common life stages and what makes sense at each point.
At 18, you’re legally responsible for yourself. That means no one—including your parents—can automatically make medical or financial decisions for you.
Key documents to consider:
Medical Power of Attorney
Durable Financial Power of Attorney
HIPAA Authorization Form
A simple will (especially if you own a vehicle, savings, or personal items you care about)
Even if you don’t have many assets, these documents ensure someone you trust can step in during an emergency.
This is when many people start building their lives—careers, marriages, children, property. It’s also when legal and financial responsibilities multiply.
Documents to add or update:
Last Will and Testament
Beneficiary designations on retirement accounts and life insurance
Guardianship designations for minor children
Durable and Medical Powers of Attorney
Possibly a revocable living trust (if you want to avoid probate or provide long-term structure)
If you’ve recently bought a house, started a family, or even adopted a pet, your estate plan should reflect those changes.
By this point, many people have families, mortgages, and assets worth protecting. They may also be supporting aging parents or navigating blended families.
This is a critical stage to:
Create or update your will
Set up a trust to streamline asset transfers
Appoint guardians and back-up guardians
Plan for incapacity or emergencies
Address digital assets and online accounts
This stage is often where families realize that a basic will isn’t enough—and they need a more complete strategy.
Approaching retirement is the perfect time to revisit your estate plan and fine-tune long-term decisions.
Consider:
Reviewing or updating your trust or will
Making sure powers of attorney and medical directives are current
Planning for Medicaid eligibility or long-term care
Finalizing funeral or burial preferences
Evaluating tax planning strategies for larger estates
At this point, your goals may shift from protecting dependents to simplifying things for your adult children or preserving wealth across generations.
Starting estate planning early provides several advantages:
Clarity: You’ll have peace of mind knowing your wishes are documented.
Flexibility: Plans can be updated as your life evolves.
Protection: You’re covered in the event of an accident or illness, not just death.
Efficiency: Avoiding probate or minimizing court involvement saves time and money.
Family Harmony: Clear instructions reduce the risk of confusion or conflict later.
Think of it as future-proofing your life. You’re setting things up so your family isn’t left scrambling.
An estate plan isn’t a one-and-done kind of thing. We recommend reviewing it every 3–5 years, or anytime you experience a major life change, such as:
Marriage or divorce
Birth or adoption of a child
Buying or selling property
Starting or ending a business
Death in the family
Moving to another state
A change in health or finances
At The Lange Firm, we help clients revisit their plans regularly so they stay up-to-date and effective.
Here’s a quick checklist of documents most Texans include:
✅ Last Will and Testament
✅ Revocable Living Trust (if appropriate)
✅ Durable Power of Attorney
✅ Medical Power of Attorney
✅ Advance Directive (Living Will)
✅ HIPAA Authorization
✅ Guardian Designations
✅ Beneficiary Designation Review
These documents work together to protect your assets, your healthcare wishes, and the people you love.
At The Lange Firm, we specialize in crafting estate plans for real people—not just retirees or the ultra-wealthy. Whether you’re newly married, raising kids, managing a business, or planning your legacy, we’ll:
Help you clarify your goals
Explain your options in everyday language
Customize documents based on Texas law
Make updates as your life changes
Offer flat-fee pricing for many estate plans
We believe estate planning should feel empowering, not overwhelming. Our job is to guide you through it with care and clarity.
The best time to start estate planning is before you think you need it.
Getting your affairs in order doesn’t mean you’re expecting the worst—it means you’re being proactive, responsible, and thoughtful about your future and your family.
Whether you’re 25 or 75, single or married, just starting out or planning your legacy, estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect what matters most.
Ready to take that step? Contact The Lange Firm today to get started.
For additional estate planning information visit the estate planning home page.
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Mr. Evan B. Lange is the attorney responsible for this website. | All meetings are by appointment only. | Principal place of business: Sugar Land, Texas.
The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome you to submit your claim for review. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.