Most people wait too long to start estate planning—and pay for it later. It is easy to make the case for starting early. Almost everyone wants to: protect their family, reduce costs, and stay flexible as life evolves. Estate planning isn’t for someday—it’s for everyone…today.

The short answer? Probably sooner than you think.

In working with thousands of clients over the last 25 years—LivingTrustAdvisor.com owner Mark Rauch —breaks down a question that advisors hear all the time: When should someone start an estate plan?

Rauch brings clarity to a part of planning that often feels overwhelming or overly technical. His goal? To help clients understand that estate planning isn’t just for the ultra-wealthy or people nearing retirement. It’s about getting the right pieces in place early—so you’re prepared, not scrambling.

His main takeaways:

Most people wait too long, thinking they need a huge asset base or a “settled” life. The longer you wait, the more complicated—and costly—it tends to get.
Estate plans are flexible and can grow alongside your life and finances.
Early planning means fewer headaches later and a lot more peace of mind now.

Why waiting is risky

A common myth is that estate planning can wait until later in life. But waiting often means more tangled assets, fewer options, and bigger bills to get everything sorted. Strategies like gifting, charitable planning, or tax moves work best when you have time on your side. Without a plan in place, families often face probate—a slow, expensive, and very public process that adds stress at the worst time.

By contrast, starting early gives you momentum. Once a plan is in motion, adding to it or adjusting it becomes a simple step—not a major project. It’s not just about legal costs—it’s about reducing emotional strain and keeping things clear for everyone involved.

Why early planning matters now

Estate planning isn’t just for end-of-life scenarios. It’s a tool for protecting your life today. A well-crafted plan can:

Make sure someone you trust can handle finances or medical decisions if you’re ever unable to
Reduce the chance of family conflicts by clearly documenting your wishes
Bring your estate, tax, and financial goals into alignment

Think of planning as a process, not a one-time task

An estate plan isn’t something you create once and forget. It should evolve as your life does. Some of the key triggers for updating a plan include:

Marriage or divorce
Having (or adopting) a child
Buying property or a business
Relocating to a different state
Health challenges
New tax or estate laws

The foundation of every plan

The core documents every plan needs

A revocable trust to streamline asset transfers and avoid probate
A will that outlines asset distribution and guardianship
Powers of attorney for financial and healthcare decisions
Healthcare directives
Up-to-date beneficiary designations
Getting started is the key. Even a basic plan is better than none- and it can always be updated later.

The Living Trust Advisor Advantage

There’s rarely a “perfect” time to start an estate plan. In truth, earlier is almost always better. It’s not just about passing on wealth—it’s about minimizing risk, saving money, and supporting your family every step of the way.

Our Advisors helps clients understand what’s possible—and how to move forward confidently. Our platform pairs legal clarity with a nationwide attorney network and every plan is tailored to state laws and designed to grow with your individual needs.

When is the Right Time to Estate Plan?