10 Essential Reasons You Need an Estate Plan—Even If You Think You Don’t

Most of us avoid thinking about estate planning. We tell ourselves, ‘I don’t have enough assets to worry about it’, or ‘My family will handle things when the time comes.’ But here’s the truth: every adult—regardless of wealth—needs an estate plan. Without one, the government decides who inherits your property, who raises your children, and even who makes medical decisions for you if you’re incapacitated.

As an estate planning attorney serving Fairfield County, Connecticut—including Wilton, Weston, Westport, Ridgefield, New Canaan, Darien, Norwalk, and Redding—I’ve seen firsthand the confusion and heartache that comes from failing to plan. The law doesn’t account for your unique family dynamics, financial goals, or personal wishes.

10 compelling reasons to create an estate plan today

1. You—Not the State—Should Decide Who Inherits Your Assets

If you die without a will (intestate), Connecticut’s laws dictate who gets what. Your spouse might not inherit everything—your children, parents, or even siblings could receive a share, whether you intended it or not. **An estate plan ensures your assets go to the people you choose.

2. Protect Your Children by Naming a Guardian

If you have minor children, a will allows you to name a guardian. Without one, a judge—who doesn’t know your family—makes that decision. Worse, the court may impose restrictions on how your child’s inheritance is managed, requiring costly oversight.

3. Choose Who Makes Medical Decisions for You

An advance healthcare directive lets you appoint someone you trust to make medical choices if you’re unable to. Without one, doctors and hospitals follow a state-mandated hierarchy—which might not align with your wishes.

4. Plan for Incapacity with a Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney ensures someone you trust can manage your finances if you become incapacitated. Without it, your family may need to go to court to get control—a stressful and expensive process.

5. Shield Loved Ones from Poor Financial Decisions

Not all heirs are ready to manage money. A trust can distribute assets over time, protecting a young adult, a spendthrift, or someone with special needs from financial mismanagement.

6. Protect Inheritances from Creditors and Divorce

Outright inheritances can be seized by creditors or lost in a divorce. A trust keeps assets protected, ensuring your hard-earned wealth benefits your loved ones—not their financial troubles.

7. Name an Executor You Trust

A will lets you choose an executor—someone who will carry out your wishes. Without one, the court appoints an administrator, who may charge hefty fees and lack personal insight into your family’s needs.

8. Minimize Taxes for Your Heirs

Smart planning can reduce or even eliminate estate taxes, preserving more for your family. Without a plan, your estate could lose thousands—or even millions—to unnecessary taxes.

9. Leave a Legacy for Charity

Estate planning isn’t just about family—it’s also a chance to support causes you care about. Charitable gifts can provide tax benefits while making a lasting impact.

10. Avoid Probate Delays and Expenses

Probate is a slow, costly court process. It’s also not something your family wants to deal with while also grieving your loss. A revocable living trust can bypass probate, ensuring a smoother, private transfer of assets to your heirs.

The Bottom Line: Your Family Deserves Clarity, Not Chaos

Estate planning isn’t about wealth—it’s about control, protection, and peace of mind. Whether you’re in Wilton, Westport, Ridgefield, New Canaan, Darien, Weston, Norwalk, or anywhere in Fairfield County, a well-crafted plan ensures your wishes are honored and your loved ones are cared for.

Don’t leave these critical decisions to chance—or to the state. More importantly, don’t leave your loved ones with a mess to clean up on top of grieving your loss. If you’re ready to create or update your estate plan, contact my office by sending a brief email, calling us at 203-529-1276, or scheduling a planning session here.

Elizabeth Roache is an estate planning attorney serving Fairfield County, Connecticut, including Wilton, Weston, Westport, Ridgefield, New Canaan, Darien, Norwalk, Stamford, and Redding. With a focus on wills, trusts, probate, and complex asset protection strategies., The Law Office of Elizabeth Roache helps families protect their legacies with thoughtful, personalized planning.