Is estate planning only for wealthy families?

No. Estate planning is not only about estate taxes or large estates.

Most families need a plan for practical reasons: avoiding unnecessary court involvement, naming decision-makers, protecting children, helping a surviving spouse, organizing assets, and making things easier after death.

If you own a home, have children, have retirement accounts, have life insurance, care for someone with special needs, or simply want to make things easier for your family, estate planning matters.

*Reviewed by Estate Planning Attorney Casey Connealy, Partner at Gaughan & Connealy Estate Planning Attorneys on June 23, 2026.