The start of a new year often brings a wave of fresh motivation to tackle life’s to-do list.
Among resolutions like hitting the gym, eating healthier, or finally decluttering your home, there’s one that deserves a top spot: getting your estate plan done. While it’s easy to put off, creating or completing your estate plan is one of the most important ways to protect your loved ones and your legacy.
To help you make 2025 the year you finally check this off your list, we’ve rounded up real, actionable tips to simplify the process. These strategies will not only help you get started but will also guide you toward finishing strong.
1. Schedule an “Estate Night” with Your Partner
For many people, estate planning is a joint effort. If you’re married or have a partner, carve out time to focus on it together—no distractions, no excuses. Consider dedicating a date night to becoming an estate-planning power duo. Set a time, grab some takeout, and tackle key conversations about guardianship, medical decisions, and financial directives.
2. Pour a Glass of Wine and Reflect
Estate planning can feel overwhelming, but breaking it into smaller steps can make a big difference. Start by pouring a glass of wine, finding a quiet space, and reflecting on the key decisions you’ll need to make. Who will you trust as your power of attorney? Who should serve as your children’s guardian? Taking the time to outline these choices in advance will make the process smoother.
3. Minimize Distractions (Especially if You Have Kids)
If you’re a parent, uninterrupted time can feel like a luxury. To ensure you can focus, schedule a babysitter or ask a family member to help with the kids for a few hours. Estate planning requires attention to detail, and minimizing interruptions will help you complete it more efficiently.
4. Talk with Key Players in Your Plan
One of the biggest roadblocks in estate planning is deciding who to nominate for important roles like executor, medical proxy, or guardian. These decisions can feel weighty, but having open conversations with the people you’re considering will ease your mind. Ask them if they’re comfortable taking on the responsibility, and let them know why you trust them. Resolving these questions ahead of time will help you move forward with confidence.
5. Gather Essential Documents
Preparation is key to streamlining your estate planning process. Make a checklist of the documents and information you’ll need, such as a list of assets you want to include in your plan or a list of beneficiaries. Having everything at your fingertips will save time and reduce frustration.
6. Set a Deadline
Resolutions often falter without clear deadlines. Commit to completing your estate plan by a specific date. Write it on your calendar, set reminders, and treat it like any other important appointment. Knowing there’s a finish line in sight can motivate you to stay on track.
7. Leverage Tools to Simplify the Process
The good news? Estate planning doesn’t have to be complicated. Trust & Will’s easy-to-use platform is designed to guide you step-by-step, so you can complete your estate plan with confidence and ease—all at an affordable rate. Whether you’re starting from scratch or tying up loose ends, Trust & Will has everything you need to check this resolution off your list.
This year, let’s turn good intentions into action. With the right mindset and tools, getting your estate plan done is achievable—and incredibly rewarding. Ready to make it happen? Trust & Will is here to help.
At Trust & Will, we’re here to help keep things simple. You can create a fully customizable, state-specific estate plan from the comfort of your own home. Take our free quiz to see where you should get started, or compare our different estate planning and settlement options today!
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Trust & Will is an online service providing legal forms and information. We are not a law firm and we do not provide legal advice.
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