Every August, estate planning attorneys, financial advisors, and consumer advocates use "Make-A-Will Month" as a reminder to Americans: if you don't have a will, now is a good time to make one — and if you do have one, now is a good time to review it.
It sounds simple, but the numbers tell a different story. Surveys consistently find that more than half of U.S. adults don't have a will or any other estate planning document in place. Many people put it off because they think they don't have enough assets to bother, because the topic feels uncomfortable, or because they assume it's expensive and complicated. Make-A-Will Month exists to push back on all three of those assumptions.
Why Having a Will Matters
A will is the legal document that says what happens to your property, and who takes care of your minor children, after you die. Without one, state law — not you — decides who inherits your assets. This process, called "intestate succession," doesn't account for your relationships, your wishes, or your family's actual needs. It follows a fixed legal formula that can produce outcomes very different from what you'd have chosen.
A will lets you:
- Name who receives your property, in what shares
- Name a guardian for minor children
- Name an executor to manage your estate and carry out your wishes
- Leave specific gifts to people or organizations that matter to you
- Reduce the chances of confusion or conflict among your family members
Common Myths About Wills
"I don't have enough assets to need a will." A will covers more than money. It also determines guardianship for children, distribution of sentimental items, and who's in charge of settling your affairs. Estate size doesn't change the need for clarity.
"My family will just figure it out." Families often don't agree on what a person "would have wanted," especially without something in writing. A will removes the guesswork.
"I'm too young to worry about this." Wills aren't just for retirees. Anyone with children, property, or specific wishes about their belongings benefits from having one.
"It's too expensive or complicated." Many people are surprised at how accessible working with an attorney can be, especially compared to the cost of leaving mistakes for a family to sort out later. If you have questions about cost or process, ask an attorney directly rather than guessing based on assumptions.
Getting Started
Whatever tools you use to get your wishes down on paper, the safest path is to have an attorney involved. Estate planning law varies by state, and small mistakes in a will — an improperly witnessed signature, ambiguous language, an outdated beneficiary designation — can create major problems for your family later, sometimes without anyone realizing it until it's too late to fix.
Online will-making platforms, such as EZ Will & Trust, can be a useful starting point for organizing your thoughts and gathering the information an attorney will need: your assets, your beneficiaries, your preferred executor, and guardianship wishes for any children. But even a simple, seemingly straightforward estate benefits from professional review before the document is finalized. If you have a blended family, significant assets, a business, real estate in multiple states, or any complexity at all, an attorney isn't optional — it's essential.
If you have questions at any point in the process, don't guess. Talk to a licensed estate planning attorney in your state.
Keeping Your Will Current
A will isn't a one-and-done document. Life events that typically call for an update include:
- Marriage, divorce, or remarriage
- The birth or adoption of a child
- The death of a named beneficiary or executor
- A significant change in assets (buying a home, starting a business, an inheritance)
- Moving to a new state, since requirements can vary
Make-A-Will Month is a natural annual checkpoint: even if your will is already signed, take a few minutes to reread it and confirm it still reflects your wishes. If anything has changed, or if you're unsure whether an update is needed, an attorney can tell you quickly whether your existing document still holds up — don't rely on guesswork for something this important.
If a Dispute Arises
Even carefully prepared wills can be challenged — by a family member who feels excluded, a question about the will-maker's mental capacity at signing, allegations of undue influence, or ambiguous language in the document itself. Will contests and estate disputes are handled through probate litigation, which is a different process from simply drafting a will.
If you're facing a contested will, a disputed estate, or concerns about how an estate is being administered, it's important to talk to an attorney experienced in probate and estate litigation. Cheryl Miller, LLC works with clients navigating exactly these kinds of disputes and can help you understand your options and next steps.
The Bottom Line
Make-A-Will Month isn't about scaring people into action — it's a yearly nudge to do something that protects the people you love. Whether you're creating a will for the first time or reviewing one you already have, August is as good a month as any to make sure your wishes are written down clearly and legally.
This article is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Estate planning needs vary by individual and by state law; consult a licensed attorney for advice specific to your situation.
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