When Is the right time to estate plan?

When is the right time to estate plan?

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The short answer? Probably sooner than you think.

In this short video, CJ Eagar—Estate Guru’s in-house attorney and educator—breaks down a question that advisors hear all the time: When should someone start an estate plan?

CJ brings clarity to a part of planning that often feels overwhelming or overly technical. His goal? To help both advisors and their 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

For advisors, it’s an opportunity to deepen client relationships. Helping clients get ahead of the curve builds trust—and keeps that trust across generations.

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

By treating estate planning as an ongoing conversation, advisors stay better connected—and clients stay better protected.

When to bring it up with clients

You don’t have to wait for clients to ask. In fact, the best time to bring up estate planning is often during major life moments: buying a home, welcoming a child, nearing retirement, or moving to a new state. These natural checkpoints make it easier to introduce the topic—and to show why now is the right time.

The foundation of every plan

The core documents every plan needs

While every plan is unique, most include a few core elements:

• A will that outlines asset distribution and guardianship
• Powers of attorney for financial and healthcare decisions
• Healthcare directives
• Up-to-date beneficiary designations
• A revocable trust (if appropriate) to streamline asset transfers and avoid probate

Getting started is the key. Even a basic plan is better than none—and it can always be updated later.

The Estate Guru 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 clients every step of the way.

With CJ Eagar’s guidance, Estate Guru helps advisors and clients alike understand what’s possible—and how to move forward confidently. Our platform pairs legal clarity with a nationwide attorney network and our Legal Logic™ process. Every plan is reviewed, tailored to state laws, and designed to grow with your client’s needs.

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