National Estate Planning Awareness Week – October 2025

National Estate Planning Awareness Week (NEPAW) takes place this year from October 20–26, 2025. Established in 2008, NEPAW aims to educate individuals on the importance of estate planning learn more at: https://www.govtrack.us/congress/bills/110/hres1499/text/eh#link=2&nearest=H5667EC8552C34718B78DB37C3EC82B1E

Why Estate Planning Matters

According to Caring.com, 24% of Americans had a will in 2025, whereas in 2024, 32% of Americans had a will (https://www.caring.com/resources/wills-survey). This decrease may be prompted by economic hardship, a change in assets, moving states, or a variety of other reasons.

76% of Americans lack a basic estate plan.

Without a plan, Florida’s intestate succession laws will determine how your assets are distributed. Learn more about Florida laws at https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0732/0732.html.

Where Should You Start?

The first step is education. Familiarize yourself with key terms such as:

Will
Intestate
Healthcare directives
Power of attorney

Understanding these concepts can help you feel more confident and less overwhelmed. Read more below to consider additional items to learn about.

Six Steps to Begin Estate Planning

Learn more about the steps by visiting “Estate planning: Getting Started” – UF askifas publication: FCS5239/FY538: Estate Planning: Getting Started or https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/FY538.

Communicate
- Talk with family members or others who may be involved.
- Example: If you plan to leave your home to your son but he doesn’t want it, discuss alternatives now.
Collect Information
- Gather banking details, insurance policies, and a list of personal items you wish to pass on.
Clarify Objectives
- Define your goals. This plan should reflect your wishes, even while considering others’ input.
Choose a Professional
- While some tasks could be completed on your own, professional guidance ensures legal compliance.
- Find an attorney near you by using Find a Florida Bar Lawyer or https://www.floridabar.org/directories/find-mbr/
- Search for an Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) by using NAEPC Search Accredited Estate Planner Designees or https://www.naepc.org/designations/estate-planners/search#spec/All
- Florida Rural Legal Services (FRLS) offers free or low-cost legal help for eligible residents: Fort Pierce – Florida Rural Legal Services or https://www.frls.org/fort-pierce
Choose Alternatives and Implement the Plan
- Consider tax implications, changing laws, and how your plan affects beneficiaries.
Review and Modify as Needed
- Life changes—so should your plan. Regular reviews help keep it relevant.

Common Myth vs. Reality

Myth: Estate planning is only for the wealthy or elderly.
Fact: Estate planning is for everyone, regardless of age or income.

Florida-Specific Resources

Visit https://quality.healthfinder.fl.gov/report-guides/advance-directives for forms including:

Living Will
Designation of Health Care Surrogate
Designation of Health Care Surrogate for a Minor
Organ Donor Form
Wallet Card for Advance Directives

Final Thoughts

Planning ahead can possibly save stress, time, and money. Life is unpredictable, but having a plan in place can ease the burden on your loved ones during difficult times. Estate planning isn’t just for later—it’s for right now. If you have questions, please reach out to Josey Pearce Keener at josey.keener@ufl.edu or a professional.

Disclaimer: This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal advice.

Featured Image by: UF/IFAS Photo by Tyler Jones, 2015 UF/IFAS Communications