The Biggest Mistake Missouri Families Make About Estate Planning

After more than 30 years of helping Missouri families, I can tell you this: most people don’t fail to plan because they don’t care — they fail because they think they have time.

I’ve seen it over and over again. Folks will come to one of my workshops, take notes, nod in all the right places, and then tell me, “We’ll get around to it soon.” But “soon” turns into “someday,” and too often, someday never comes.

The Comfort of Delay

There’s something oddly comforting about putting off hard conversations. We convince ourselves that we’ll live a long time, stay healthy, and have plenty of warning before life changes. But as I often say, life rarely sends an appointment reminder.

Estate planning isn’t about predicting death — it’s about protecting life. It’s about making sure that when you can’t speak for yourself, your family isn’t left guessing what you would have wanted.

A Lesson from Fern and Pete

In my book, Will’s Trusty Guide to Wills & Trusts, I tell the story of Fern and Pete — a hardworking couple from Springfield who did everything right in life except one thing: they never made an estate plan.

When Fern passed away, their son Danny inherited everything. But Danny also passed unexpectedly — without a plan of his own. What happened next? Everything Fern and Pete worked for went somewhere they never intended.

No greed, no malice — just the slow drift of assets through Missouri’s intestacy laws. The law did exactly what it was designed to do. The problem was, it didn’t do what they wanted it to do.

The Real Cost of Waiting

I’ve never seen procrastination save anyone a dime or a headache. Quite the opposite. Waiting to plan often leads to:

• Family conflict. When you leave questions unanswered, families fill in the blanks — and not always kindly.

• Higher costs. Emergency planning or probate court is always more expensive than a well-prepared trust.

• Lost control. If you don’t make your decisions now, the state will make them for you later.

What You Can Do Today

1. Have the talk. Sit down with your spouse or family and simply start the conversation.

2. Take inventory. Know what you own and who depends on you.

3. Meet with an attorney. Don’t wait for “someday.” Get professional help before you need it.

The Missouri Mindset

Here in Missouri, we value independence. But there’s wisdom in asking for help before the storm hits. Estate planning isn’t about control — it’s about care. It’s one of the most loving, responsible things you can do for your family.

If you haven’t started yet, don’t feel guilty — just get started. Join me for one of our free workshops at WorshamWorkshops.com. You’ll walk away knowing exactly what to do next — and you might even enjoy the process.

Because peace of mind isn’t a luxury. It’s a plan.

Procrastination is the biggest mistake Missouri families make regarding estate planning. Many believe they have ample time to create wills and trusts, but delays often lead to family conflict, increased probate costs, and a loss of control over asset protection. Take the story of Fern and Pete from Springfield: after neglecting their estate plan, their loved ones faced expensive legal battles and emotional turmoil following their passing. Don’t let this happen to your family. Join us for a free estate planning workshop at WorshamWorkshops.com to ensure your wishes are fulfilled and your loved ones are protected.