National Make a Will Month: Help Protect the People You Care About
- Jul 30
- 5 min read
There's an old saying many of us remember: Friends don't let friends drive drunk.
The message wasn't about judgment — it was about caring enough to speak up.
The same idea applies to estate planning.
If someone you care about doesn't have an estate plan, their family could face unnecessary stress, delays, legal expenses, and uncertainty during one of the most difficult times of their lives. Yet many of us avoid bringing it up because we worry the conversation will feel uncomfortable.
The reality is that talking about estate planning isn't about expecting the worst. It's about helping the people you love prepare for life's uncertainties before a crisis happens.
Most People Still Don't Have an Estate Plan
According to Caring.com's 2025 Wills and Estate Planning Study, only about 24% of Americans have a will. That means roughly three out of every four adults have no basic estate plan in place.
For many Hawaiʻi families, that can create significant challenges if someone passes away unexpectedly or becomes incapacitated.
Without a plan, loved ones may have to:
Navigate the probate process.
Figure out who has authority to make medical or financial decisions.
Search for important documents and financial accounts.
Resolve disagreements among family members.
Make difficult decisions without knowing what their loved one would have wanted.
Most of these challenges can be greatly reduced — or avoided altogether — with thoughtful planning.
Why So Many People Put It Off
It isn't because they don't care.
In fact, most people care deeply about protecting their families. They simply believe one of the following:
"I'm not wealthy enough to need an estate plan."
"I'll get around to it later."
"I'm too young."
"I don't even know where to start."
"I haven't found an attorney I feel comfortable working with."
Estate planning requires people to think about difficult topics — death, incapacity, finances, and the future of the people they love. That's not an easy conversation.
Sometimes all it takes is someone they trust encouraging them to take the first step.
What Happens When There's No Plan?
Imagine a spouse sitting at the kitchen table late at night after losing a loved one.
They're searching through paperwork, trying to locate bank accounts, insurance policies, retirement accounts, passwords, and legal documents — all while helping children process an unimaginable loss.
If no estate plan exists, additional complications may arise.
Depending on the circumstances, a court may need to appoint someone to handle financial matters. If there are minor children, parents lose the opportunity to nominate the guardians they would have chosen. If someone becomes incapacitated rather than passing away, loved ones may have to seek court authority before they can manage financial or medical decisions.
These situations aren't rare — and many are preventable with proper planning.
The greatest burden isn't placed on the person who didn't plan.
It's placed on the family left behind.
How to Start the Conversation
The good news is you don't need a perfect script.
Often, one thoughtful question is enough.
Mention a Major Life Event
A marriage, new baby, home purchase, retirement, or the loss of a loved one naturally creates an opportunity to ask:
"Have you ever thought about putting together your estate plan?"
Share Your Own Experience
If you've completed your own plan, tell them.
Something as simple as:
"We finally finished ours, and it was such a relief knowing everything is organized."
can make estate planning feel much more approachable.
Bring Up a Story
A news article or someone else's experience often opens the conversation without making it feel personal.
Stories remind us that unexpected events happen to ordinary families every day.
Ask a Different Question
Instead of asking whether they have a will, try asking:
"If something happened tomorrow, who would make decisions for you? Would everyone know what you wanted?"
That question often leads to a much more meaningful discussion.
Use National Make a Will Month
August provides a natural reason to bring it up.
You might simply say:
"Did you know August is National Make a Will Month? Have you ever gotten your estate plan done?"
The timing makes the conversation feel less awkward and more timely.
Referring a Friend Is a Meaningful Gift
Many of my clients refer friends or family members because they understand the peace of mind that comes from having a comprehensive estate plan.
They're not simply recommending an attorney.
They're helping someone they care about avoid unnecessary stress and uncertainty later.
At my Honolulu estate planning practice, I work with individuals and families throughout Hawaiʻi to create personalized estate plans that reflect their goals, relationships, and values — not just their assets.
For families with young children, that includes planning for guardianship and ensuring trusted decision-makers are legally authorized to act if needed. Every plan also addresses incapacity planning through powers of attorney and advance health care directives while helping families organize important financial and personal information.
Estate planning isn't just about creating documents.
It's about giving your loved ones clarity when they need it most.
A Conversation Today Can Make a Difference Tomorrow
If this article made you think of someone — a sibling, close friend, coworker, or adult child — consider sharing it with them.
Sometimes people don't need convincing.
They simply need someone they trust to start the conversation.
One small conversation today could spare the people they love tremendous stress in the future.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should someone create an estate plan?
The best time is before there's an emergency. Adults of every age can benefit from having at least the basic legal documents in place, especially after getting married, having children, buying a home, or accumulating assets.
Is estate planning only for wealthy families?
No. Estate planning is about protecting the people you love, making important decisions in advance, and helping your family avoid unnecessary complications — not simply passing along wealth.
What documents are included in an estate plan?
Every family is different, but a comprehensive estate plan often includes a will or trust, financial power of attorney, advance health care directive, guardianship planning for minor children, and beneficiary coordination.
Do I need a Hawaiʻi estate planning attorney?
Estate planning laws vary by state. If you live in Honolulu or elsewhere in Hawaiʻi, working with an attorney licensed in Hawaiʻi helps ensure your plan complies with Hawaiʻi law and reflects your family's specific needs.
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This article is brought to you by the Law Office of Keoni Souza, a boutique estate planning firm located in Honolulu, Hawaiʻi, proudly serving families on Oʻahu and across the Hawaiian Islands. At our firm, estate planning is about more than documents — it’s about creating lasting peace of mind for you and the people you love. Through our unique Life & Legacy Planning Process, we guide you to make informed, empowered decisions that protect your wealth, your wishes, and your family’s future. To get started, contact our Honolulu office today to schedule your Life & Legacy Planning Session.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. For guidance tailored to your specific situation, please consult an estate planning attorney licensed in the State of Hawaiʻi. Use of this website or communication through this site does not create an attorney-client relationship with the Law Office of Keoni Souza, LLC.
