Top 7 Estate Planning Mistakes (That Are Super Easy to Avoid)

Let’s be honest: estate planning doesn’t usually top anyone’s weekend to-do list. But skipping it or doing it wrong can create massive headaches for your loved ones later.

The good news? Most estate planning mistakes are totally avoidable.

Let’s walk through the top 7 we see in Florida and how to dodge them like a pro.

Mistake #1: Thinking You’re “Too Young” or “Don’t Have Enough”

Many people assume estate planning is only for:

• Retirees

• People with mansions

• Millionaires

  
  

Spoiler: It’s for everyone. If you own a car, have a bank account, or have kids; estate planning protects your family and your property. It’s not about wealth. It’s about clarity.

Mistake #2: Not Naming a Guardian for Your Kids

If you have minor children and something happens to you, the court decides who raises them unless you’ve named a guardian in a will.

That means:

• Judges making decisions without knowing your values

• Potential for family conflict

• Your children could be placed with someone you wouldn’t choose

  
  

Solution: Create or update your will to include legal guardianship appointments.

Mistake #3: Only Having a Will (and Thinking That’s Enough)

A will is important but it doesn’t avoid:

• Probate

• Delays

• Court costs

• Public exposure of your family’s business

  
  

Solution: Combine your will with tools like a revocable trust, power of attorney, and healthcare surrogate to keep things private and streamlined.

Mistake #4: Forgetting to Fund Your Trust

You got a trust, yay! But if you never transferred any assets into it? It’s like buying a safe and leaving your valuables on the porch.

Solution: Re-title accounts, property, and other assets into your trust. (We help with this!)

Mistake #5: Not Updating Your Documents

Life changes and your Estate Plan needs to keep up. We’ve seen ex-spouses still listed on retirement accounts... yikes.

Solution: Review your Estate Plan documents and beneficiary designations any time you experience:

• Marriage or divorce

• Birth or adoption

• A death in the family

• Job or retirement plan changes

Mistake #6: Not Planning for Incapacity

Estate planning isn’t just about death it’s also about what happens if you’re alive but can’t manage things yourself.

Solution: Set up a Durable Power of Attorney and Health Care Surrogate to ensure someone you trust can:

• Pay your bills

• Speak with doctors

• Make urgent decisions on your behalf

Mistake #7: Using Online Templates Without Legal Review

We get it, online DIY tools look easy and affordable. But Florida has very specific legal requirements, and many of those templates don’t cut it here. Missing witnesses or outdated clauses can invalidate your entire plan when it matters most.

Solution: Work with a Florida-based estate planning attorney who knows the law, the process, and how to tailor your plan to your family.

Final Thought: Planning Doesn’t Have to Be Perfect, It Just Has to Be Done

You don’t need a 100-page binder or a million-dollar portfolio to protect your loved ones. You just need a thoughtful, legally solid plan and a guide who’s got your back.

👋 Ready to skip the mistakes and get it right the first time? Let’s make a plan that gives you peace of mind today, and protection for tomorrow.