Families often struggle after losing a loved one due to lack of planning. Many people avoid discussing death and related topics. As a result, a large number of adults do not have a plan in place for their assets after they pass away.

This can lead to difficult decisions being made by courts and state laws. Some high-profile cases have highlighted the importance of having a plan. Further information on this issue is available from the Defender Network.

Details on the prevalence of this issue are available, including survey data on the number of adults with a will or estate plan in place.