Careful planning and collaboration with estate professionals can help you avoid these common mistakes, ensuring your will effectively supports your loved ones and secures your legacy. Here are some thoughts to help you get your estate planning process underway.
Common Mistakes Curated Content

Getting Your Estate Planning Process Underway: Dos and Don’ts

Simon Harry Wealth Management Group
February 19th, 2025

Whenever our team begins serving a new client, one of the first questions we ask is if they have an up-to-date will. While most people we work with do have a will, you would be surprised how many people do not, so if you are one among them you are not alone.

There are also many people who have wills that haven’t been updated in some time, or that do not take into account the complexities of the dynamics of their families and/or the assets they have accumulated over time. Contemplating death and the ramifications and realities of one’s passing is extremely difficult for many people. But rest assured, once you commit to creating a will for yourself and your family, every step forward takes you closer to completion, and soon enough you find that it’s not as difficult as you had imagined.

And once you have a will in place, keeping it updated every 3-5 years becomes easier and easier. Soon, knowing that your will is done may well become a comfort in your life.

Here are some thoughts about wills to help you get your estate planning process underway.

  1. No will? No way!
  2. Backup plans are a must
  3. Think about working with an estate planning professional
  4. Select an appropriate executor
  5. Update your will when necessary
  6. Don’t overlook sentimental possessions
  7. Put thought into shared properties
  8. Don’t ignore tax responsibilities
  9. Don’t include unrealistic requirements