August is National Make-A-Will Month: Why Seniors and Caregivers Should Create a Will or Trust Now—And How to Save Up to 20%
- Planful Aging
- Jul 31
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 3

Estate planning is one of the most thoughtful and protective steps you can take for your family, your health, and your future. Yet, nearly two-thirds of Americans don’t have a will or any formal estate plan—leaving their families exposed to confusion, costly delays, and potential disputes during already difficult times.
If you're over 50, caring for aging parents, or simply want to make sure your wishes are honored, now is the time to take action. August is National Make-A-Will Month, and LegalZoom is offering a limited-time discount to help you create a legally binding estate plan from the comfort of home.
👉 Save up to 20% on estate plans with LegalZoom now (affiliate link)
🔒 Why Estate Planning for Seniors and Caregivers Is Absolutely Essential
An estate plan isn’t just for the wealthy—it’s for anyone who wants to protect their family and have a say in what happens if they die or become incapacitated. Here's why every adult over 50—and every caregiver—should prioritize estate planning today:
✅ 1. Ensure Your Assets Go to the Right People
Without a will or trust, the government—not you—decides who inherits your property. This means:
Your spouse might not automatically receive everything
Children from previous marriages may be excluded or treated unequally
Sentimental or valuable items may be divided in ways that don’t reflect your wishes
Creating a will or trust puts you in control and helps avoid family tensions.
✅ 2. Avoid Probate Court Delays
Probate is the court-supervised process of distributing a deceased person’s assets. It can take months (or even years), delay access to funds, and involve substantial legal fees.
A proper estate plan—including a revocable living trust—can help your family avoid probate entirely, saving them time, money, and emotional stress.
✅ 3. Appoint Decision-Makers for Medical and Financial Needs
If you become seriously ill or mentally incapacitated:
Who will make medical decisions for you?
Who will pay your bills and manage your finances?
An estate plan allows you to name a healthcare proxy and durable power of attorney, giving trusted individuals the legal authority to act on your behalf when you can’t.
✅ 4. Protect Minor Children, Dependents, or Pets
If you have dependents—whether children, a disabled adult, or pets—an estate plan lets you:
Appoint guardians or caregivers
Set up financial support through trusts
Leave clear instructions for their care
Without these documents, the court will choose guardians, and the outcome may not align with your values.
✅ 5. Reduce Legal Costs and Estate Taxes
A good estate plan can help:
Reduce or eliminate estate taxes (depending on the size of your estate)
Lower legal fees for your family
Avoid expensive disputes or challenges to your wishes
✅ 6. Leave a Legacy and Final Wishes
Your estate plan can include more than just finances:
A letter of instruction to your family
Charitable donations
Messages or mementos you want passed downThis is your opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.
⚠️ What Happens If You Skip Estate Planning?
If you die or become incapacitated without an estate plan:
The state decides who inherits your assets
The court chooses your decision-makers, even if they aren’t who you would have selected
Your family may face probate, taxes, and legal battles
Healthcare decisions may be made by doctors or state laws, not your loved ones
Family disputes can escalate, especially in blended families or those with strained relationships
Simply put, doing nothing leaves your family vulnerable.
💡 Who Should Have an Estate Plan?
While every adult should have at least basic legal documents in place, estate planning becomes especially important for:
Adults over age 50
Caregivers supporting aging parents
Homeowners or people with significant savings or retirement accounts
Blended families, divorced individuals, or those with stepchildren
Anyone who wants control over their healthcare or end-of-life decisions
💼 LegalZoom Make-A-Will Month Discount: August 1–31, 2025
To make estate planning easier and more affordable, LegalZoom is offering exclusive discounts through August 31:
✅ 10% off Basic Estate Plan Bundles✅ 20% off Premium Estate Plan Bundles
Each bundle includes essential documents like:
Last Will and Testament
Revocable Living Trust
Durable Power of Attorney
Healthcare Proxy
Living Will (advance medical directive)
👉 Save up to 20% on estate plans with LegalZoom now (affiliate link)
📝 Why We Recommend LegalZoom for Online Estate Planning
LegalZoom has helped over 2 million people create legal documents online. Here’s why it’s a top choice:
Simple guided process—no legal jargon or guesswork
Attorney-reviewed documents tailored to your state
Create your will or trust from the comfort of home
Affordable pricing, especially with this Make-A-Will Month discount
If you're ready to make a will online or set up a trust, LegalZoom makes it fast, affordable, and secure.
👪 Caregivers: This Is the Time to Start the Conversation
If you're caring for an elderly parent or relative, this is the perfect opportunity to:
Ask if they have a current will or trust
Discuss their healthcare preferences and end-of-life wishes
Help them create or update their estate plan while they are still capable
Starting the conversation now can prevent confusion, family conflict, and legal headaches later.
📖 Want Step-by-Step Help?
For a complete walkthrough of everything you need in an estate plan—including how to protect assets, reduce taxes, and prepare for medical emergencies—read our full guide:
🛡️ Call to Action: Don’t Wait to Secure Your Legacy
Whether you’re planning your own future or helping a loved one, estate planning provides clarity, peace of mind, and lasting protection. Don’t leave your family unprepared.
🔹 Act now during National Make-A-Will Month!
👉 Start your estate plan online with LegalZoom and save up to 20% before August 31. (affiliate link)
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