The Real Cost Of Delaying Your Estate Plan 

By Melissa N. Paddy, Esq., Liberty Legacy Law Group 

Life is busy. 

You’re raising a family. Building a career. Taking care of aging parents. Paying bills. Planning vacations. Navigating the chaos of everyday life. 

It’s no wonder estate planning keeps getting pushed to the bottom of the list. 

“I’ll do it when I retire.” “We’re waiting until the baby is born.” “We just bought the house – we need time to settle in.” “It’s on the list for next year.” 

We hear it every day. 

But here’s the truth: waiting to plan your estate doesn’t protect your family. It puts them at risk. 

And the longer you wait, the more it can cost you – in money, time, opportunity, and peace of mind. 

Let’s talk about what those costs really look like. 

1. Table of Contents

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   Financial Cost: Probate and Court Fees

When someone passes away without an estate plan (or with only a will), their assets often go through probate – a public court process that can take months, even years. 

In Maryland, probate costs can include: 

• Court filing fees 

• Attorney’s fees 

• Personal representative commissions 

• Appraisal and accounting costs 

On average, probate eats up 3% to 7% of the estate’s value. For a $400,000 home, that’s $12,000 to $28,000 – money that could have gone to your children, your spouse, your business, or your favorite charity. 

By delaying your estate plan, you risk leaving your family with court delays, frozen assets, and thousands in unnecessary costs. 

2. Emotional Cost: Family Conflict and Confusion

One of the most heartbreaking parts of our job is watching families fracture after a loved one dies without clear instructions. 

When there’s no estate plan: 

• Siblings argue about who gets what 

• Adult children are left guessing your wishes 

• Spouses feel blindsided or powerless 

• Old resentments resurface 

Even families that “get along just fine” can find themselves in turmoil. 

We’ve seen: 

• Heirlooms thrown out because no one knew they mattered 

• Children stopped speaking for decades over small inheritances 

• Caregivers accused of wrongdoing simply because nothing was in writing 

Planning ahead isn’t about money. It’s about love, clarity, and legacy. 

3. Legal Cost: Outdated or Invalid Documents

Some people think, “I already have a will. I’m fine.” 

But estate planning is not a one-and-done deal. 

If your will was written before your last child was born, it might leave them out. If your power of attorney was signed ten years ago, your bank might reject it. If your beneficiaries aren’t updated, your ex-spouse could inherit everything. 

Common triggers for updates include: 

• Marriage or divorce 

• Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild 

• Buying or selling a home 

• Inheritance or windfall 

• Business creation or closure 

• Health changes 

• Changes in the law 

Delaying updates means gambling with your legacy. 

4. Healthcare Cost: No One to Speak for You

What happens if you become seriously ill or incapacitated? 

If you haven’t named a healthcare agent or created an advance directive: 

• Your family may not be allowed to make medical decisions 

• You could receive treatment you wouldn’t have chosen 

• Loved ones could end up in court trying to gain guardianship 

We’ve supported families who were devastated not just by a medical emergency, but by the legal chaos that followed. 

One conversation, one document, could prevent all of it. 

5. Missed Opportunities: Tax Planning and Asset Protection

The earlier you plan, the more options you have. 

If you wait until retirement or poor health, you may miss: 

• Gifting strategies to reduce estate taxes 

• Trusts that protect children from lawsuits or divorces 

• Special needs planning for a dependent 

• Business succession strategies 

• Medicaid planning to preserve assets from nursing home costs 

Estate planning isn’t just about dying. It’s about making smart, empowered choices while you still can. 

6. The Cost of Regret

We’ve worked with countless clients who waited too long. They say: 

• “I wish we had done this when Dad was still sharp.” 

• “We never thought it would happen so fast.” 

• “I just didn’t think I was old enough.” 

But once you’re in crisis, your options narrow. 

The best estate plans aren’t rushed through in a hospital room. They’re made with thought, intention, and love – well before you need them. 

Why People Put It Off (And How to Get Unstuck)

We understand the reasons people wait: 

• “It’s overwhelming.” 

• “I don’t know where to start.” 

• “I’m not ready to think about death.” 

• “I don’t have enough money for that.” 

But here’s the thing: 

• It doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We guide you step-by-step. 

• You don’t need all the answers. That’s our job. 

• Estate planning is really about peace of mind during life, not death. 

• Planning saves money in the long run – often tens of thousands of dollars. 

Start small. Start now. Start where you are. 

How We Make It Simple (and Worth It)

At Liberty Legacy Law Group, we: 

• Offer clear, flat fees with no surprises 

• Keep meetings focused, friendly, and efficient 

• Use plain English, not legalese 

• Create customized plans that reflect your goals and family 

• Help you update your plan as life changes 

We don’t believe in cookie-cutter documents. We believe in real protection for real families. 

What It Feels Like to Be Protected

Imagine this: 

• Your kids know exactly what to do if something happens 

• Your home passes easily, privately, and without court delays 

• Your loved ones are spared the stress of guessing your wishes 

• You feel confident, prepared, and peaceful 

That’s what a good estate plan delivers. 

And that’s what you deserve. 

Final Thoughts

Delaying your estate plan isn’t harmless. It has real consequences. 

Financial. Emotional. Legal. Relational. 

But the good news? You don’t have to wait another day. 

Planning now protects everything you’ve worked so hard to build. It gives your family clarity. It gives your legacy direction. And it gives you peace of mind. 

Let Liberty Legacy Law Group help you build something that lasts. Reach out to us today.