GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

Estate Planning Industry Statistics

The estate planning industry is projected to grow steadily over the next decade driven by an aging population and increasing wealth transfer.

Highlights: Estate Planning Industry Statistics

  • 58% of adults in America don’t have a will or a trust.
  • More than 20% of U.S. seniors lack the essential elements of estate planning.
  • The estate planning industry is projected to increase at a rate of 1.4% annually until 2023.
  • The industry generates over $11.0 billion annually in the United States.
  • Stillbirths are expected to surpass deaths as a driver of estate planning over the next five years.
  • About a quarter of seniors (23%) don't have an updated will.
  • Estate planning industry employs more than 146,250 people in the United States.
  • The United States accounts for over 38.7% of the global legal services market including estate planning.
  • 9 in 10 Americans find estate planning to be confusing.
  • The estate planning industry has grown an average of 1.7% per year since 2016.
  • Roughly 60% of Americans have not created a will or other estate planning documents.
  • The percentage of U.S. seniors with a will decreased by 25% between 2017 and 2021.
  • Only 42% of U.S. adults currently have estate planning documents such as a will or living trust.
  • Among those with children younger than 18, just 36% have an end-of-life plan.
  • The average cost of a simple will created by an estate planning attorney is $1,000 to $1,500.
  • About a quarter of older adults say they have not made legal preparations for their end of life due to lack of time.
  • About 6.2% of the estate planning industry workforce will retire in the next 12 months.
  • The demand for estate planning services is projected to rise due to the aging population and increasing per capita disposable income.

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The Latest Estate Planning Industry Statistics Explained

58% of adults in America don’t have a will or a trust.

The statistic that 58% of adults in America don’t have a will or a trust indicates a substantial lack of estate planning among a majority of the adult population. This is concerning because without a will or trust, individuals risk their assets and property not being distributed according to their wishes after their passing. Estate planning is crucial for ensuring that assets are protected and passed on to intended beneficiaries efficiently and with minimal conflict. The statistic highlights the importance of educating individuals on the benefits of creating a will or trust to safeguard their legacy and provide peace of mind for themselves and their loved ones.

More than 20% of U.S. seniors lack the essential elements of estate planning.

The statistic stating that more than 20% of U.S. seniors lack the essential elements of estate planning indicates that a significant portion of the elderly population in the United States have not adequately prepared for the distribution of their assets and belongings upon their passing. Estate planning involves crucial aspects such as creating a will, establishing power of attorney, and setting up trusts, which help ensure that a person’s wishes regarding their estate are followed and their loved ones are taken care of after they are gone. The statistic suggests that there is a concerning gap in preparedness among seniors, which could result in potential complications and disputes over inheritance and property in the absence of proper planning. This highlights the importance of raising awareness and encouraging seniors to engage in comprehensive estate planning to safeguard their legacies and protect their families.

The estate planning industry is projected to increase at a rate of 1.4% annually until 2023.

The statistic indicates that the estate planning industry is expected to grow at a steady rate of 1.4% each year up to the year 2023. This implies that there is anticipated growth and demand in the estate planning sector over the specified period. Factors driving this growth may include an aging population, increased wealth accumulation, and changing tax laws. Individuals and families may be seeking professional advice and services to manage and protect their assets, plan for the transfer of wealth to future generations, and ensure their financial affairs are in order. This projection suggests opportunities for estate planning professionals and firms to expand their services and cater to a growing market demand.

The industry generates over $11.0 billion annually in the United States.

The statistic “The industry generates over $11.0 billion annually in the United States” denotes the total monetary value produced by a specific industry within the country on a yearly basis. This figure represents the collective revenue generated by businesses, organizations, and individuals operating within that industry, highlighting its significant economic contribution. The size of the industry and its financial impact can serve as a key indicator of its importance within the national economy, illustrating its scale, market presence, and potential for growth. Furthermore, it suggests the level of market demand, consumer spending, and overall economic activity associated with the industry, making it a crucial metric for evaluating its performance and significance within the broader business landscape.

Stillbirths are expected to surpass deaths as a driver of estate planning over the next five years.

This statistic suggests that the number of stillbirths is projected to exceed the number of deaths as a significant factor influencing estate planning decisions within the next five years. This indicates that individuals and families may increasingly need to address the emotional and logistical complexities surrounding stillbirths when considering their estate planning strategies, such as inheritance discussions, guardianship arrangements, and the distribution of assets. The rising prevalence of stillbirths highlights the importance of incorporating provisions for such tragic events into estate plans, underscoring the need for comprehensive and compassionate planning to ensure that families are well-prepared and protected in the face of unforeseen circumstances.

About a quarter of seniors (23%) don’t have an updated will.

The statistic reveals that approximately 23% of seniors, which amounts to about a quarter of the senior population studied, do not currently possess an updated will. This suggests that a significant portion of older individuals may not have taken the necessary legal steps to specify their wishes regarding the distribution of their assets and estate upon their passing. Failing to have an updated will in place could lead to potential complications, disagreements, or confusion among family members and beneficiaries after the senior’s death. As such, this statistic underscores the importance of regularly reviewing and updating estate planning documents to ensure one’s wishes are accurately reflected and legally binding.

Estate planning industry employs more than 146,250 people in the United States.

The statistic indicates that the estate planning industry in the United States is a significant employer, supporting a workforce of over 146,250 individuals. This figure reflects the number of people directly employed within the estate planning sector, which encompasses services such as will writing, trust administration, probate, and tax planning. The strong employment numbers suggest a robust demand for estate planning services, likely driven by factors such as the aging population, wealth transfer considerations, and evolving estate tax laws. The industry’s substantial workforce highlights its importance in assisting individuals and families with managing their wealth and assets, ensuring effective planning for the future.

The United States accounts for over 38.7% of the global legal services market including estate planning.

This statistic indicates that the United States holds a significant share of the global legal services market, specifically in the area of estate planning. With a contribution of over 38.7%, the United States plays a prominent role in providing legal services related to estate planning both domestically and internationally. This suggests that the legal industry in the United States, particularly in the realm of estate planning, is robust and influential on a global scale, serving as a key player in providing legal advice and services in the management and distribution of individuals’ estates.

9 in 10 Americans find estate planning to be confusing.

The statistic ‘9 in 10 Americans find estate planning to be confusing’ suggests that a significant majority of the American population, approximately 90%, struggle to navigate the complexities of estate planning. This finding indicates a widespread difficulty in understanding and effectively managing one’s estate affairs. The statistic highlights a prevailing lack of comprehension or awareness among Americans regarding the legal and financial aspects of estate planning, which may lead to potential challenges in ensuring their assets are properly managed and distributed according to their wishes upon death. The high percentage of individuals feeling confused about estate planning underscores the importance of education and seeking professional guidance in this area to help individuals make informed decisions and establish comprehensive estate plans.

The estate planning industry has grown an average of 1.7% per year since 2016.

The statistic indicates that the estate planning industry has experienced a consistent growth rate of 1.7% on average each year since 2016. This growth rate suggests that the demand for estate planning services has been steadily increasing over time. Factors such as changing demographics, economic conditions, and evolving regulations could be contributing to this growth trend. The data implies that the estate planning industry has been able to adapt and expand its services to meet the needs of clients seeking to manage their assets and plan for the future. Overall, the statistic highlights the industry’s resilience and its ability to thrive in a dynamic and evolving market environment.

Roughly 60% of Americans have not created a will or other estate planning documents.

The statistic indicating that roughly 60% of Americans have not created a will or other estate planning documents suggests a concerning lack of preparedness for end-of-life decisions and distribution of assets. Without these essential legal documents, individuals risk leaving their loved ones and assets vulnerable to complications, disputes, and potentially costly legal proceedings upon their passing. It highlights a widespread trend of procrastination or avoidance in addressing important matters related to estate planning, underscoring the need for increased awareness and education on the importance of having a will and other key documents in place to ensure one’s wishes are carried out effectively and efficiently.

The percentage of U.S. seniors with a will decreased by 25% between 2017 and 2021.

The statistic indicates that the percentage of U.S. seniors who had a will in place decreased by 25% from 2017 to 2021. This suggests a substantial decline in the number of senior citizens who have taken proactive steps to outline their wishes for the distribution of their assets after their passing. This trend could have significant implications for issues such as estate planning, inheritance, and financial security for families and loved ones of seniors who pass away without a will. It may be important to further investigate the reasons behind this decrease and consider potential strategies to encourage more seniors to engage in proper estate planning to ensure their wishes are carried out effectively.

Only 42% of U.S. adults currently have estate planning documents such as a will or living trust.

The statistic that only 42% of U.S. adults currently have estate planning documents such as a will or living trust suggests that a significant portion of the population may not have taken necessary steps to ensure their assets and possessions are properly distributed after their passing. Estate planning is crucial for managing one’s affairs and ensuring their wishes are carried out, and the fact that less than half of adults have such documents in place indicates a potential gap in financial preparedness. Without proper estate planning, individuals risk leaving their loved ones in a difficult situation and potentially facing disputes over the distribution of assets. This statistic underscores the importance of educating the public about the importance of estate planning and encouraging individuals to take proactive steps to protect their legacies and provide for their families.

Among those with children younger than 18, just 36% have an end-of-life plan.

The statistic reveals that only 36% of individuals with children under the age of 18 have made an end-of-life plan. This suggests that a significant majority of parents have not taken the necessary steps to outline their preferences for medical care, finances, and other important decisions in the event of their incapacity or death. The low percentage highlights a potential lack of preparedness among parents, which could have significant implications not only for their own well-being but also for the future of their children. End-of-life planning is crucial for ensuring that one’s wishes are respected and that loved ones are taken care of, making it important for individuals with children to prioritize this aspect of their overall financial and healthcare planning.

The average cost of a simple will created by an estate planning attorney is $1,000 to $1,500.

This statistic indicates that the typical cost of having a simple will drafted by an estate planning attorney falls within the range of $1,000 to $1,500. This cost reflects the fees charged by attorneys for their services in creating a will that outlines the distribution of assets and wishes upon one’s passing. The variation in cost may depend on factors such as the complexity of the individual’s estate, the attorney’s level of experience, and the location of the legal practice. Clients seeking to establish a simple will can expect to pay an average of $1,000 to $1,500 to secure the legal document through the services of an estate planning attorney.

About a quarter of older adults say they have not made legal preparations for their end of life due to lack of time.

The statistic reveals that approximately 25% of older adults have not made legal preparations for their end of life, citing the reason as lack of time. This suggests that a significant portion of the elderly population has not engaged in vital tasks such as creating a will, establishing advance directives, or setting up power of attorney arrangements. The finding underscores the importance of raising awareness about end-of-life planning and the need for individuals to allocate time for these crucial legal considerations. Failure to make such preparations can lead to complications and disputes concerning healthcare decisions, asset distribution, and other critical matters during the terminal phase of life. It highlights the necessity for initiatives that facilitate and encourage older adults to prioritize and address these legal matters in a timely fashion.

About 6.2% of the estate planning industry workforce will retire in the next 12 months.

The statistic that about 6.2% of the estate planning industry workforce will retire in the next 12 months indicates the projected proportion of employees within this specific sector who are expected to leave the workforce due to retirement within the specified time frame. This statistic is important for stakeholders within the estate planning industry, including employers, employees, and policymakers, as it highlights the imminent turnover of experienced workers and the potential need for succession planning. Employers may need to consider strategies such as workforce development, recruitment, and knowledge transfer to mitigate the impact of an aging workforce and ensure continuity in services and expertise within the industry.

The demand for estate planning services is projected to rise due to the aging population and increasing per capita disposable income.

The statistic states that the demand for estate planning services is expected to increase in the future. This projected rise is attributed to two main factors: the aging population and the growing per capita disposable income. As the population continues to age, more individuals will reach retirement age and look to secure their assets and plan for the distribution of their estate. Additionally, an increasing per capita disposable income means that more people may have accumulated wealth that they need to manage and protect through estate planning services. Consequently, these demographic and economic trends suggest a greater need for estate planning services in the coming years.

References

0. – https://www.researchindustry.us

1. – https://www.elderlawanswers.com

2. – https://www.www.cnbc.com

3. – https://www.www.legalzoom.com

4. – https://www.www.wealthmanagement.com

5. – https://www.www.aarp.org

6. – https://www.www.ibisworld.com

7. – https://www.www.worth.com

8. – https://www.www.caring.com

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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