New Survey from Trust & Will Finds Marriage Sparks Conversations About Legacy—But Many Delay Estate Planning for a Decade or More
SAN DIEGO, June 9, 2025 -- Love is in the air this wedding season, but financial protection isn't. A new report from Trust & Will exposes a critical disconnect between love, life milestones, and long-term planning. Despite saying "till death do us part," 42% of married Americans have no estate plan whatsoever - leaving their spouses and families financially vulnerable.
Insights into how marital status, gender, & generation influence estate planning behaviors, motivations, & readiness.
With over two million weddings expected for 2025 - with 225,000 expected in June alone and well over 600,000 in summer1 - the timing couldn't be more critical. Yet, the survey reveals that even marriage, one of life's most significant milestones, fails to prompt immediate action on estate planning.
"When I got married, my wife and I realized we had no will, no healthcare directive, nothing. It was a wake-up call," said Cody Barbo, Co-founder and CEO of Trust & Will. "That realization inspired the very foundation of this company. Marriage is about building a life together, and an estate plan is part of securing that life."
The national survey of 750 Americans (evenly split among single, engaged, and married respondents) uncovered deep gaps in awareness, confidence, and estate planning behavior.
The Procrastination Problem:
- While married individuals are nearly 4x more likely than engaged couples to have a will (44% vs. 12%), nearly half still have no estate plan at all.
- Of those who do plan, 30% waited 9 years or more after marriage to act; 38% of engaged respondents say marriage motivated them to consider estate planning.
- Only 19% of married couples create an estate plan within their first four years together.
Overcoming the Engagement Disconnect:
- 38% of engaged couples say marriage motivates them to consider estate planning, but only 12% actually have a will.
- 50% admit they lack basic estate planning knowledge.
- Only 15% have a healthcare directive, and 9% don't know what one is.
- 37% haven't even considered naming an executor or trustee for their estate.
The Gender and Generational Divide
- Millennials and Gen Z show strong intent (40%+ plan to create estate plans within 5 years) but they face barriers like cost, time, and lack of understanding.
- Men are 3x more likely to have a trust than women.
- Women are more likely to feel overwhelmed by estate planning and 38% more likely to feel financially insecure.
Despite 67% of respondents citing "being overwhelmed" as their primary barrier, estate planning can be completed in hours. Without planning, surviving spouses can face:
- A lengthy and expensive probate process.
- Inability to make critical medical decisions.
- Freezing of financial accounts.
- Disputes among family members over assets.
- Potential tax issues.
"A wedding is more than a celebration, it's a pledge to protect one another," said Barbo. "Creating an estate plan is one of the most meaningful expressions of love. It offers your partner peace of mind, security, and the clarity that comes from knowing your wishes are understood and honored."
To read the full report, please visit: https://trustandwill.com/learn/american-estate-planning-gap-study-2025
About Trust & Will
Founded in 2017, Trust & Will is the leading digital estate planning platform in the U.S., trusted by over one million individuals and families. Our simple, secure, and attorney-approved online solutions help Americans easily create wills, trusts, healthcare directives, and other essential estate planning documents tailored to state-specific laws. With a focus on easy access and a guided experience, we're transforming how families plan for the future and protect their legacies. Our platform supports 20,000+ financial advisors, along with 150+ enterprise partners and financial institutions — including AARP, Fifth Third Bank, LPL Financial, UBS, and USAA. We empower professionals to integrate estate planning into their client services, enabling multi-generational wealth planning. With more than one million users and $100+ billion in self-reported estate assets, Trust & Will is redefining estate planning as a relationship-deepening driver of financial wellness. Recognized for innovation and leadership, Trust & Will has earned spots on the CNBC Disruptor 50, Inc. 5000, and Deloitte Technology Fast 500™ lists. Learn more at trustandwill.com.
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