At what point in life should I actually start estate planning?

Direct Answer: As soon as you own anything worth protecting or have someone who depends on you financially — not just after a major life event.

The honest answer: as soon as you own anything worth protecting or have anyone who depends on you. That’s a lower bar than most people assume. Getting married, buying a home, starting a business, or having a child are all common triggers, but you don’t need a major life event to justify a basic estate plan. An estate planning lawyer typically starts with a will and a power of attorney at minimum, then layers in a trust or more advanced planning as your assets or family situation grows more complex. Waiting until a health crisis forces the issue often means making rushed decisions instead of thoughtful ones — earlier is almost always easier.

Common life events that should prompt estate planning:

• Getting married or going through a divorce.
• Buying a home or acquiring another significant asset.
• Starting, co-owning, or taking a stake in a business.
• Having or adopting a child.
• Reaching retirement age or receiving a new health diagnosis.