Americans Are Seeing Where There’s a Will—There’s a Need

Americans’ attitudes towards Wills are shifting: New survey reveals surprising trends

Estate planning is undergoing a significant transformation, with LegalShield’s recent survey uncovering noteworthy changes in how Americans approach preparing Wills. The survey highlights a significant 20% bump in the number of prepared Wills compared to last year, signaling a growing awareness of the importance of legacy planning across generations.

Generational preferences revealed

The survey also sheds light on preferences among different generations:

• Traditional legal guidance: 50% of Americans still prefer the conventional approach of working directly with a lawyer to draft their Wills. This preference underscores the value placed on personal legal advice.
• Digital tools on the rise: 44% are now open to utilizing online resources for estate planning, with Millennials leading this digital shift. Their comfort with technology is driving a new trend toward integrating online tools into the estate planning process.
• AI adoption: The survey reveals a surprising generational divide in the use of AI for estate planning. Gen X emerges as the most AI-receptive generation, with 77% of Will-holders reporting AI involvement in their Will creation. In a twist, only 35% of Gen Z—often seen as digital natives—have embraced AI when it comes to preparing Wills.

The hybrid approach: Merging tradition with innovation

Many Americans continue to value direct legal interaction, but a significant number are recognizing the benefits of online tools. LegalShield is at the forefront of this hybrid approach, offering a range of services from online resources to phone consultations. “There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to estate planning,” says Ashley Higginbotham, supervising attorney at Deming Parker LLC. “Direct client interaction allows us to craft Wills that truly reflect individual wishes and provide clarity for families.”

Addressing the digital legacy dilemma

In today’s digital age, one concerning trend is the lack of attention for digital assets in estate planning. The survey reveals that 58% of respondents haven’t addressed what happens to their digital assets after they’re gone. Even more shocking, nearly a quarter of respondents haven’t even updated their Will in up to three years.

“Digital assets are rapidly becoming a crucial part of most estates,” Higginbotham warns. “Without clear instructions, families may struggle to access or manage a loved one’s online presence after they’re gone.”

LegalShield’s commitment to evolving needs

With a network of provider law firms handling approximately 50,000 Wills annually, LegalShield is well-positioned to meet the diverse needs and preferences of Americans across generations. LegalShield offers a comprehensive suite of services, including online tools, phone consultations, and in-person meetings, to ensure that estate planning is accessible, personalized and effective.With increasing numbers of Americans recognizing the importance of having a Will, LegalShield is here to help every step of the way. Whether through traditional legal advice, online resources, or a combination of both, the key is to take proactive steps in managing your estate.

Next steps:

• Explore LegalShield plans
• Learn how LegalShield works
• LegalShield members can join exclusive webinars for Make-A-Will Month presented by LegalShield provider law firms—be there and be in the know!