National Estate Planning Awareness Week

About National Estate Planning Awareness Week

National Estate Planning Awareness Week 2025 is October 20–26, 2025. Established by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008, the week serves as a public reminder of the importance of having a current estate plan.

If you are among the two-thirds of Americans without an up-to-date will, now is the best time to make (or update) your will in order to protect your loved ones and yourself.

What is an estate plan?

Just what is an estate plan? It is a roadmap for the future that ensures your preferences and wishes are carried out, and those that you care about are provided for.

An estate plan typically includes: 

• An up-to-date will
• Powers of attorney for financial and healthcare decisions
• Beneficiary designations
• Planning for long-term care needs

The goal of National Estate Planning Awareness Week is to encourage people to ensure their affairs are in order, which can help prevent unnecessary stress, distress and complications for family members and heirs. 

What can you do now?

• Contact your attorney to ensure your will meets your current needs.
• Review beneficiary designations for IRAs and other retirement plans, life insurance documents and bank accounts.
• Update (or create) financial and healthcare powers of attorney to be sure they meet your wishes.
• Develop a thoughtful plan for any long-term care needs that may come up, including how to pay for them.

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If you would like to talk with us, please contact us at development@pgh-casa.org or call 412.594.3606 x 209.