“I’ll Do It Later”: The Psychology Behind Estate Planning Delay

Estate planning is one of the most responsible and loving acts you can do for your family — yet, according to a 2023 Caring.com Will & Estate Planning survey, only 34% of Americans have an estate plan. Despite understanding the risks, many people delay it for years. The reason? It’s not about time, complexity, or money — it’s about mindset.

In Psychology Today, psychologist Corey Wilks, Psy.D., breaks down the real reasons we procrastinate in his article, “Why We Procrastinate and How to Stop” (October 17, 2024). His insights are directly relevant to estate planning — a task that feels overwhelming, emotional, and easy to avoid. 

The Emotional Weight of Estate Planning

As Wilks explains, “Procrastination can often be a form of avoidance. It’s not that we don’t want to complete the task—it’s that we’re afraid of what might happen if we do.” We avoid estate planning not because we’re disorganized — but because it forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about mortality, responsibility, and our family dynamics.

Estate planning activates fears we’d rather not face:

• What happens if I die suddenly?

• Will my family fight over money?

• Who will take care of my kids?

• What if I make a mistake?

Rather than deal with those fears, we postpone. As Wilks puts it, “When we avoid taking action, we temporarily relieve the anxiety associated with the task. But in the long run, this avoidance only reinforces our fear and makes the task seem even more daunting.” That emotional avoidance becomes a habit — until something forces action, often under duress.

Top Reasons We Delay — and the Reality Check

1. “I’m too young for this.”

Even young adults need powers of attorney, health directives, and guardianship plans. Accidents don’t wait for retirement.

2. “I don’t have enough money to need an estate plan.”

You don’t need millions to benefit from an estate plan. Almost everyone can benefit from a plan that protects assets and family. 

3. “It’s too stressful to think about.”

Exactly. And that’s why it’s so important. The stress now prevents far greater stress for your family later.

How to Break Through Procrastination

Wilks outlines three core strategies to move from intention to action:

1. Focus on What Matters Most: Channel your energy into what truly moves the needle — and give yourself permission to release guilt over the rest.

2. Take the Fear Head-On: Try a method called fear inoculation: break intimidating tasks into small, manageable steps and face them gradually. This approach builds confidence by showing you can handle discomfort one step at a time.

3. Shift Your Perspective: Procrastination doesn’t mean you’re lazy — it may be a sign something deeper needs attention. Reframe it as a cue to realign your priorities or address hidden fears. When you approach it with curiosity instead of judgment, it becomes easier to move forward.

Don’t wait for a crisis. Begin estate planning while you still have options, time, and clarity.

Action Items:

• Write down your reason why estate planning matters to you.

• Schedule a call with an estate planning attorney this week.

• Talk to your family about your wishes.

• Don’t aim for perfection — just begin. One document, one decision, one small move is all it takes.

Please contact me with any questions.

About the Author

Kendra Hampton has nearly 20 years of legal experience. She manages her own estate planning practice and has helped hundreds of clients create and update their trust, will, and powers of attorney. Kendra is committed to educating clients on the importance of estate planning and crafting personalized planning strategies.