August is National Make-A-Will Month, but for Black families, that’s just the start

Each August, National Make-A-Will Month reminds us of the importance of planning for the future. But Life & Legacy Counselors, we know a will is just the beginning — not the end — of a solid estate plan.

For far too many Black families, estate planning feels overwhelming, unnecessary, or out of reach. That feeling is understandable — but dangerous. According to a recent Caring.com survey, over 75% of Black Americans do not have any estate planning documents in place. That means no will, no trust, no power of attorney — nothing. The result is chaos, confusion, and often loss of wealth when a loved one passes away.

Here’s what many people don’t realize: A will does not avoid probate. In fact, it guarantees it. Probate is a court process that becomes public record, opens the door for credit