Estate planning sounds like something you’ll get around to “someday”—maybe when you’re older, richer, or have more time. But here’s the dirty little secret: 90% of people who do start planning their estate make one colossal mistake that could unravel everything. What is it? They think a will is enough. Spoiler alert: it’s not. If you’re nodding along, don’t worry—there’s a fix, and it’s simpler than you think. Let’s dive in.

Picture this: you’ve spent years building a life—your home, your savings, that vintage guitar collection your kids roll their eyes at. You write a will, pat yourself on the back, and call it a day. But when you pass away, your family discovers a harsh reality: probate. That’s the court process where your will gets validated and your assets get distributed. It’s slow (think months or years), expensive (legal fees can gobble up 5% of your estate), and public (yes, anyone can peek at your will). Your loved ones are stuck grieving and battling bureaucracy. Sound fun? Didn’t think so.

This is the mistake: assuming a will alone protects your legacy. It doesn’t. A will is just a starting point—it doesn’t avoid probate, shield your privacy, or handle assets you forgot to mention. That’s where the real magic happens: a revocable living trust, paired with a pour-over will and advance directives. Together, they’re the dream team your estate deserves.

Here’s why this trio works. A revocable living trust lets you transfer your assets—like your house or bank accounts—into a trust you control while you’re alive. When you pass, those assets skip probate entirely and go straight to your heirs, no court drama required. It’s private, flexible (you can change it anytime), and efficient. The pour-over will? It’s your safety net, catching any assets you didn’t put in the trust and funneling them in after you’re gone. And advance directives? They ensure your medical and financial wishes are followed if you can’t speak for yourself—think of them as your voice when you need it most.

Still skeptical? Let’s talk numbers. Probate can cost thousands—sometimes tens of thousands—depending on your estate’s size. A trust sidesteps that, saving your family money and headaches. Plus, it’s not just for millionaires. Whether you’ve got a modest home or a sprawling portfolio, this setup works. The only catch? You need to set it up right, and that’s where we come in.

So, how do you fix this mistake? Stop relying on a will alone and start thinking bigger. At Antonoplos & Associates, we’ve seen families torn apart by probate battles and assets lost to fees—all because they didn’t plan beyond the basics. We craft estate plans that blend revocable living trusts, pour-over wills, and advance directives into a seamless package tailored to you. It’s not about locking you into something complicated—it’s about giving you peace of mind and your family a smoother ride.

Here’s the kicker: you don’t need to wait for “someday.” The best time to fix this is now, before life throws you a curveball. Curious if you’re part of the 90%? Let’s find out. Schedule a consultation with us today, and we’ll walk you through how to protect what matters most. Because your legacy isn’t just stuff—it’s the love and security you leave behind. Don’t let one mistake steal that away.