Book Review By Terri Schlichenmeyer
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 creditors and even distant family members to make claims, and often leads to unnecessary conflict and delay — especially when emotions are high and hearts are hurting.
For families already grieving, probate can feel like a second loss. And when we consider that Black Americans disproportionately suffer from wealth gaps, property loss, and systemic barriers to asset protection, the impact of not having a comprehensive plan is multiplied.
At Life & Legacy Counselors, we are committed to educating our community beyond the basics. We believe in building strong communities one family at a time, and that means giving people the tools to pass on wealth — not just memories.
A will is a useful tool, but it is not enough. It does not protect assets from creditors or predators. It does not keep your affairs private. It does not guarantee that your family can avoid court intervention. And it does not cover disability or incapacity during life.
That’s where trust-based estate planning comes in. A well-drafted trust allows you to name beneficiaries, control how and when assets are distributed, avoid probate, reduce taxes, and protect generational wealth from division or depletion.
Many families avoid estate planning out of fear, confusion, or cost concerns. But knowledge is power. We want to dismantle the myths that estate planning is only for the wealthy or elderly. In fact, it’s one of the most powerful tools a working-class Black family can use to create economic security for the next generation.
During National Make-A-Will Month, don’t stop at just creating a will. Start a conversation with a trusted estate planning professional who understands your values, your vision, and your community. At Life & Legacy Counselors, we take pride in walking with you through that journey — educating, empowering, and building lasting legacies.
Don’t let limited knowledge or outdated assumptions freeze your progress. You deserve more than a will. You deserve a plan. Let us walk with you through the journey of building a legacy through estate planning.
