Join the waitlist to secure early pricing.
Estate planning determines how your assets are distributed after death or if you become incapacitated. Despite its importance, most Americans don't have basic documents in place.
Studies show that currently, only about 24% of Americans have a will—down from previous years. Over half (55%) lack any estate planning documents whatsoever. Without these, your estate enters probate, a court process that can consume up to 10% of your estate's value and delay distributions for months or years.
Studies have shown that men are slightly more likely than women to have wills. There are also racial divides: White individuals have estate plans at higher rates than African American and Hispanic populations. Age matters too—younger people consistently delay planning, often waiting for major life events like marriage or children before acting.
Most states require two witnesses to validate a will. Some allow self-proving affidavits that speed up probate. Notarization isn't always required but helps prevent challenges. Check out some of Herbie's other articles to learn more about these specific topics.
An estimated $105 trillion will transfer between generations over the next 25 years. This massive shift is driving growth in estate planning services—the market is expected to nearly double from $1.26 billion to over $2 billion by 2034.
Procrastination and perceived irrelevance are the main barriers. Many people—especially younger ones—simply don't think they need a plan yet. But they're mistaken! Everyone should have a high quality estate plan in place.
The gap between knowing you should plan and actually doing it remains wide. A complete estate plan includes a will, power of attorney, healthcare directives, and sometimes trusts. These types of documents are beneficial for everyone to have in place.
If you're among the 76% of Americans without a will, Herbie makes it simple to create estate planning documents from home. Traditional estate planning through attorneys can cost $1,000-$3,000 and require multiple appointments—barriers that keep many people from ever getting started. Herbie removes these obstacles by offering an affordable, straightforward online platform that guides you through creating your will and trust and supports you with state-specific power of attorney and healthcare directive forms, all in under an hour.
Don't let your estate fall into the expensive probate process that consumes up to 10% of your assets. With Herbie you can establish a comprehensive estate plan today for a fraction of traditional costs, ensuring your wishes are documented and your family is protected. The platform is designed for people without legal backgrounds, walking you through every decision with clear explanations and state-specific guidance. Stop procrastinating—your family's future security is worth an hour of your time. Get started today.
