Estate Planning Can’t Wait Until You Have Children

In recent months, headlines have made a striking announcement: in the U.S. for the first time ever, more babies were born to women aged 40 and older than to teenage mothers. While delaying parenthood may be the new norm, delaying estate planning shouldn’t be. Many people wait to create a plan until they have children, assuming that’s when it becomes necessary, but estate planning isn’t just about preparing for kids. Here’s why getting started early matters, no matter your age or life stage.

A Shift in Parenthood Timing

Parenthood in the U.S. is happening later than ever, and the statistics tell a clear story:

• In 2023, women aged 40 and older accounted for 4.1% of all births, just edging out births to teenagers (4.0%) (The Bump, 2024).

  
  

• Since 1990, birth rates among women aged 40–44 have climbed roughly 127%, while teen birth rates have fallen dramatically (Motherly).

Medical advancements and shifting social norms have made later parenthood more broadly feasible. Women are increasingly able to start families in their 30s and 40s while pursuing careers, education, and personal goals. While there may be nothing inherently right or wrong with that timing, it does have a ripple effect when it comes to financial, legal, and estate decisions.

Delaying Estate Planning is All Too Common

It’s all too common: many people treat estate planning as something to handle “later,” and many tie it to milestones such as having children.

• The average age people first start their estate plan is at age 42. (Trust & Will)

  
  

• Only 22% of millennials (29-44 years old in 2025) have a will, but 60% have no estate planning documents at all. (Trust & Will)

  
  

• 34% of millennials say having a child prompted them to create a trust or will (Trust & Will)

These numbers show that waiting for major milestones is common, but risky. Illnesses, accidents, or incapacity can occur at any age, and without an estate plan, your loved ones may face confusion, delays, or legal hurdles when the unexpected happens.

Many assume that a spouse or partner will automatically make financial or healthcare decisions for them. But for couples who aren’t legally married, the state may assign that responsibility to a blood relative or someone you might not want in that positions. Powers of attorney allow you to designate the right people to make these decisions on your behalf.

And planning isn’t just about children. Adults may have additional concerns: their home, assets, pets, business, or even social media accounts. Without a clear plan, these matters can become complicated and stressful for loved ones.

For a deeper look, read: What Happens When You Die Without a Will.

Take Action: Reframe the Question

Instead of asking, “When is the right time to start estate planning?” try thinking: “What’s the first step I can take today?”

Sample Structure for Later-Parenthood Planning

Stage / Age	Planning Focus	Key Considerations
Pre-Parenthood	Basic estate planning	Create a will, designate powers of attorney, establish healthcare directives, identify beneficiaries
Pregnancy	Update documents	Include plans for potential dependents, review life insurance, consider trusts for future children
Early Childhood	Guardianship & education planning	Name legal guardians, set up education funds or 529 plans, revisit life insurance and beneficiary designations
School Age	Asset protection	Consider trusts, review and update powers of attorney, plan for contingencies like disability or special needs
Teen Years / Adulthood	Transition planning	Update estate plan as children gain independence, adjust guardianship and trust structures if needed, review business or real estate interests

Estate planning is not a one-time task. Your plan evolves with life circumstances, making updates easier if you start now rather than later.

It’s Not Too Late

If you haven’t started estate planning yet, don’t panic — if you’re able to read this, it’s not too late. The key is to take action now rather than putting it off any longer. The experienced estate planning attorneys at Fiffik Law Group can guide you through every step.

There are several ways to get started today:

• Call us at 412-391-1014 or fill out the contact form on our website to schedule a consultation.

  
  

• Sign up for our weekly webinar, “Wills & Trusts — Which Is Right for You?” Learn the basics and get expert guidance in a concise, accessible session.

  
  

• Use our DIY legal forms on our website to complete powers of attorney, living wills, or other essential documents quickly and securely.

No matter your age or life stage, starting now gives you peace of mind and ensures your estate plan reflects your goals. Every step you take today is a step toward security and clarity for the future.