What is National Estate Planning Awareness Week and Why Should North Carolina Families Care?
Understanding the Origins and Purpose of October's Most Important Legal Observance
The third week of October has been officially designated as National Estate Planning Awareness Week, a time specifically set aside to encourage families across the country to consider their legacy planning needs. While the official designation is for one week—occurring October 20-26 in 2025—many legal professionals and organizations promote estate planning awareness throughout the entire month of October. For residents throughout North Carolina, this annual observance carries particular weight as our communities continue to grow and evolve.
At The Walls Law Group, we've observed that while most people understand the importance of estate planning in theory, the practical steps often get postponed indefinitely. Estate Planning Awareness Week serves as an important reminder that protecting your family's future requires more than good intentions—it requires action.
The Origins of Estate Planning Awareness Week
The concept of dedicating time to estate planning awareness emerged from a simple reality: most Americans don't have adequate estate plans in place. According to Caring.com's 2024 Wills and Estate Planning Study, only 32% of Americans have a will, meaning 68% of adults lack even this most basic estate planning document. More comprehensive studies, such as Trust & Will's 2025 Estate Planning Report, found that 55% of Americans have no estate plan at all. This gap between knowing what we should do and actually doing it has real consequences for families navigating difficult times without proper legal protections.
National Estate Planning Awareness Week was officially adopted by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2008 to provide an annual touchpoint for individuals and families to assess their current planning status. The fall timing is intentional, occurring as people naturally begin reflecting on year-end goals and preparing for the holiday season when families often gather together. It's a period when thoughts turn toward family, legacy, and the future—making it an ideal time to address estate planning needs.
For families throughout North Carolina, Estate Planning Awareness Week represents an opportunity to ensure your assets, family, and wishes are protected under state law. Our region's continued growth, rising property values, and evolving family structures make this annual reminder increasingly relevant.
Why Estate Planning Awareness Matters
Estate Planning Awareness Week exists because there's a persistent disconnect between what people know they should do and what they actually accomplish. Despite widespread agreement that estate planning is important, recent studies show that estate planning rates have been declining, with the majority of American families remaining unprotected. This disconnect affects families in Cary, Raleigh, Apex, Pittsboro, and beyond just as it affects communities nationwide.
The designation of a focused week creates collective momentum that individual motivation often lacks. When October arrives and estate planning becomes a topic of community conversation, it becomes easier to overcome the inertia that prevents action during the other weeks of the year. Legal professionals, financial advisors, and community organizations use this time to provide resources, host events, and share information that makes estate planning more accessible and less intimidating.
For North Carolina families, Estate Planning Awareness Week provides an opportunity to learn about state-specific considerations that affect your planning. North Carolina has unique laws regarding probate procedures, property ownership structures, advance healthcare directives, and intestate succession. Understanding these nuances helps you make informed decisions about your estate plan.
What Estate Planning Awareness Week Means for Our Community
The community aspect of Estate Planning Awareness Week normalizes important conversations that many families find difficult to initiate. When neighbors, colleagues, and friends are all discussing their estate planning during October, it becomes easier to have similar conversations with your own family. These discussions about values, wishes, and practical considerations are often as important as the legal documents themselves.
Estate Planning Awareness Week also creates an educational environment where learning about estate planning feels natural rather than uncomfortable. When you hear estate planning discussed on local news stations, see articles in community publications, or attend October events, the topic transforms from an abstract legal concept into a practical, achievable goal.
For The Walls Law Group, Estate Planning Awareness Week represents a crucial opportunity to serve families throughout our North Carolina community more effectively. We recognize that most people need a catalyst to move from contemplation to action, and Estate Planning Awareness Week provides exactly that concentrated focus that turns awareness into accomplishment.
As October unfolds, we encourage all families to use this designated time to address their estate planning needs. Whether you're just beginning to consider estate planning or reviewing existing documents, October—and especially National Estate Planning Awareness Week—offers the perfect opportunity to protect what matters most.
The Walls Law Group is an estate planning law firm serving families in Chatham County, Wake County, and throughout North Carolina.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice; please consult with a qualified estate planning attorney for advice specific to your situation.
