What are the Odds your family will need estate planning? Well, anyone who will die someday needs to plan for that eventuality—that is everyone! In addition, anyone who will ever be disabled or incapacitated needs to plan for that eventuality, as well. Even for those in their 20s and 30s, the odds of at least a 3-month disability prior to age 65 are over forty percent.
Of course, none of us think that this will actually happen to us. We think we will have a warning and can prepare then. Of course, if we knew when, where, and how we might meet our fate, we could put our affairs in order at the last minute. We could even modify our behaviors to avoid what we knew to be our fate. Even if we could wait to the last minute, doing so would add immeasurable pressure, stress, and difficulty during an already difficult time in our lives.
None of us know how we will meet our end. But, here are some statistics as to the odds:
| Cause of Death | Lifetime Odds |
| Heart Disease | 1-in-4 |
| Cancer | 1-in-7 |
| Stroke | 1-in-23 |
| Accidental Injury | 1-in-36 |
| Motor Vehicle Accident | 1-in-100 |
| Intentional Self-harm (suicide) | 1-in-121 |
| Falling Down | 1-in-246 |
| Assault by Firearm | 1-in-325 |
| Fire or Smoke | 1-in-1,116 |
| Natural Forces (combined) | 1-in-3,357 |
| Electrocution | 1-in-5,000 |
| Drowning | 1-in-8,942 |
| Air Travel Accident | 1-in-20,000 |
| Flood | 1-in-30,000 |
| Legal Execution | 1-in-58,618 |
| Tornado | 1-in-60,000 |
| Lightning Strike | 1-in-83,930 |
| Snake, Bee or other Venomous Bite or Sting | 1-in-100,000 |
| Earthquake | 1-in-131,890 |
| Dog Attack | 1-in-147,717 |
| Asteroid Impact | 1-in-500,000 |
| Tsunami | 1-in-500,000 |
| Fireworks Discharge | 1-in-615,488 |
But, whether you are destined to die from a common cause, like cancer or heart disease, or a rarity, like a tsunami or asteroid impact, planning is essential. Without planning, you have no voice or control over what happens to your family and your property once you are gone. Your property would go where your state says it should go. The court would also appoint a guardian to care for your minor children without any indication from you regarding who would be good in that capacity.
Let your voice be heard and have things set up now to accomplish your ultimate goals. You will rest easier. Your family will have less difficulty dealing with any problems down the road. When health issues arise, a well laid-out estate plan is priceless. A qualified estate planning attorney can help you identify and achieve your ultimate goals.
Compliments of the McGee Law Firm, Attorney Brandon McGee
Written By: The American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys
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