Even well-intentioned people make estate planning mistakes that lead to probate delays, family fights, or lost assets. At J. Davenport Legal, we see the same 10 issues over and over—and they’re easy to fix. For most Americans, avoiding these saves time, money, and stress. What are the top estate planning mistakes in 2026? From outdated documents to unfunded trusts, this beginner’s guide helps you steer clear. Ready to get it right? Read on for the fixes.
70% of Americans die without one—state law decides everything, often against your wishes. Fix: Start with a basic will or trust.
Wills go through probate (9–18 months, 4–7% fees). Fix: Add a revocable living trust to skip court.
A trust is worthless if assets aren’t titled in it. Fix: Retitle house, accounts— we guide for free.
They override your will—forgotten ex-spouse gets everything. Fix: Review annually.
Without POA or proxy, court guardianship costs $5K+. Fix: Name agents now.
Crypto, social media—$100B+ unclaimed yearly. Fix: Add digital inventory.
Blended families or special needs heirs require custom shares. Fix: Use separate trusts.
Cheap but often invalid in your state. Fix: Attorney review—ours is complimentary.
They can end up in shelters. Fix: Simple pet trust provision.
Life changes fast—2026 tax shifts loom. Fix: Start today.
| Mistake | Cost/Risk | Easy Fix |
|---|---|---|
| No Plan | State decides everything | Basic will/trust |
| Will Only | Probate delays/fees | Revocable trust |
| Unfunded Trust | Probate anyway | Retitle assets |
| Old Beneficiaries | Wrong people inherit | Annual review |
| No Incapacity Plan | Court guardianship | POA & proxy |
How much to fix? Starts at $1,250 with financing. When to start? Now—free consult.
These 10 mistakes are common but avoidable. Don’t leave your family to clean up. Ready to get it right? Schedule a free consultation below or take our estate planning quiz to see where you stand here.
John F. Davenport holds a law degree from Pace University, an MBA in finance from Fordham University and undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame.
He is a licensed attorney in New York and Connecticut, and a financial advisor.
He founded Davenport & Associates in 1997 and has spent more than 30 years helping CT and NY locally and families across the country build retirement income plans and estate strategies that work together, not against each other.
Davenport & Associates is located at 800 Connecticut Avenue, Suite E401, Norwalk, CT 06854.
Phone: (203) 853-6300 | jdavenportassociates.com
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:
Educational only—not investment/tax/legal advice. No strategy guarantees results—vary by rates, markets, laws, personal circumstances. Consult advisors.