Estate Planning for Younger Families
Why Estate Planning Matters—Especially for Young Families
At Raegan Thorp Real Estate Group, we don’t just focus on buying and selling homes—we care about protecting families beyond the closing table. That’s why we’re back this week with Brian Douglas, who not only partners with us on real estate transactions but also helps families with estate planning.
Last week, Brian shared how critical estate planning is, and the feedback was incredible—so many of you wanted to know more. This time, we dug deeper into why younger families, in particular, should make estate planning a priority.
The Misconception: “We Don’t Need Estate Planning Yet”
Many young families assume estate planning doesn’t apply to them. Maybe it feels too early. Maybe life feels too busy with work, school, and soccer practices. Or maybe there’s a belief that nothing bad could happen. As Brian put it, especially for young dads, there’s often this feeling of being “invincible.”
But the reality is: estate planning is often more critical for younger families than older ones. Why? Because younger families typically have minor children. And that changes everything.
What Happens If Something Happens
Here’s the challenge: by law, children under 18 are legally incompetent—they can’t sign contracts, sell property, or manage inherited money. If a parent passes away and assets transfer directly to minor children, it creates major complications.
For example:
If a home is left partially to children, the surviving spouse doesn’t own 100% of the house.
That means refinancing, taking out a loan, or selling the home could require court involvement.
Even simple decisions can become drawn-out legal processes because the court has to protect the children’s share until they turn 18.
As Brian explained, we see families forced into probate court just to sell or refinance their home—all because estate planning wasn’t set up in advance.
Why Planning Ahead Matters
Estate planning ensures your family avoids unnecessary stress, court battles, and financial restrictions. Instead of leaving decisions up to the courts, you can create a clear plan that protects your spouse and children.
And the good news? Proactive planning doesn’t have to be expensive. Brian shared that for as little as $950, families can put protections in place that could save them tens of thousands of dollars—and years of legal headaches—down the road.
Take the Next Step
It’s easy to put estate planning off, but it’s one of the most loving and responsible things you can do for your family. If you’d like an introduction to Brian Douglas & Associates, reach out—we’d be happy to connect you.
Because at Raegan Thorp Real Estate Group, we believe your home is more than just where you live. It’s also about protecting the people you love most. If you’d like to connect with Brian Douglas & Associates to start your estate plan, reach out to me and I’ll be happy to make an introduction—or you can contact him directly. Let’s make sure your family’s future is secure.
Raegan Thorp
Raegan Thorp Real Estate Group
📞 (404) 734-1174
📧 info@rtrg.homes
🌐 www.RaeganThorp.com
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