Vanilla

Feb 03, 2026

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10 Key Findings from the 2026 State of Estate Planning Report

In case you missed it, Vanilla’s 2026 State of Estate Planning Report is out, and it’s packed with insights about how consumers really think about estate planning.

This annual survey of over 1,000 U.S. consumers explores how people view legacy, family dynamics, and the role of advisors and technology in the planning process.

The full report is worth a read, but here’s a skimmable roundup of some of the findings that stood out most.

Read the complete, ungated State of Estate Planning report here.

Estate planning, family, and values

Estate planning is personal. It’s less about tax optimization and more about family, legacy, and meaning. Clients are thinking about what they want to pass down, and whether their heirs are ready to receive it.

1. An overwhelming 97% believe it’s important to discuss estate plans with loved ones, but only 39% have actually had detailed conversations with their heirs.

2. 40% say passing down family values and principles is their top priority beyond financial assets, ahead of any financial goal.

3. More than half (54%) worry their heirs lack financial literacy or responsibility.

The role of advisors

Clients aren’t looking for advisors to become attorneys. But they are looking for someone to lead the process—to bring it up, coordinate with specialists, and keep estate planning connected to the rest of their financial life.

4. 41% say their financial advisor was the first person they talked to about estate planning, more than estate planning attorneys (26%), accountants (6%), or family members (13%).

5. 80% expect estate planning to be integrated into their advisor’s offering. It’s no longer a specialty service, it’s becoming a baseline expectation.

6. 70% want their advisor to either handle estate planning entirely or manage the process while collaborating with attorneys.

The gender gap

One of the most striking findings this year: women place higher value on family communication about estate plans, yet are less likely to be leading the process. Women are an underserved audience who already value what estate planning delivers.

7. 59% of women say discussing estate plans with family is “extremely important,” compared to 53% of men, yet women are less likely to be leading estate planning decisions in their household.

8. Women are more likely to feel underprepared: 19% feel less confident about estate planning than other financial topics, compared to 11% of men.

Technology and AI

Clients aren’t asking for technology to replace their advisor. They’re asking for technology that frees their advisor up for the conversations that actually matter.

9. 84% are comfortable with AI-assisted estate planning, provided there’s professional oversight.

10. The most preferred model? AI handles routine tasks while humans focus on strategy and complex decisions (56%).

What does all this mean for advisors?

Read the full report to find out.

The information provided here does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. It is provided for general informational purposes only. This information may not be updated or reflect changes in law. Please consult with an estate attorney, financial advisor, or tax professional who can advise as to your particular situation.