WealthCounsel® Launches New Consumer-Focused Estate Planning Information Portal

MADISON, Wis., May 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- WealthCounsel®, a nationwide collaborative organization for attorneys and wealth planning professionals, today announced the launch of an estate planning information portal at www.estateplanning.com.  Considered the nation's first consumer-facing estate planning portal of its type and scale, EstatePlanning.com provides consumers with practical, objective content relevant to their needs. 

Studies consistently demonstrate that most Americans do not have an estate plan in place – not even a basic will. According to a nationwide survey of estate planners conducted by WealthCounsel in 2010, sixty-seven percent of attorneys believe that people fail to plan because they don't understand the legal and practical consequences of not planning. Sixty-two percent of survey respondents indicated that Americans are under the erroneous assumption that estate planning is only for the wealthy.

"There is no question that there are dramatic and far-reaching consequences for individuals who become disabled or who die without a structured estate plan in place, and sometimes families with the most modest financial means experience the worst outcomes. Because we have seen so many individuals and families suffer in the absence of a professionally-implemented estate plan, we believe that we have a social responsibility to educate American consumers about the importance of proper planning," said WealthCounsel's Chief Executive Officer Matthew T. McClintock, J.D. 

The new estate planning portal features helpful content to engage readers on topics ranging from planning for disability and addressing elder care issues, to minimizing family conflict and structuring inheritances, and understanding asset protection, tax, and charitable planning strategies.  A glossary of legal terms is provided as a reference tool, and interactive search functionality helps connect visitors with estate planning professionals near them.

"We want to dispel some of the misconceptions about estate planning and help people understand the importance of seeking dedicated, professional help with their estate planning," McClintock said.  "We intend to make estate planning understandable and relevant to all Americans, and we encourage readers to join us online and invite their family, friends and their team of professional advisors to join in learning together."

About The WealthCounsel Companies

The WealthCounsel Companies equip professionals to improve clients' lives through proper planning. Established in 1997, WealthCounsel® is a membership-based organization of thousands of estate and business planning attorneys located in all 50 states. WealthCounsel shares ownership in ElderCounsel, and is the publisher of the WealthDocx® Trust and Estate Planning Software system, the nation's leading automated drafting system for trust and estate attorneys. 

SOURCE WealthCounsel