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Insights from Trust & Will’s 2026 Death & Inheritance Report

Introduction

In a revealing national survey conducted by Trust & Will, a leading digital estate planning platform, it has become apparent that a significant portion of Americans evade discussions surrounding inheritance and estate planning. This article delves into the startling findings from the 2026 Death & Inheritance Report, which surveyed 5,000 U.S. adults.

The Conversation Gap

The survey unveiled an eye-opening fact: one in four Americans has never had a discussion with family members about inheritance. While many believe these conversations occur during significant family gatherings, such as Thanksgiving, the reality paints a different picture. Only 6% of Americans reported discussing these matters over the holiday dinner table; instead, 22% stated these topics arise spontaneously in everyday conversations.

Interestingly, Christmas emerged as the occasion many families actively avoid broaching the subject of inheritance. While 16% acknowledged Christmas as a trigger for such discussions, 37% indicated it was the holiday they would most avoid. This unique cultural dynamic leads to the conclusion that families may prefer ordinary, routine days for these conversations.

Uncomfortable Occasions for Discussion

Respondents were asked to rank the awkwardness of discussing inheritance during various occasions. Surprisingly, family birthdays topped the list as the most uncomfortable setting, with 63% of Americans finding it awkward to bring up estate planning then. In contrast, funerals or wakes were deemed awkward by only 41%. This disparity suggests that joyous celebrations are often overshadowed by the sentiment surrounding inheritance discussions.

According to Cody Barbo, the co-founder and CEO of Trust & Will, this avoidance stems from a preference to not disrupt joyful moments. He emphasized the need for families to recognize that discussions regarding inheritance don't require a special occasion; rather, they can take place during routine interactions.

The Expectation vs. Reality of Inheritance

Despite the reluctance to discuss inheritance openly, many Americans carry expectations regarding it. Approximately 46% anticipate receiving an inheritance, yet half of these individuals have never formally confirmed this with the family member in question. Alarmingly, 12% of those expecting an inheritance worry they may inherit debts or liabilities instead.

A deeper dive into the data reveals that among respondents who experienced the death of a close family member within the last five years, 40% reported the deceased did not have a complete estate plan, and 28% mentioned there was no plan at all.

Gender Dynamics in Inheritance Discussions

The survey highlighted gender disparities in initiating conversations about inheritance. Women are more likely to initiate these discussions (42% vs. 38%), but they often cover more topics. Conversely, a majority of men (56%) were aware of their family’s estate document locations, compared to only 44% of women.

These findings underscore a crucial gap between who starts important conversations and who holds key information about family estate plans—a disparity that may hinder effective communication and planning.

Triggers for Conversation

Interestingly, two main factors seem to catalyze these important discussions: a recent loss of a loved one and the presence of established estate plans. Respondents who recently lost a family member reported discussing inheritance matters over twice as often compared to those who haven’t experienced a recent loss. Moreover, individuals with their own will or trust in place were more likely to report that the deceased relative also had estate plans.

Regional Variations in Discussion Triggers

While regional variances in conversation dynamics exist, they are generally modest. For example, families in the Southeast are more inclined to use Christmas as an occasion for discussing inheritance, while those in the West tend to avoid it. New York was identified as the hardest state for raising this topic in a casual phone call, where 50% found it awkward compared to a national average of 32%. Conversely, North Dakota was deemed more open, with fewer residents having ever discussed inheritance at all.

Conclusion

The findings from Trust & Will’s 2026 Death & Inheritance Report illuminate the cultural norms and challenges surrounding inheritance discussions among American families. As conversations about estate planning often occur in the absence of special occasions, it's crucial for families to prioritize these discussions. By fostering openness and breaking the silence surrounding inheritance planning, families can navigate these sensitive topics more effectively, ensuring preparedness for the future.

For further insights and to view the complete report, visit trustandwill.com/learn/death-and-inheritance-report.