Will my family actually owe federal estate tax?

Almost certainly not. The federal estate tax applies only to estates above roughly $13.99 million per person in 2025 – about $27.98 million for a married couple – and only a tiny fraction of estates, well under 1%, ever exceed that. For the vast majority of families, the federal estate tax is simply not a concern, and worrying about it can distract from what actually matters: having a valid will, updated beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, and clear instructions so your loved ones aren't left untangling chaos. The real risks for most people are probate delays, family disputes, and assets that don't pass the way you assumed. That said, state estate taxes kick in at much lower thresholds in some states, so check your own state. Focus your energy on a complete, organized plan rather than exotic tax-avoidance trusts you don't need. See wealthserene.com/assessments/estate-readiness.