St. Louis, Mo., Oct. 19, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — October 19, 2026 — Cordell & Cordell, the nation’s largest family law firm, today announced the expansion of its Estate Planning Services into two new U.S. states and five new offices, bringing the total number to 12 states and 31 offices across the country. The announcement comes as the U.S. observes National Estate Planning Awareness Week, Oct. 19-25, a time for Americans to be proactive about their financial and medical wishes before an unexpected crisis happens.

A Plan When It Matters Most

Estate planning is for everyone, regardless of age, assets or income. Individuals experiencing milestone life events such as the birth of a child, buying or selling a home, opening a retirement or savings account, getting married, divorced, or caring for aging parents require an updated plan to prevent loved ones from being forced to make difficult decisions on their behalf. Yet, only 24%[i] of Americans have a will in place. For many, procrastination or the belief that they don’t have enough assets to warrant a plan stands in the way.

Without clear, documented instructions for how assets, healthcare decisions, and guardianship wishes should be handled, families are often left to work through the probate court system, which is often long and costly. Americans spend an estimated $2 billion each year on probate, with nearly $1.5 billion of that going toward attorney fees and court administration costs.[ii]

“During National Estate Planning Awareness Week, it’s important for families to know that a plan is within reach, regardless of how many assets you have,” said Chris Moloney, CMO at Cordell & Cordell. “Our dedicated attorneys know that Estate Planning isn’t a ‘one-size-fits-all’ solution—it’s deeply personal for families. There’s peace of mind in knowing your property and your loved ones are protected, and with our expansion to 31 cities, we’re putting this service within reach of more Americans.”

Growing Across the Country

Cordell & Cordell launched its estate planning services in April 2025 at its Missouri headquarters, and it has expanded quickly due to rising demand. The two newest states, California and New York, join the firm’s existing estate planning offices in Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, and Virginia.

The new Cordell & Cordell office locations where estate planning is now available are:

  • Novato, Calif.
  • San Jose, Calif.
  • Albany, N.Y.
  • Dublin, Ohio
  • Beavercreek, Ohio

The Novato, Calif., and Albany, N.Y. offices will start taking on new estate planning clients on Oct. 30, while the other locations are already operational. Building on its existing family law offices, the firm delivers localized estate planning guidance by attorneys who already know the communities they serve.

To learn more about Cordell & Cordell’s estate planning services or to schedule a free personalized consultation with an Estate Planning Attorney near you, visit cordellcordell.com/practice-areas/estate-planning or call 833-825-4388. To mark National Estate Planning Awareness Week, follow Cordell & Cordell on LinkedIn.

A dedicated family law firm for more than 35 years, Cordell & Cordell gives families and individuals clarity about the Estate Planning process and confidence that their financial and healthcare wishes will be honored. Its Estate Planning services include wills and trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives, asset protection, probate administration, trust administration, and real estate and asset planning, each explained step by step, in plain language.

About Cordell & Cordell

Cordell & Cordell is America’s largest family law firm and a growing national provider of Estate Planning services with nearly 300 legal professionals on staff. For over 35 years, the firm has guided clients through life’s toughest personal and family transitions with clarity, compassion, and confidence. With nearly 100 offices nationwide and 2,800 Google Five-Star ratings, Cordell & Cordell provides tailored legal strategies, transparent communication, and a commitment to fighting for the best possible outcome for every client. Visit cordellcordell.com for more information.

 

Sources

[i] Caring.com, 2025 Wills and Estate Planning Study

[ii] American Bar Association, The Probate Process, 2019


Michelle Barry
Chameleon Collective for Cordell & Cordell
6038092748
michelle.barry@chameleon.co

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