Richard J. Gregorek, Esq. of Gregorek and Associates is joining his colleagues at WealthCounsel in a public relations campaign to showcase National Estate Planning Awareness Week, Oct. 17-23.

According to a 2010 industry trends survey of estate planners conducted by WealthCounsel, nearly 70 percent of the respondents indicated that Americans fail to plan because they lack awareness as to why they should.

Gregorek is passionate about building awareness of the importance of thoughtful planning and is committed to educating the public about the negative consequences of what can happen to one’s loved ones when the proper documents are not in place.

Gregorek noted that estate planning is one of the most overlooked areas of personal financial management.

More than 120 million Americans do not have proper estate plans to protect themselves or their families in the event of sickness, accidents, or untimely death. This costs many families wasted dollars and unnecessary hardship that can be minimized with proper planning.

In 2008, the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils (NAEPC) worked with Congress to pass a resolution proclaiming the third week in October as National Estate Planning Awareness Week.

The resolution noted that “Many Americans are unaware that lack of estate planning and financial illiteracy may cause their assets to be disposed of to unintended parties by default through the complex process of probate.

”“Estate planning is a thoughtful process and not merely a single legal transaction,” said Gregorek. “As a member of WealthCounsel, my firm has access to a state-of-the-art document drafting system, a network of experienced colleagues throughout the country with whom I can collaborate, and superior educational resources to help me stay on the leading edge of knowledge.”

In addition to WealthCounsel, Gregorek is also a member of the Seattle Estate Planning Counsel, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).

He is active in local community organizations including the Kirkland Chamber of Commerce and the Eastside Business Association.

He is a member in good standing with the Washington, Oregon, American and Federal Bar Associations.

For information, visit www.RJGLegal.com or call 877-284-3450.