Life is full of changes, some planned, others unexpected. Just as you schedule regular health checkups, your estate plan deserves thoughtful review to ensure it still reflects your life, your wishes, and your family’s needs. A well-timed update today can save your loved ones from unnecessary confusion and stress tomorrow.
In This Newsletter You Will Find
• Why regular reviews of your estate plan matter
• Life events that should prompt an update
• A practical checklist to keep your plan current and effective
Estate Planning Checkups: A Smart Way to Protect Your Legacy
A strong estate plan is not just about what happens someday, it is about ensuring clarity and protection in the present. Over time, family structures, financial circumstances, and personal goals can shift. Reviewing your plan regularly helps ensure your wishes are honored no matter what life brings.
- Here are a few key documents and considerations to keep in mind during a review:
- Wills and Trusts – Confirm they reflect your current family structure, relationships, and priorities. Outdated beneficiary designations or provisions can lead to unnecessary complications.
- Powers of Attorney & Health Care Directives – Ensure the people you have named as decision makers are still the right fit. Life changes may mean your chosen agents should, too.
- Beneficiary Designations – Accounts like life insurance, retirement plans, or investment portfolios should match your estate plan to avoid unintended distributions.
- Trust Funding and Property Titles – If you have bought, sold, or moved property, double-check that assets are titled correctly and trusts are funded as intended.
An up-to-date estate plan provides peace of mind not just for you, but for the people you care about most.
“An updated estate plan doesn’t just protect your future, it gives your loved ones confidence and clarity in the present.”
– Meghan McNulty, Founding Attorney
Life Events That Signal: It’s Time to Revisit Your Plan
Certain milestones and changes are clear signs that your estate plan may need a closer look. Ask yourself:
- Have you recently gotten married or divorced?
- Did you welcome a child or grandchild?
- Have you moved to another state?
- Did you change jobs or experience a major financial shift?
- Have you recently lost a loved one or received an inheritance?
Each of these moments can impact your estate plan in meaningful ways. A review ensures that your wishes are accurately reflected and your loved ones are protected.
Back-to-Basics: Why Timing Matters
Even if nothing major has changed, reviewing your plan every three to five years helps you stay prepared. Laws evolve, assets grow, relationships change, and health needs shift over time.
Being proactive means your plan will always work the way you intended, without leaving your family to navigate outdated instructions during already stressful times.
Quick Estate Plan Review Checklist
- Confirm your will and/or trust reflect your current wishes
- Review health care directives and powers of attorney
- Update beneficiary designations on insurance and retirement accounts
- Check that property titles align with your estate plan
- Ensure your chosen decision makers are still appropriate
- Store your documents in a secure, accessible place
Tip of the Month: Set a Recurring Calendar Reminder
One of the simplest ways to stay on top of your estate planning is to set a recurring reminder every three to five years to review your documents. Pair it with another annual milestone like tax season or a birthday to make sure it never slips through the cracks. A little intentional planning goes a long way.
