06/12/2026
With fewer than 100 days remaining in the year, now is a smart time to revisit your estate plan and make sure it still reflects your current wishes, family circumstances, and financial goals. Even small life changes throughout the year can prompt a review and update of important planning documents.
As part of a year-end estate plan review, an estate planning attorney like myself can help with a few key tasks to make sure your estate plan is ready for the new year, including:
1. Review your will and trust documents. Make sure your current documents still reflect your wishes and account for any recent life events, financial changes, or shifts in family dynamics.
2. Confirm beneficiary designations. Retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and certain financial accounts pass directly to named beneficiaries. Given this, it’s important to verify that those designations are still accurate and up to date.
3. Check health care documents. Review your financial power of attorney, health care proxy, and living will to ensure the individuals you selected are still the right fit and that your preferences remain clearly outlined in the event you need someone to make decisions about your care and health.
4. Evaluate trust funding and asset ownership. If you have a trust in place, confirm that assets intended to be included have been properly titled or transferred. Newly acquired property, investment accounts, or other major assets may also need to be reviewed.
5. Consider recent family or financial changes. Marriage, divorce, births, inheritances, business changes, or the loss of a loved one are all common reasons to revisit your estate plan and update it as needed.
6. Reassess insurance coverage and long-term planning needs. It may be worthwhile to review your life insurance coverage, homeowners policies, and long-term care considerations to ensure they continue to support your broader estate planning goals.
7. Talk with loved ones about your wishes. Having conversations with family members now can help reduce confusion and avoid unnecessary conflict later. Clear communication is often an important part of a well-prepared estate plan.
Taking a little time now to review these items can provide peace of mind heading into the new year and help ensure your plan continues to protect the people and priorities that matter most to you.
If you would like to review your current estate plan or discuss potential updates, please feel free to reply to this email or contact our office.
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