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With the year coming to a close, now is the perfect time to reflect on your life and your plans for the future. Consider your accomplishments, the changes you’ve experienced, and your hopes for the future. One important question to ask is whether your estate plan still aligns with your life today and your current priorities. Reviewing it now can help ensure your wishes are clear and your loved ones are protected.

An estate plan isn’t something you set up once and forget. Changes in your life, family, finances, or the law can affect how it works, even if you created it years ago. Reviewing your documents now helps make sure your wishes are followed, your assets are protected, and your plan functions as intended. Regular updates give you peace of mind by keeping your estate plan aligned with your current life and priorities.

Use this guide to see when updates are necessary and why regular reviews are critical for protecting your estate and your loved ones.

Who Should Consider Reviewing Their Estate Plan

Everyone benefits from reviewing their estate plan periodically, but especially when you experience life changes, to make sure that it still reflects your wishes, protects their assets, and is set up as intended. However, if any of the following changes have happened since you signed your documents, a review is especially important.

A Change in Marriage, Divorce, or Family Relationships

Your relationships and family structure have a direct impact on your estate plan. Marriage or divorce may require updating beneficiaries or key decision-makers in your estate plan. Additionally, if a relationship has changed, if trust has shifted, or if family roles feel different now, your plan should match your current wishes.

The Birth of a New Child or Grandchild

A growing family often means new beneficiaries, guardians, and responsibilities. If you’ve welcomed a child or grandchild, or if a child has reached a new stage in life, review how your plan distributes assets and who would care for young children if something unexpected happens. Regular reviews help protect your loved ones and make sure your intentions are carried out.

The Passing of a Loved One or Someone Named in Your Plan

If a beneficiary, trustee, executor, or healthcare agent has passed away, update your estate plan promptly. Replacing them with qualified individuals who know you will help your plan operate smoothly and stay aligned with your wishes.

Buying or Selling a Home or Other Property

Real estate is often one of the largest assets in an estate plan. If you’ve bought, sold, refinanced, or changed the title of any property, give us a call so we can make sure it’s properly included in your trust. This step will help avoid probate and make sure your assets transfer efficiently to your beneficiaries.

Changes in Trustees, Beneficiaries, or Other Decision Makers

Names in your estate plan should reflect the people you trust today. If someone is no longer able or willing to serve, or if a better fit may be available, update your documents. Doing so helps prevent future confusion or disputes and keeps your plan functioning according to your wishes. Regular reviews give you and your family the confidence that your decisions will be honored and carried out smoothly.

Starting a Business or Adding New Partners

Business ownership adds responsibilities and complexity to estate planning. Do you have clear instructions for business succession, financial protection, or the transfer of your ownership interest? If you’ve started a new business or expanded an existing one, now is a good time to review your plan to keep everything organized and protected.

Significant Changes in Income, Investments, or Assets

Growth or change in your financial world can influence how your estate plan should be structured. Major changes such as new investments, retirement accounts, property sales, or significant income shifts may require updates to keep your estate plan accurate and tax-efficient.

Moving to Another State

Estate planning laws vary by state. If you’ve moved or plan to move soon, update your documents to comply with your new state’s requirements, particularly healthcare directives and financial powers of attorney.

Why Year-End Reviews Truly Matter

Your estate plan is more than a set of documents. It reflects your values, priorities, and the care you have for those who matter most. An up-to-date plan reduces confusion and provides your family with guidance and support during difficult times. An outdated plan can lead to delays, disputes, unnecessary court involvement, or results you didn’t intend for your loved ones.

A year-end review provides peace of mind by confirming that your estate plan reflects your goals and will work as intended. Even small updates can prevent confusion, delays, or disputes and spare your loved ones unnecessary stress in the future.

Schedule Your Appointment and Start the New Year Prepared

If any of the situations above apply to you, now is the perfect time for a year-end review. Don’t wait for the unexpected. One conversation with Cardon Law can confirm that your estate plan is current, practical, and fully protects your wishes and assets. Taking action today gives you peace of mind and confidence that your plan will work exactly as intended.

At Cardon Law, our attorney Jeffrey Cardon brings over 20 years of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners create estate plans that are clear, practical, and designed to work in the real world. What may seem like a simple, low-cost solution today can lead to costly mistakes, delays, and added stress for your loved ones when they need clarity and support the most. Don’t leave your family to deal with unnecessary complications. Take control now and create a plan that truly protects your loved ones and your assets.

Plan smart. Live well.

This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, tax, or financial advice. Please consult with a qualified professional about your specific situation before making any decisions regarding estate planning, taxes, or business matters.