Estate planning is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your loved ones and ensure your wishes are honored—but it’s not a one-and-done task. As life changes, so should your estate plan. Whether it’s a major milestone or a subtle shift in your circumstances, keeping your plan up to date is key to avoiding confusion, conflict, or unintended outcomes.
Here’s when—and why—you should consider revisiting your estate plan.
🎯 Major Life Milestones That Call for an Update
Certain events should always trigger a review of your estate documents. These include:
💍 Marriage or Divorce – Relationships change, and so should your legal documents. You’ll want to update beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, and who’s set to inherit your estate.
👶 Birth or Adoption of a Child or Grandchild – Expanding your family is a beautiful reason to update your plan. You may want to establish or modify trusts, name guardians, or revise how assets are distributed.
🕊️ Death of a Loved One – If a person named in your will, trust, or power of attorney passes away, it’s important to make sure someone else is appointed to carry out those roles.
📍 Moving to a New State – Each state has its own laws that govern estate planning documents. A move—even if just across state lines—could mean your plan needs updates to stay valid and effective.
🏡 Inheriting Property or Wealth – A sudden increase in assets may call for revised tax strategies, updated trust planning, or charitable giving goals.
🔍 Why Even “Small” Changes Matter
You don’t need a major life event to justify reviewing your estate plan. Here are a few “smaller” shifts that still matter:
- 💼 Starting or selling a business
- 🏠 Purchasing real estate
- 🔄 Changing jobs or retiring
- 💳 Opening new bank or investment accounts
- 🤔 Changing your mind about who should manage your affairs
Even minor financial or personal changes can create gaps in your estate plan. A quick check-in ensures everything aligns with your current wishes.
📋 What to Look for During a Review
When revisiting your estate plan, here are a few key areas to review:
📄 Wills and Trusts – Do they reflect your current assets and intentions?
👥 Beneficiary Designations – Are your retirement accounts, insurance policies, and payable-on-death accounts up to date?
✍️ Powers of Attorney – Are the people you’ve appointed still able, willing, and the best fit to act on your behalf?
🏥 Healthcare Directives – Do your healthcare proxy and living will still reflect your values and wishes?
🧒 Guardianship Provisions – Are the right individuals named to care for your minor children if needed?
⏳ How Often Should You Revisit Your Plan?
Even if no major life events have occurred, we recommend reviewing your estate plan every 3 to 5 years. This regular check-in helps ensure that your documents reflect your current intentions and stay compliant with any changes in state or federal law.
At Coultis Law, we help make the process simple, approachable, and meaningful. Whether you’re navigating a big life transition or just want peace of mind that your plan is current, our team is here to help.
🛡️ Let’s Keep Your Plan Current
Estate planning is about more than documents—it’s about protecting the people and values that matter most to you. If life has changed for you or your family, it’s time to make sure your plan keeps up.
📞 Contact Coultis Law today to schedule a personalized estate plan review. We’re here to help you plan wisely, protect confidently, and live with peace of mind.