Here’s How Often to Revisit Your Estate Plan — and Why

Creating an estate plan is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your family and your legacy. But once it’s done, you can’t just tuck it away in a drawer and forget about it. Life changes — and when it does, your estate plan should change with it.

So how often should you revisit your estate plan? The short answer: every 3–5 years, or anytime a major life event occurs. Here’s why that regular review matters — and what life changes should trigger an update.

🔄 Every Few Years: Routine Maintenance

Even if your life feels stable, it’s smart to review your estate plan every three to five years. Laws change, tax rules evolve, and your financial situation can shift without you even realizing it. Regular check-ins with your estate planning attorney help ensure your documents are still current, compliant, and reflective of your goals.

Think of it like taking your car in for a tune-up — even if nothing’s “wrong,” maintenance keeps everything running smoothly.

👶 Major Life Events: Time to Update

Certain life milestones should always prompt a review of your estate plan. These include:

• Marriage or divorce – Your spouse (or ex-spouse) may need to be added or removed from your documents.
• Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild – Update guardianship designations and inheritance instructions.
• Death or incapacity of a beneficiary or trustee – Replace anyone who can no longer serve in their role.
• Significant changes in wealth – Buying a home, selling a business, or receiving an inheritance can impact how your estate should be distributed.
• Relocation to a new state – Estate laws vary by state, so your plan may need to be revised to comply with local requirements.
• Health changes – If you’ve developed a serious illness or disability, it’s important to review powers of attorney and advance directives.

⚖️ Legal and Tax Updates: The Silent Changes

You may not always know when new laws affect your plan — but they can. Changes in federal or state estate tax laws, for instance, can impact how your assets are taxed or transferred. That’s why it’s wise to check in with your attorney periodically, even if nothing in your personal life has changed.

🧭 Why It Matters

An outdated estate plan can cause confusion, disputes, and unintended consequences — the very things it was designed to prevent. Regularly revisiting your plan ensures your wishes are clear, your loved ones are protected, and your legacy is preserved exactly the way you intend.

Ready to revisit your plan? Book a call today.