For many families, Thanksgiving is more than turkey and pie—it’s one of the few times of the year when loved ones come together under one roof. With multiple generations gathered, meaningful conversations happening naturally, and the year drawing to a close, Thanksgiving creates the perfect environment to reflect on what matters most. That’s why it’s also one of the best times to revisit your family’s estate plan.
Here’s why this season of gratitude provides a uniquely valuable opportunity to review and update your documents.
Estate planning is rooted in family—protecting them, preparing for the future, and honoring your wishes. When you’re surrounded by loved ones at Thanksgiving, the importance of keeping your plan up to date is more apparent.
Seeing how your family has grown or changed can prompt important questions:
Thanksgiving puts your priorities into focus.
A holiday gathering offers something phone calls and social media can’t: a real-life look at how your parents, grandparents, or adult children are doing.
You may notice new health issues, memory concerns, or increased need for support—signs that it may be time to update powers of attorney, guardianship provisions, or decision-maker roles.
If someone you’ve appointed as executor, trustee, or agent under a power of attorney no longer seems capable or willing to serve, it’s time for a change.
Estate planning conversations can feel heavy, and many people feel unsure about when to bring them up. Thanksgiving offers a built-in opportunity—families are together, relaxed, and often sharing stories about the past and future.
You don’t have to turn dinner into a formal meeting. Instead, you might simply:
These gentle, genuine conversations prevent confusion and conflict later.
Thanksgiving falls just before the end of the calendar year—an ideal time to review:
If you’ve sold property, started a business, divorced, remarried, or made major financial changes this year, your plan may be out of date without you realizing it.
Most people wait until January to think about “getting organized.” But by reviewing your estate plan over Thanksgiving, you can walk into the new year feeling ahead of schedule.
You’ll know that:
That’s something to be truly thankful for.
The beginning of the year is one of the busiest times for estate planning law firms. Reviewing your documents in November allows you to spot needed changes early and get ahead of the rush.
Even if you don’t finalize updates immediately, you can make a list of revisions, gather important documents, and set a plan to meet with your attorney before the new year.
Estate planning isn’t just about documents; it’s about love, clarity, and protecting the people who sit around your Thanksgiving table.
Whether your plan needs a few small updates or a complete refresh, taking a moment during the holiday season to review it ensures your family’s future is secure.
Ready to plan? Book a call today.
