A New Year Check-In for Your Estate Plan

The start of a new year often invites a sense of renewal—but when it comes to estate planning, January isn’t about starting over. It’s about checking in.

Most families don’t need a brand-new plan each year. What they do need is reassurance that the plan they already have still fits the life they’re living today.

Because life changes quietly.

Children grow up. Relationships evolve. Assets shift. Responsibilities expand. And estate plans, while thoughtfully created, don’t automatically adjust on their own.

January is an ideal time to pause and ask a few simple—but meaningful—questions.

Are Your Decision-Makers Still the Right Fit?

Trustees, agents, and guardians are often chosen based on a snapshot in time. A new year is a good moment to ask whether those people are still able and willing to serve—and whether their circumstances have changed.

Have Your Children’s Roles Changed?

As children become adults, the way they fit into an estate plan often shifts. Someone who once wasn’t ready may now be capable of serving in a meaningful role.

Do Your Assets Still Match Your Trust?

New homes, refinances, updated accounts, or business changes can quietly pull assets outside of a trust. A review helps ensure your plan works as intended.

Have Family Dynamics Shifted?

Marriages, divorces, estrangement, health concerns, or new dependencies can all affect how a plan functions in real life.

Have You Revisited Healthcare Wishes?

Healthcare preferences often evolve. January is a thoughtful time to confirm that your wishes—and your chosen decision-makers—still feel right.

A steady check-in now can prevent confusion later. Estate planning doesn’t require urgency to be important.