Avoiding Sticker Shock: Why Small Updates Beat Big Overhauls

When it comes to your estate plan, waiting too long to make updates can lead to unnecessary stress—and unexpected costs. Just like maintaining a home, small, regular tune-ups are almost always more manageable (and affordable) than a major renovation down the road.

Many families set up their estate plan, tuck the documents away for safekeeping, and don’t think about them again for years. But life doesn’t stand still—and neither should your plan. Regular reviews are like changing the air filter, repainting a room, or fixing a small leak before it causes major damage. They keep your plan working smoothly, without the “sticker shock” of discovering years later that a full overhaul is needed.

Life Moves Fast—Your Plan Should Keep Up

Think about the past few years of your life. Chances are, at least one of these has happened:

• A new grandchild was born
  
• You bought or sold a property
  
• A family member got married, divorced, or relocated
  
• A key person named in your documents passed away or is no longer the right fit
  
• Tax laws or planning opportunities changed
  

Each of these events—while positive or neutral in their own way—can have a ripple effect on your estate plan. What worked perfectly when you first signed your documents may no longer reflect your wishes, your assets, or the legal landscape.

The High Cost of “Catching Up Later”

When plans sit untouched for years, updates often snowball. By the time clients come in, multiple areas may need to be revised, from outdated trustees and guardians to real estate that hasn’t been properly titled. These cumulative changes can require:

• Rewriting trusts or wills
  
• Recording new deeds
  
• Coordinating with financial institutions and advisors
  
• Addressing tax exposure created by new laws
  

Not only does this take more time and energy, but it can also be more expensive than making small adjustments along the way. And if significant time passes, families can face real legal or financial consequences if the outdated plan is ever relied upon.

Proactive Reviews = Peace of Mind

Regular check-ins give you the chance to:

• Stay aligned with your goals. Make sure your plan still reflects your wishes and current family dynamics.
  
• Update beneficiaries and trustees. Keep the right people in the right roles.
  
• Take advantage of new opportunities. Laws and planning strategies change—regular reviews let you capitalize rather than react.
  
• Prevent surprises. Avoid discovering major gaps at a time when it’s too late or more complicated to fix them.
  

Think of it like preventative care for your legacy. A little maintenance today protects against major headaches tomorrow.

How Often Should You Review?

We recommend reviewing your estate plan every 2–3 years, or sooner if a major life event occurs. This doesn’t always mean big changes—it often involves a quick conversation, minor document edits, or simple title updates. But those small steps make a huge difference in keeping your plan strong, current, and ready to work when it matters most.

Bottom line: A little proactive maintenance today can save you from sticker shock tomorrow. Regular estate plan reviews are one of the simplest ways to protect your family, your legacy, and your wallet.