Life has a way of moving faster than we realize. Kids grow up, parents age, careers shift, and new chapters begin. Meanwhile, the laws that govern how we protect our families and our wealth are constantly evolving. Yet, despite all of this change, one thing we often forget to update is our estate plan.
If your plan hasn’t been reviewed in a few years—or since a major life event—you may be counting on a safety net that doesn’t fully exist anymore.
Why Change Is Inevitable
Life events that should trigger a review of your estate plan include:
- Family milestones – Marriage, divorce, a new baby, or even your kids becoming adults
- Financial changes – Buying or selling a home, starting or selling a business, significant investments, or retirement
- Health events – A serious diagnosis, caring for aging parents, or changes in your own healthcare wishes
And even if life feels “steady,” the law isn’t standing still.
- Tax laws can shift, impacting what your heirs might owe.
- Estate tax exemptions are changing dramatically in 2026, which could expose families to unexpected taxes.
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal rules for long-term care and asset protection evolve, potentially leaving your plan outdated.
- Trust and property laws continue to adapt, sometimes affecting how your existing trust or property title functions.
Without updates, your plan could fail to work the way you originally intended—leaving your family with unnecessary complications, taxes, or even court involvement.
A Plan Is Only as Strong as Its Last Review
An estate plan isn’t meant to be a “set it and forget it” document. It’s a living strategy that should grow and adapt with you. Unfortunately, we often see:
- Outdated beneficiaries (like an ex-spouse or someone who has passed)
- Unfunded trusts that don’t actually control the assets they were designed to protect
- Gaps in incapacity planning, leaving no one clearly authorized to act if you’re temporarily unable to
These are the kinds of surprises that cause stress for families at the worst possible times.
Taking Action Now
A simple review can prevent headaches later. Here’s what we recommend:
- Schedule a Plan Checkup: A 30- to 60-minute meeting can confirm if your plan still meets your goals and complies with current laws.
- Identify Gaps or Risks: From tax exposure to healthcare directives, we can spot weak points before they become problems.
- Update with Confidence: Making small, proactive adjustments now can save your loved ones enormous stress and expense later.
The Bottom Line:
Your estate plan is your voice when you can’t speak for yourself—and the bridge that carries your family through life’s biggest transitions. Don’t wait for a crisis or a law change to test it.
If it’s been more than three years since you’ve reviewed your plan—or you’ve experienced any major life or law changes—now is the time to act.
Contact our office to schedule your Plan Checkup and make sure your plan is still protecting what matters most.
