Year-End Estate Planning Checklist: Don’t Miss These Simple Fixes

As the year draws to a close, it’s easy to get swept up in holiday plans, travel, and wrapping up work projects. But before you ring in the new year, take a few minutes to give your estate plan a quick checkup.

Even if your overall plan is in great shape, small fixes and simple updates made before December 31 can make a big difference. Think of it as your estate plan’s “year-end tune-up”—quick, manageable steps that keep everything running smoothly and prevent bigger issues (and costs) down the road.

Your Year-End Estate Planning Checklist

1. Review Your Key Decision Makers

Trustees, executors, guardians, and agents under powers of attorney should still reflect your wishes and be ready to serve if needed. If someone has moved, passed away, become unable to serve, or no longer feels like the right fit, update those roles now.

2. Check Your Beneficiaries

Life changes quickly—births, marriages, divorces, and other family shifts can make previously chosen beneficiaries outdated. Confirm that your trust and beneficiary designations still reflect who you want to receive what.

3. Confirm Your Assets Are Properly Titled

One of the most common (and avoidable) estate planning mistakes is forgetting to fund your trust. Review new bank accounts, investment accounts, and real estate purchases to ensure they’re titled correctly. If anything is missing, now’s the time to bring it in.

4. Note Major Life Events

Did you welcome a new grandchild? Sell a property? Experience a family change this year? Even seemingly small events can ripple through your plan. Making adjustments now can prevent bigger updates (and costs) later.

5. Take Advantage of Current Planning Opportunities

If your plan involves annual gifting, tax strategies, or other time-sensitive opportunities, those typically need to be completed by December 31 to count for this year. Acting early ensures you don’t miss out.

6. Schedule Your Next Plan Review

Estate planning isn’t “set it and forget it.” Scheduling regular reviews every 2–3 years—or after major life changes—helps catch issues early. If it’s been a while since your last review, now’s a perfect time to get on the calendar for the new year.

Small Fixes Now, Fewer Surprises Later

These simple year-end steps don’t usually require a major overhaul, but they can save you from costly and stressful surprises later. A few proactive tweaks now can ensure your plan reflects your life today and is ready to work exactly as intended when it’s needed most.

Bottom line: Before the year slips away, take a moment to give your estate plan a quick once-over. It’s one of the simplest—and smartest—ways to protect your family, your legacy, and your peace of mind.

Schedule your year-end estate plan review today and start the new year with confidence.