You Planned Ahead. Here’s How to Keep It Working for You.
You did it — you created your estate plan.
You made the big decisions, signed the documents, and took a huge step toward protecting the people and future you care about most.
And now, like many of our clients, you might be wondering:
“What happens next?”
Here’s the good news: Most of the heavy lifting is done. But just like your financial life, your estate plan isn’t something you set and forget. It’s something you tend to — occasionally and intentionally — to keep it aligned with your life.
Think of Your Plan Like a Garden
Once the seeds are planted — trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives — your job is no longer to build the foundation. It’s to:
- Keep it healthy
- Remove the weeds (old beneficiaries, outdated decisions)
- Water it when life changes
Your plan doesn’t need constant attention — but it does benefit from care over time.
When Life Changes, Your Plan Should, Too
Your documents reflect your life at the moment they were signed. If something shifts — in your relationships, your health, your finances, or your priorities — it’s time to revisit your plan.
Examples include:
- A child turns 18
- A family member develops special needs
- You buy or sell property
- You get married, divorced, or remarried
- A named trustee or guardian becomes unavailable
Updating your plan ensures your intentions still match your reality.
Keep Your Trusted People in the Loop
Whether it’s your healthcare agent, power of attorney, or successor trustee — the people you’ve chosen to step in on your behalf should know:
- What role they play
- Where to find your documents
- How to reach your attorney if needed
You don’t need to share every detail — just enough so no one is caught off guard in a moment of crisis.
Revisit Your “Why”
We always encourage clients to come back to the original reason they created their plan. For most, it’s not about wealth — it’s about:
- Keeping things simple for their family
- Making sure their kids are cared for
- Avoiding unnecessary court involvement
- Leaving something meaningful behind
Let that “why” guide your decision to review, refresh, and recommit to your plan over time.
Final Thought
Having an estate plan doesn’t mean you’re done thinking about the future. It means you’ve created a powerful foundation — one that gives you the freedom to live your life knowing your loved ones are protected.
If it’s been a while since your plan was reviewed, or if something significant has changed, we’re here to help.
Because good planning doesn’t end with signing. It continues with care.
