7 Signs It’s Time to Review Your Estate Plan

Creating an estate plan is an important accomplishment. But estate planning is not a one-time event.

As life changes, your estate plan should change with it.

Many people create documents and then place them in a safe location for years—or even decades—without revisiting them. Unfortunately, an outdated estate plan can sometimes create almost as many problems as having no plan at all.

Sign #1: You Got Married or Divorced

Relationships have a significant impact on estate planning.

Marriage, divorce, or remarriage often require updates to beneficiary designations, wills, trusts, and powers of attorney.

Sign #2: You Welcomed a Child or Grandchild

New family members often inspire changes to inheritance plans, guardianship nominations, and trust provisions.

Sign #3: Someone Named in Your Plan Has Passed Away

If a Personal Representative, Trustee, individual named to act in a Power of Attorney, or beneficiary has died, your plan should be reviewed immediately.

Sign #4: You Moved to Washington or Oregon

State laws differ.

Documents created elsewhere may still be valid, but they should be reviewed to ensure they align with current state laws and your goals.

Sign #5: Your Financial Situation Changed Significantly

A business sale, inheritance, retirement, or major asset purchase may create new planning opportunities or concerns.

Sign #6: A Serious Health Change Occurred

A diagnosis, injury, or long-term care concern may require additional planning protections.

Sign #7: It’s Been More Than Five Years

Even without major life changes, periodic reviews help ensure your documents remain effective and current.