There are a variety of different times in the estate planer’s life when they should consider reviewing and updating their estate plan. In addition, to regular and routine reviews of their estate plan, estate planners should know when they should consider taking a second look.
Milestones
Estate plans should not be set in stone and should change as the estate planner’s life changes. There are a variety of circumstances during which the estate planner should consider updating their estate plan. It is helpful to be aware of each.
The estate planner buys a house: If the estate planner buys a house, they should include this change in their estate plan.
The estate planner starts a business: If the estate planner starts a business, they should include this change in their estate plan and consider succession planning as well.
A family member dies: If the estate planner suffers a death, it may impact their estate plan and they should update it to reflect the change.
A family member needs long term care: If a family member needs long-term care, the estate planner may want to update their estate plan with this change. The estate planner can also use their estate plan to make arrangements for their own long-term care planning.
The estate planner has a child: If the estate planner has a child, they will want to update their estate plan to include the child in it.
The estate planner marries: If the estate planner marries, they will likely want to update several parts of their estate plan with this change.
The estate planner divorces: If the estate planner divorces, they will likely want to update several parts of their estate plan with this change.
If the estate planner relocates, they may also want to revisit their estate plan and estate planners should always keep in mind to update their estate plan if their assets or liabilities change. Estate planning is an evolving and beneficial process for estate planners to take seriously. As part of that, it is helpful to know when to update an estate plan.
Comments