Estate Planning Checklist: Is Your Plan Still Working for You?

Estate Planning: A Living Document for Your Family's Future

An estate plan isn’t just a stack of documents; it’s a living plan designed to protect you and your loved ones through every stage of life. But here’s the truth: life changes, and your estate plan should change with it.

Whether you created your plan years ago or just want to ensure it still reflects your wishes, take a few minutes to walk through this self-check-up. It’s a simple way to make sure your plan continues to do what it’s meant to do—protect what matters most.

Why Regular Reviews Matter

Regularly reviewing your estate plan is essential. It ensures that your documents align with your current life circumstances and wishes. We all experience changes, and our plans should adapt accordingly.

The Importance of Life Changes

If you’ve had any significant milestones recently, it’s time for a review. Common examples include:

• Marriage or divorce

• Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild

• Retirement

• Receiving an inheritance

• Death of a loved one

• Moving to a new state

  
  

Even one of these events can impact how your estate plan works. Reviewing your documents ensures your plan still reflects your family structure, financial situation, and goals.

Key Decision-Makers: Are They Still the Right Fit?

Your estate plan only works as well as the people you’ve chosen to carry it out. Take a moment to think about whether your chosen agents are still the right fit.

• Financial Power of Attorney: Is this person still willing and able to act on your behalf? Did you name a backup?

• Healthcare Power of Attorney: Can this person be reached quickly in an emergency? Have you discussed your medical wishes with them?

• Personal Representative (Executor): Is this person still capable of winding up your affairs if something happens to you?

• Trustee: If you have a revocable living trust, can your successor trustee step in if you’re unable to serve?

• Guardian for Minor Children: Is your chosen guardian still the best person to care for your kids if needed?

  
  

If you aren’t sure, or you haven’t spoken to these individuals in a while, now is a great time to reconnect.

Checking Your Estate Planning Documents

Next, let’s ensure your estate planning documents are in order. Here are some questions to consider:

• Can you locate your documents easily?

• Do your loved ones know where to find them if needed?

• Are your documents stored securely?

  
  

If your documents are more than a few years old, financial institutions may question their validity. Updating signatures or re-executing key documents can prevent delays when it matters most.

Confirming Your Beneficiaries and Distribution Plan

Life changes, and so do your relationships and priorities. Review your will or trust to make sure your beneficiary designations still reflect your wishes.

Ask yourself:

• Are your beneficiaries still who you want to inherit from you?

• Do your charitable gifts still reflect your values?

• Have any beneficiaries passed away or had life changes that would affect your plan?

• Are you comfortable with how much and when each person receives their inheritance?

  
  

If you have a trust, make sure it’s properly funded. Every account and property should either be titled in the name of your trust or name your trust as a beneficiary. An unfunded trust can’t do its job.

Ensuring Everyone Knows Their Role

Naming someone in your documents is one thing; making sure they’re prepared is another. Talk to your chosen personal representative, trustee, and powers of attorney. Let them know:

• What their role involves

• Where your documents are located

• Who to contact (such as your attorney or financial advisor)

  
  

Having these conversations now makes things easier for your loved ones later.

Scheduling an Estate Planning Checklist Review

If your review uncovered missing documents, outdated designations, or questions about next steps, don’t worry; you don’t have to figure it out on your own.

At Plan Wise Legal, we help families review, update, and maintain estate plans that grow with them. Whether you’re revisiting an older plan or creating one for the first time, we’ll guide you through the process with clarity and care.

Ready to review your estate plan? Schedule your Estate Planning Checklist with Plan Wise Legal. Email us at info@planwiselegal.com or call (605) 291-1448 to schedule your free initial consultation.

Conclusion: Your Peace of Mind Matters

In conclusion, an estate plan is not static; it evolves with us. We must regularly check in on our plans to ensure they align with our current lives. By taking these steps, we can ensure that our loved ones are protected and our wishes are honored. Remember, we’re here to help you navigate this important journey. Your peace of mind matters, and together, we can secure your future.