How Often Should I Update My Estate Strategy?
Estate strategies for the future may be essential, especially when it comes to securing the well-being of your loved ones after you're gone. Your strategy is not a one-time task but a process that should evolve with your and your family's needs. Let's explore why regularly examining your estate strategy and updating it when necessary is key to generational financial well-being.
How Often Should I Update My Estate Strategy?
Many folks wonder how often to update their estate strategy and resulting estate documents. The general rule of thumb is at least every 3-5 years, if not more often. Fidelity recommends reviewing your estate strategy when you review your entire financial plan, which could be annually, semi-annually, or quarterly.1 But more importantly, you should review your estate strategy whenever you have a major life change.
Your estate strategy is a comprehensive set of legal documents that outline your wishes regarding your assets, property distribution, healthcare preferences, and more. Most people’s estate documents will include wills, powers of attorney, health care directives and sometimes trusts. However, life is unpredictable, and circumstances can change. Without regular updates, your estate strategy may not reflect your current situation or wishes.
Major Life Events That Signal an Estate Strategy Review
While everyone may review their estate strategy regularly at different intervals, certain life events should prompt an immediate review. Here are some key events to consider:2
Marriage or Divorce
When you get married, you'll likely want to update your estate strategy to include your spouse in your plans. Conversely, divorce may necessitate removing an ex-spouse from your strategy. Typically, this means re-evaluating who are beneficiaries of your accounts and who is listed as a key person (personal representative or power of attorney) in your estate documents.
Birth or Adoption of a Child
Welcoming a new child into your family means updating your plans to consider either setting up a revocable trust to help manage assets in the case of your death or including them directly as a beneficiary. You'll also want to appoint guardians if something were to happen to you and your partner.
Death of a Loved One
The passing of a spouse, child, or another beneficiary should prompt a review of your estate strategy to ensure assets are distributed according to your new wishes.
Change in Financial Status
Significant changes in your assets, whether through inheritance, investments, or property acquisitions, should trigger a review of your estate plans. It is important to consider the current federal and state tax laws when updating your plans and a large change in net worth might trigger new considerations.
Relocation to Another State or Country
Laws regarding estates vary by jurisdiction. If you move, it's essential to review your strategy with an estate attorney who is well versed in the local state laws to be sure your documents don’t need adjustments.
Changes in Health
If you're diagnosed with a serious illness or experience a decline in health, you should review and update your healthcare directives and powers of attorney. Be sure to communicate these changes with the people who will be acting as your health care representative and power of attorney so they are well informed of your wishes.
The question of how often you are updating your estate plans comes down to a balance between regular reviews and responding to major life events. While a general timeline of every 3-5 years is a good rule of thumb, life changes should always prompt a review. Your strategy should be a reflection of your current circumstances, wishes, and the legal landscape. By staying proactive and updating your estate strategy accordingly, you can ensure that your loved ones are taken care of and your legacy is protected.
This content is developed from sources believed to be providing accurate information, and provided by Twenty Over Ten. It may not be used for the purpose of avoiding any federal tax penalties. Please consult legal or tax professionals for specific information regarding your individual situation. The opinions expressed and material provided are for general information, and should not be considered a solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security.