Why Should You Review Your Will Every Few Years?

We all know that feeling of relief when a big task is finally crossed off the to-do list. Signing your will likely gave you that exact sense of accomplishment. You secured your legacy, protected your family and locked the papers away for safekeeping. But here’s the hard truth: life doesn’t stand still, and neither should your estate plan.

At The Bellinger Law Office, we recognize that a will is a living document, not a one-time transaction. Just as you wouldn’t drive a car for ten years without an oil change, you shouldn’t let your estate plan sit unreviewed while your life evolves. An outdated will can lead to confusion, family disputes or assets going to the wrong people. By revisiting your plan regularly, you ensure that your hard-earned legacy is distributed according to your current wishes, not the wishes of a version of you from five or ten years ago.

Here are the key reasons why scheduling a review with an experienced estate planning attorney is a smart move for your peace of mind.

What Life Changes Should Make Me Update My Will?

Major life events are the most common triggers for updating an estate plan. If your personal landscape has shifted, your legal documents need to shift with it. When reviewing your will, consider if any of the following apply to you:

• Marriage or Divorce
• Birth or Adoption
• Loss of a Loved One
• Health Changes

These kinds of significant personal events can impact you and the loved ones mentioned in your will, so making sure all designations are current is a worthwhile priority.

How Can Outdated Clauses Impact My Will?

Leaving old clauses in your will can create legal headaches for your surviving family members. For example, you may have appointed a guardian for your children who is no longer suitable or capable. Perhaps you named an executor who has since moved away or with whom you’ve lost touch. Or, if your will appoints a specific asset to a beneficiary but you no longer own that item, it creates an “adeemed gift.” These situations can cause problems when your estate needs to be administered later on.

Do New Laws Impact My Will?

State and federal laws regarding taxes, inheritances and trusts change frequently. What was a tax-efficient strategy five years ago might now leave your estate vulnerable to unnecessary liabilities. Similarly, laws on estate administration and probate can evolve, impacting how documents are interpreted. By reviewing your will with an attorney, your plan will stay compliant with current regulations, helping you minimize taxes and maximize what you pass on to your beneficiaries.

Why Is It Important to Update My Will With Any Asset Updates?

Your financial picture today likely looks very different than it did when you first drafted your will. Significant changes in your net worth require a fresh look at your estate plan.

• Acquiring New Assets: Buying a new home, starting a business or receiving an inheritance increases the value of your estate and requires specific distribution instructions.
• Selling Assets: If you’ve downsized or sold a business, your will needs to reflect that these assets are no longer part of the equation.
• Retirement Accounts: The beneficiaries listed on your insurance policies and retirement accounts often override what is written in your will, so alignment between these designations is imperative.

If your will ignores or misappropriates important assets, they may in turn become headaches rather than gifts for your beneficiaries.

Renew Your Confidence in Your Estate Plan

Your life is dynamic, and your estate plan should be too. Don’t let an outdated document undermine the security you’ve worked so hard to build. Taking the time to review your will is a way to care for those you leave behind, making sure everything is exactly as you intend without the stress of any legal ambiguity.

At The Bellinger Law Office, we are dedicated to ensuring you never feel like “just another client.” We are here to listen to your goals, understand your family dynamics and provide the personalized guidance you need for every part of the estate planning process. Ready to review your estate plan? Contact The Bellinger Law Office today to schedule a consultation.