How Often Should You Review Your Estate Plan?
You
paid good money for a comprehensive estate plan to protect your family
and assets. So, when was the last time you reviewed it?
An
old, outdated estate plan is basically no good to you or your family,
so take a little time to have your plan reviewed to make sure it will
work the way you intend. If you pass away with an outdated estate plan,
your current wishes will not be carried out.
A
well written estate plan should change and evolve as your family and
life change and evolve. I recommend you review your estate plan at
least every three years or sooner if one of the following events
occurs:
* If you are newly married or if you re-marry
* If you get a divorce (even just legal separation)
* If you move to another state
* The birth of a child
* You adoption a child
* Death of a family member
* Property acquisition (especially house, vacation home, etc.)
* Changes in tax laws
* Inheriting assets from family or friends
* Selling your business or buying a business
* Retiring
* Buying property outside of your home state
Any
one of these life changing events can affect your estate plan and
require the addition, deletion, or revision of a provision or require
you to rewrite your entire plan.
Ask
your attorney if he/she has an updating and maintenance program that
you can participate in. That way, your estate plan will be regularly
reviewed and up-to-date to truly reflect your wishes.
If
you live in Maryland or Washington, D.C. and want to learn more about
Estate Planning, contact us anytime or signup below for our free Estate
and Financial Planning E-book (The Basics of Estate Planning).
If
you have any questions about estate planning or want additional
information about estate planning, please feel free to contact us at
any time at (301) 968-1630 or (202) 643-1837.
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