Creating an estate plan is an important step—but it’s not the final step. Your life will continue to evolve, and so should your estate plan. At Fishbein Law Group, we help clients not only build well-structured plans but also keep them up to date.
In this article, we’ll explain why maintaining your estate plan matters, when to review it, and how a qualified estate planning attorney can help you avoid common problems caused by outdated documents.
Why Maintenance Is Essential
Even the best-drafted plan can become ineffective if it doesn’t reflect your current wishes, family dynamics, or asset structure. Failure to update your estate plan can result in:
- Outdated beneficiary designations
- Disqualified or deceased fiduciaries
- Misaligned asset ownership or trust funding
- Exposure to unnecessary taxes or probate
- Legal uncertainty or disputes among heirs
Estate planning is not a one-time event. It’s an ongoing process designed to grow with you.
Life Changes That May Require an Update
We recommend reviewing your estate plan every 2 to 3 years, or sooner if you experience significant life events such as:
- Marriage, divorce, or remarriage
- Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
- Death or incapacity of a named beneficiary, trustee, or agent
- Inheritance or major financial changes
- Buying or selling a home or business
- Changes in estate tax laws or state residency
These events can impact how your plan functions and whether it will still achieve your intended outcome.
What We Review in a Plan Check-Up
At Fishbein Law Group, we offer periodic reviews to ensure your plan is still complete and effective. During a check-up, we:
- Confirm that your fiduciaries (Trustees, Powers of Attorney, Guardians) are still appropriate
- Verify that your beneficiaries are up to date
- Review the funding of your trust to ensure assets are titled correctly
- Evaluate whether your health care and financial directives reflect your current wishes
- Identify new planning opportunities or legal considerations
We also provide reminders and tools to help you track and maintain your plan over time.
The Importance of Trust Funding Reviews
Many people forget that keeping a trust updated includes adding new accounts or property over time. If you’ve opened a new investment account, purchased a new home, or inherited assets, those should be addressed in your trust.
We provide guidance and follow-up support to help ensure:
- New assets are properly titled
- Beneficiary designations are aligned with your overall plan
- Personal property assignments remain current
Our Commitment to Ongoing Support
We believe every client should feel confident their plan will work when it’s needed. That’s why we:
- Offer easy scheduling for review appointments (in-person or virtual)
- Charge flat fees for most updates, with no hourly surprises
- Maintain digital copies of your signed documents for reference
- Provide education on relevant changes in law and best practices
Maintaining your estate plan is just as important as creating it. Life changes, laws change, and your priorities may change too. A proactive review ensures your plan remains enforceable, efficient, and aligned with your goals.
At Fishbein Law Group, we make the process of maintaining your plan simple, clear, and ongoing. Schedule your estate plan review today and make sure your legacy is protected.
For more information on Tempe Estate Planning Attorneys, or if you would like a Living Trust Attorney in Tempe, or know more about Medical Powers of Attorney, call Fishbein Law Group at (480) 920-1000 for a courtesy conversation.
The text above is for general informational purposes and should not be considered legal advice.