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New Year, New Plan for 2026

The start of a new year is a natural time to take stock of your goals, finances, and priorities. While many people focus on resolutions like budgeting or retirement savings, one important task often gets overlooked: reviewing and updating your estate plan.

Even a well-drafted estate plan isn’t a “set it and forget it” document. Laws change, life changes, and your plan should change with them. So how often should you update your estate plan?

A Good Rule of Thumb: Review Every 3–5 Years

In general, most estate planning attorneys recommend reviewing your estate plan every three to five years, even if nothing major has changed. This ensures your documents still reflect your wishes, align with current laws, and function as intended.

Think of your estate plan as a living set of instructions—not a one-time task. A regular review helps catch outdated provisions before they become a problem.

Major Life Events That Should Trigger an Update

Certain life events should prompt an immediate review or update to your estate plan, regardless of when it was last drafted. These include:

• Marriage or divorce
• Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
• Death or incapacity of a spouse, beneficiary, trustee, or agent
• Significant changes in finances (inheritance, business sale, retirement, or major asset purchase)
• Moving to a new state
• Changes in family relationships or dynamics

If any of these have occurred in the past year, the new year is an ideal time to revisit your plan.

Legal and Tax Changes Matter Too

Estate planning laws evolve over time, and updates at the federal or state level can impact how your plan works.

For example, California has specific rules governing trusts, probate procedures, community property, and financial and healthcare powers of attorney. Even if your goals haven’t changed, your documents may need adjustments to stay compliant with current California law or to take advantage of updated planning strategies.

Regular reviews help ensure your plan remains legally sound and effective.

When “Small” Changes Still Matter

You don’t need a dramatic life event to justify an update. Seemingly minor changes can have major consequences if left unaddressed, such as:

• An executor or trustee who is no longer able or willing to serve
• Beneficiaries who are now adults, married, or financially independent
• Guardians named years ago who may no longer be the best choice
• Plans that no longer reflect how assets are titled or owned

Even modest updates can significantly improve clarity, efficiency, and peace of mind.

A New Year Is the Perfect Time to Review

A new year offers a clean slate and a fresh opportunity to make sure your estate plan still protects the people and assets that matter most. Whether your plan needs a few updates or a more comprehensive review, addressing it now can help you avoid surprises later.

Ready for a Review?

If it’s been a few years since you last updated your estate plan—or if your life has changed recently—now is the time to take action. At Herbert Law Office, we help individuals and families review, update, and create estate plans that reflect their current goals and comply with California law.

New year, new plan—contact us today at (661) 273-9007 to schedule your free consultation and start 2026 with confidence.