We tend to think of Estate Planning as something you “set and forget.” You sign the documents, file them away, and assume everything is taken care of. But the reality is that estate plans are living frameworks—designed to adapt as your life changes.
A mid-year checkup is a smart way to make sure your estate plan is still doing what it was built to do: protect your assets, your wishes, and your family.
Here’s how to evaluate whether your plan is still on track—and when it may be time to update it.
- Have Any Major Life Changes Happened?
Life doesn’t stand still, and your estate plan shouldn’t either. Even in just the first half of the year, consider whether any of the following have occurred:
- Marriage, divorce, or separation
- Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
- Death of a loved one named in your plan
- Change of address or phone number
- A significant change in health
- A move to a new state (especially important in California)
Any of these events can impact who is in your estate plan, what they receive, and who is responsible for carrying out your wishes.
- Are Your Named People Still the Right Choices?
Your estate plan likely names key roles such as:
- Executor or personal representative
- Trustee(s)
- Guardians for minor children
- Agents under your power of attorney and health care directive
A common issue we see is that people set these roles years ago and never revisit them. Relationships change. Availability changes. Capability changes.
Ask yourself:
- Are these still the people I trust most to handle these responsibilities?
- Are they still willing and able to serve?
- Do I have backups listed if something changes unexpectedly?
- Have Your Financial Circumstances Shifted?
Even modest changes in your finances can affect how your estate plan functions. Consider whether you’ve experienced:
- Buying or selling real estate
- Opening or closing accounts
- Starting or selling a business
- Receiving an inheritance
- Significant changes in investment portfolios or retirement accounts
If your assets have changed, your trust or will may no longer reflect what you actually own—or how you want it distributed.
- Are Your Beneficiary Designations Up to Date?
This is one of the most overlooked areas in Estate Planning.
It is important to regularly review accounts such as:
- Retirement plans (401(k), IRA)
- Life insurance policies
- Payable-on-death bank accounts
These accounts often pass outside of your will or Living Trust based on beneficiary designations.
If those designations are outdated, they can override your estate plan entirely. A mid-year review is a good time to confirm everything still aligns with your intentions.
- Has the Law Changed Since You Last Reviewed Your Plan?
Estate planning laws can shift at both the state and federal level. While not every change requires an immediate update, some do affect:
- Tax planning strategies
- Trust structures
- Probate thresholds and procedures
- Long-term asset protection approaches
If your documents are several years old, it’s worth having them reviewed for compliance and tax avoidance under current state and federal law.
- Does Your Plan Still Reflect Your Wishes?
This may be the most important question of all.
Even if nothing “major” has changed on paper, your priorities may have shifted:
- You may want to adjust inheritances among family members
- You may want to include new charitable intentions
- You may want to refine how and when beneficiaries receive assets
- You may want stronger protections for certain heirs
Your estate plan should reflect who you are today—not who you were when it was first drafted.
Why a Mid-Year Review Matters
Estate Planning is often pushed to the bottom of the to-do list because it doesn’t feel urgent. But small gaps can turn into significant problems later—especially for families who assume everything is “handled.”
A mid-year checkup helps ensure:
- Your documents still match your life
- Your wishes are clearly expressed
- Your loved ones are protected from unnecessary stress or court involvement
Final Thought
If it has been more than a year since you last reviewed your estate plan—or if any major life changes have occurred—it’s worth taking time now to confirm everything is still working as intended.
Even a quick review can prevent confusion, conflict, and unintended outcomes later.
Ready for a Review?
If you’re unsure whether your current estate plan still fits your situation, a brief review with a qualified estate planning attorney can provide clarity and peace of mind.
Contact Herbert Law Office at (661) 273-9007 to schedule a consultation and make sure your plan is still doing its job.