Have you set goals or made resolutions for the new year? You may want to add “update my will” to the list. CNBC’s recent article entitled “When it comes to a will or estate plan, don’t just set it and forget it” says that your will should be updated when your personal circumstances change, which could happen at any time. Some frequent triggers include:
- Changes in health, including that of executors, agents, and guardians;
- Changes in laws, which may impact tax and legal strategies; and
- Changes in state residence, which can also impact planning.
Every state has different laws as to the administration of a will. They will vary regarding the required residence of an executor, inheritance tax laws and whether a child can be disinherited by omission. If your will was written outside the state of Texas, it’s important to update the document so that it names an “Independent Executor”. This step will save your loved ones time and expense when probating your will.
It’s wise to review your will every few years with an estate planning attorney, who likely will say that documents should also be reviewed when these events happen:
- A substantial change in your financial status;
- A change of parental status, like the birth of a child, marriage, divorce or separation;
- A change of guardians;
- Changes in designations of fiduciaries, such as the executor of the will, successor trustee of a revocable trust, agent under a financial or medical power of attorney; and
- Changes in a family member’s situation, such as if a child develops special needs and will need appropriate planning.
The article says that an overlooked trigger to updating your will is consolidation in the banking industry. If you named a bank as the executor of your estate and the bank has been bought or sold recently, you may now have a new executor.
Make certain that you know who that person or institution is – and that you trust its judgment.
It’s also important to revisit your beneficiaries after marriage or divorce.
Now is a great time to take stock of your estate planning documents, and consult with an experienced estate planning attorney to make needed changes. Contact our office today to get started.
Reference: CNBC (March 1, 2022) “When it comes to a will or estate plan, don’t just set it and forget it”
