You know that feeling when you finally tackle that one task that’s been nagging at you?  That stack of papers on your desk. The dusty estate planning binder on your shelf. The mental note reminding you to update your beneficiaries. We get it – life gets busy, and these important tasks often get pushed aside by daily demands. But as we enter 2026, now is the perfect time to take a step back and ensure your legacy plans are current and complete.

There’s something deeply satisfying about checking things off your list and knowing exactly where everything stands. We’ve created a manageable checklist to help you start the new year with confidence and clarity. 

First Things First: The Essentials

Do you have these basic estate planning documents that every adult needs?

• • Will or Trust: Directs how your assets should be distributed
• • Durable Power of Attorney: Names someone to handle financial and legal matters if you can’t
• • Advance Directive: Designates who makes medical decisions if you’re unable and specifies your wishes for end-of-life care
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When Was the Last Time You Reviewed Your Plan?

If it’s been more than three years since you created or updated your estate plan, it’s time for a review. Life changes quickly, and your plan should reflect your current circumstances. Consider whether any of these situations apply to you:

• • Marriage, divorce, or remarriage
• • Birth or adoption of children or grandchildren
• • Death of a beneficiary or person named in your documents
• • Significant changes in your assets or financial situation
• • Relocation to a different state
• • Changes in your relationship with the people you’ve named in your documents
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Don’t Forget Your Beneficiary Designations

Here’s something many people overlook: beneficiary designations on retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and bank accounts override what’s in your will or trust. Take a few minutes to review:

• • Life insurance policies
• • Retirement accounts (401(k)s, IRAs)
• • Bank and investment accounts
• • Any accounts with “payable on death” or “transfer on death” designations
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Make sure these align with your overall estate plan and reflect your current wishes.

Update Your Important Information

Your estate plan includes more than just legal documents. Make sure the following information is current and easily accessible to your family:

• • List of accounts and where to find them
• • Digital asset information and passwords
• • Location of important documents
• • Contact information for your attorney, financial advisor, and accountant
• • Insurance policy details
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Take Action Now

Starting the new year with an organized, up-to-date estate plan brings invaluable peace of mind. You’ll know your loved ones are protected, and you can move forward into 2026 with confidence.

If you need help reviewing your current plan or creating one from scratch, we’re here to guide you. Contact our office to schedule a consultation, and let’s make sure your legacy plans are exactly where they need to be.