An estate plan should reflect the life you have now—not the life you had when the documents were first signed. A review can help you spot whether a change in family, property, health, or priorities deserves a legal update.
Common moments to schedule a review
Many people revisit their plan after a marriage, divorce, birth or adoption, death in the family, significant change in assets, move, or change in the person they would trust to make decisions. You may also want a review when you buy or sell real estate, start a business, receive an inheritance, or have not looked at the documents in several years.
What to bring
Bring your current will, trust, powers of attorney, health-care documents, beneficiary designations, and a list of the people and assets you are thinking about. The first discussion can focus on what has changed and whether your current documents still support your goals.
A review is not an automatic rewrite
Sometimes the existing plan still works. Other times, a focused update is appropriate. The value of the consultation is identifying what needs attention rather than guessing from a generic online checklist.
Talk about your situation
Every family and estate is different. For guidance tailored to your circumstances, call Mortensen Law to schedule a consultation at the Newhall office.
Call (661) 799-9225Common questions
Frequently asked questions
How often should an estate plan be reviewed?
A review after major life changes and periodically over time can help confirm that the plan still reflects your circumstances and wishes.
Do I need to update my estate plan after moving to California?
A move can be a good reason to have California counsel review documents, especially if they were prepared under another state’s laws.
Can beneficiary designations affect my estate plan?
Yes. Beneficiary designations on accounts or policies can be important and should be considered alongside your will or trust.
This article is general information only and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.