It’s spring, and time for fresh starts. This year, you’re ready to paint lackluster walls and replant flower beds; in other words, the things you can see, which get more attention than those you don’t. Along those lines, remember to update estate planning documents, says an article appearing in The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, “Estate planning deserves as spot on your spring checklist.”
Estate plans should be updated when events occur to change either the property in your life or how you wish it to be distributed after your death. If you’ve purchased a new home or opened a new investment account, welcomed a new baby into the family, or been divorced, it’s time to review your estate plan. The same is true if you’ve moved to a new state, where the laws about trusts and wills are going to be different.
Regardless of your age, marital status, or parental status, you need a will. Even if you’re young, healthy and looking forward to many years ahead, you need a will. Those with fewer assets also need a will. Otherwise, your property will be distributed according to the laws of your state, and your preferences won’t matter.
Already have a will? Terrific—take it out and review it to be sure the directives still match your wishes. If your children are now grown, you can remove provisions about naming a guardian. If you’ve become a widow, you may want to redirect items originally going to your spouse and bequeath them to someone else.
Sorting these issues and putting them in an estate plan is a gift to loved ones. It spares them the thankless tasks of guessing what you wanted and living with questions about their decisions.
Revocable trusts are used to distribute assets. However, unlike a will, a trust doesn’t have to be filed in probate court. This could save loved ones time and money in settling your estate. It will also keep your private affairs private. Most people don’t know this. However, wills become part of the public record once filed with the court. Anyone, from a scammer to estranged relatives (or nosy neighbors!) can gain access to your will. Property placed in a trust is protected, known only to the trustee.
Your estate plan should include an advance directive, sometimes known as a living will, to clarify your preferences for medical treatment and end-of-life care if you aren’t able to communicate your wishes. This is a different document from a health care power of attorney. The healthcare POA lets someone make decisions on health care, while the living will gives direct instructions for end-of-life care.
Make sure that your estate is carried out according to your wishes by having these documents prepared by an experienced estate planning attorney. They will ensure that everything complies with your state’s laws and is properly signed, witnessed and notarized. Even a small error can create large complications. You’ll want an attorney who focuses on estate planning, not one who dabbles in estate planning on the side. They know the legal standards for your jurisdiction and ensure that your estate plan works when it’s needed.
Once your estate plan is done, it’s time to clean out the garage. Happy Spring!
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Reference: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (March 26, 2026) “Estate planning deserves as spot on your spring checklist”
