As an estate planning attorney, I’ve found that the New Year offers the perfect opportunity to help my clients secure their family’s future. Many of my clients use this time to reflect on their goals and ensure their estate plans align with their current circumstances.
Updating Beneficiaries: Making Sure Your Plan Reflects Your Wishes
Estate plans work best when they grow with your family. Just last week, I met with a client – let’s call her Mary – who hadn’t reviewed her beneficiary designations since 2020. During our review, we discovered several areas that needed attention:
- Her new grandchild wasn’t included in the family trust
- Her retirement accounts still listed outdated beneficiaries
- She wanted to add a charitable organization that had become meaningful to her
By updating these designations now, Mary ensured her estate plan accurately reflected her current wishes and protected everyone she cared about.
Family Changes That Matter
Families grow and change – your estate plan should too. Another client, whom we’ll call Robert, came to me recently to update his plan after several family changes:
- His children had grown up, and his original guardianship choices needed revision
- His family had welcomed new members through marriage
- Some beneficiaries needed different levels of financial protection than before
Together, we adjusted his plan to accommodate these changes while maintaining his original intentions for his family’s future.
Keeping Pace with Financial Growth and Laws
Estate planning isn’t just about distribution – it’s about protection. Here’s what we typically review:
- Changes in federal and California estate laws that might affect your plan
- New property or assets that should be included in your trust
- Opportunities to enhance your plan’s efficiency
A well-maintained estate plan gives you the freedom to focus on what matters most – enjoying life with your loved ones. That’s why the New Year is an ideal time to ensure your plan still serves your family’s needs.
How to Get Started
If you haven’t reviewed your estate plan recently, let’s work together to:
- Review your current plan comprehensively
- Identify areas that need updating
- Implement changes that reflect your current wishes
As your California estate planning attorney, I’m here to help you create and maintain an estate plan that protects your family and preserves your legacy. Whether you need a simple update or a complete review, we can work together to ensure your plan accomplishes your goals.
Make It Your Resolution
The New Year brings fresh opportunities to secure your family’s future. Let’s start 2025 by making sure your estate plan continues to protect what matters most to you. Contact our office today – because giving your family the gift of security is always the right choice.
EsEstate Plan Review and Estate Planning Services
To schedule your estate plan review, contact Estate Planning Attorney, Eric A. Rudolph, at (760) 673-7600 , [email protected] or schedule an estate planning consultation. We look forward to helping you start the New Year with confidence and peace of mind.
