How Often Should You Update Your Estate Plan?

Let’s be honest: most people don’t wake up in the morning and think, “I should really update my estate plan today.” But if you already have an estate plan, or you’re thinking about putting one together, here’s something important to keep in mind: an estate plan isn’t something you do once and never look at again. 

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At Oriol Law Firm, we help people make sure their estate plans actually reflect their current life, not the version of their life from years ago. Because life changes, and your plan should too. 

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Here are some common life events that should trigger a review: 

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1. Getting married or divorced 

• Marriage can mean adding a spouse to your plan. Divorce means it’s time to probably remove them, especially if they’re still listed as a beneficiary or decision maker. 

2. Having or adopting a child 

• Not only will you want to make sure the child is included in your estate, but that you’ve named someone you trust to be their guardian if something were to ever happen to you. 

3. Big financial changes 

• Whether you've bought a house, started a business, or inherited some money, financial changes can impact how your estate should be managed and distributed. 

4. Losing someone named in your plan 

• If a beneficiary, executor, or guardian passes away or is no longer the right choice, you’ll have to update your documents. 

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Something a lot of people don’t realize is Louisiana has its own estate rules, especially surrounding issues like community property. What might work in other states doesn’t always fly here in Louisiana, so it’s extremely important to keep your estate plan aligned with state law. Also, laws (both federal and state) change over time. Even if your plan was solid when you made it, legal updates could affect how well it works now. That’s why regular reviews matter. 

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How Often Should You Review It? 

Even if life seems pretty stable, we recommend reviewing your plan every 3 to 5 years. Think of it like a check-up—regular reviews of your estate plan make sure everything is still accurate, up to date, and legally effective. 

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We’re Here To Help 

Whether you need a quick update or a total overhaul, Oriol Law Firm is here to make estate planning easy and stress-free. We’ll walk you through the process, answer any questions, and ensure your estate plan aligns with your life and circumstances. Not sure where to begin? Reach out to us and we’ll help you get started.

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