Your Estate Plan Should Grow as Life Changes
Creating an estate plan is an important milestone — but it’s not a one-time task. As your life evolves, your legal documents should, too. Knowing when to
update your estate plan in California ensures your wishes remain accurate and legally enforceable under current laws.
At
Jennifer Shelton, A Professional Law Corporation, we help Californians keep their wills, trusts, and directives aligned with their goals and family circumstances.
Major Life Events That Require an Estate Plan Update
Marriage or Domestic Partnership
When you marry or enter a registered domestic partnership, California’s community property laws come into play. Updating your plan ensures your spouse or partner is properly included in your estate documents and beneficiary designations.
Divorce or Separation
After a divorce, many people forget to remove an ex-spouse from their will or trust. While California automatically revokes certain spousal rights, others remain valid unless you update your documents. Reviewing your plan protects your assets and your intent.
Buying or Selling Property
If you’ve recently bought a home or sold one, your property titles and trust documents may need adjustment. Adding a new property to a
revocable living trust helps avoid probate and keeps your estate administration simple for loved ones.
Having or Adopting Children
Your estate plan should name guardians and provide financial protection for minors. Setting up a children’s trust or custodial account can ensure your kids are cared for according to your wishes.
Starting or Expanding a Business
If you’ve launched a business, your estate plan should include ownership interests and succession planning. This ensures the business continues smoothly if something happens to you.
Changes in Wealth or Beneficiaries
Inheritances, career changes, or family events like deaths or estrangements all warrant review. Keeping beneficiaries and asset listings up to date prevents confusion and future disputes.
Don’t Forget Legal Updates
California laws change over time — especially those governing taxes, probate thresholds, and trusts. Even if your circumstances haven’t changed, it’s wise to review your plan every three to five years to stay compliant and effective.
Why Updating Matters
An outdated estate plan can create unintended consequences. Without current information, courts and fiduciaries must interpret your wishes, often leading to delays or conflict. Regular reviews help your estate plan reflect your present goals, relationships, and assets.
Take the Next Step Toward Peace of Mind
If it’s been several years since you created or reviewed your documents, now is the perfect time to schedule a consultation.
Jennifer Shelton, A Professional Law Corporation, provides personalized estate planning reviews for clients across Siskiyou County, Del Norte County, and throughout California.
