Maintaining Your Estate Plan Over Time

Why your estate plan needs maintenance

Life doesn’t stand still—neither should your estate plan. Major events like marriage, divorce, new children, business changes, or buying property can all shift your priorities. Regular updates make sure your documents reflect today’s assets, family structure, and goals. Without them, even the best-written plan can become outdated and ineffective.

When to review your plan

• Every 2–3 years: A general check-in keeps beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, and trusts aligned with current laws.
• After major life events: Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, moves, and significant financial changes all trigger an immediate need to review documents.
• When laws or tax rules change: Federal and Texas rules evolve; periodic attorney review ensures compliance and efficiency.

If you’re unsure where to start, revisit Selecting Executors and Trustees for Your Estate to confirm your appointed individuals are still the right fit.

Documents to keep current

1. Wills and codicils

Update your will whenever beneficiaries, property, or family structures change. Ensure the executor and alternates can still serve, and that specific bequests remain accurate.

2. Trusts and funding documents

Verify that assets are correctly titled to the trust. If you acquire new property, open investment accounts, or change banks, retitle those assets to avoid probate. Review the trustee’s powers and distribution rules for ongoing suitability.

3. Powers of attorney and healthcare directives

Ensure your financial and medical agents are available, willing, and capable. Replace anyone who has moved away, fallen ill, or no longer represents your wishes. Update contact details in the documents and with relevant institutions.

4. Beneficiary designations

Confirm that all accounts—retirement, insurance, payable-on-death (POD) and transfer-on-death (TOD) accounts—mirror your written plan. Mismatched designations often create conflicts after death.

How to organize and store documents

• Originals: Keep signed originals in a fireproof safe or bank box, and tell executors or trustees how to access them.
• Copies: Give copies to your attorney and trusted family members.
• Digital backups: Store secure, encrypted scans in a password-protected vault.
• Inventory list: Maintain a simple index of all documents and key contacts. Update it yearly.

For practical recordkeeping methods, see Understanding Your Assets for Estate Planning.

Common reasons people delay updates

• Perceived complexity: Many assume an update requires rewriting everything. Often, a short amendment or codicil suffices.
• Cost concerns: Regular small updates prevent expensive fixes later.
• Emotional avoidance: Revisiting decisions about death or incapacity is uncomfortable—but avoiding it leaves loved ones unprepared.

How your attorney can help

Lawyers maintain templates and checklists to streamline updates. They track changes in statutes and local probate procedures that might affect your documents. At Brown Law PLLC, we schedule client reviews every few years or after significant life changes. You can also request a standing reminder via our office to ensure your plan stays current.

Practical maintenance steps

1. Review wills, trusts, and powers of attorney every 2–3 years.
2. Check all beneficiary designations annually.
3. Verify digital asset access lists.
4. Ensure executors and trustees still agree to serve.
5. Store new versions safely and destroy outdated copies.

When not to wait

If you move to another state, remarry, or experience a major health change, update your plan immediately. State-specific laws about homestead, community property, and probate procedures vary widely.

Keeping communication open

Estate planning is ultimately about clarity. Discuss your updates with family and fiduciaries. Sharing intentions now reduces confusion later and prevents disputes during probate. To learn how a well-structured plan simplifies administration, read Three Disadvantages of Probate.

Closing the loop

Regular updates protect not only your assets but also your relationships. An up-to-date plan removes uncertainty, empowers your loved ones, and reflects your current wishes. Schedule a review today—your future self, and your family, will thank you.

Contact Brown Law PLLC

Our Houston-based attorneys help clients maintain effective estate plans that evolve with their lives. Contact us to schedule a review or discuss adjustments to your current plan.

FAQs

How often should I review my estate plan?

Every two to three years, or after any major life change. Laws and family circumstances shift faster than most people realize.

Do I need to redo all documents for small updates?

Not always. Minor changes can often be handled through amendments or updated beneficiary forms rather than starting over.

Who should get copies of my updated documents?

Your attorney, executor, trustee, and trusted family members should all have access to the latest versions or know exactly where they’re stored.