How to Update Your Estate Plan After Major Life Events
- Jin-Wook Kim
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
Marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child? Learn when and why to update your estate plan to reflect life changes and protect your loved ones.
Creating an estate plan is a vital step—but it shouldn’t be a one-time event. Life changes, and your plan needs to keep up. Failing to update your documents after a major event could lead to unintended consequences or leave loved ones unprotected.
When Should You Review and Update Your Plan?
Marriage or Divorce
These events often affect beneficiary designations, spousal inheritance rights, and health care decision-making authority. Failing to update may result in an ex-spouse inheriting assets.
Birth or Adoption of a Child
If you’ve welcomed a child, your plan should reflect guardianship designations, age-based trusts, and updated beneficiaries.
Death or Incapacity of a Named Person
If a trustee, guardian, or agent under your power of attorney passes away or becomes unavailable, you’ll need to appoint someone else.
Major Changes in Assets or Location
Buying a home, selling a business, or moving to another state may affect how your plan functions or is interpreted.
Time Has Simply Passed
Even if nothing major has changed, it’s wise to review your plan every 3–5 years to ensure it still reflects your goals.
A Current Plan Is a Strong Plan?
An outdated estate plan can create confusion, conflict, or missed opportunities. Keeping your documents up to date helps ensure your wishes are honored—and your loved ones are protected.
Contact The Law Office of Jin-Wook Kim, P.C. to review and update your estate plan. We’ll help you stay aligned with your life today and your legacy tomorrow.
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