7 Ways to Know It May Be Time to Update Your Florida Estate Plan Year End

Have you ever thought about whether you should update your Florida estate plan?  Is there a specific time when you should?  As you experience the fluid nature of life, with its array of both significant and minor changes, are you wondering whether it may influence the suitability and efficacy of your existing estate plan? 

The end of the year approaching may present an ideal time for thinking about and evaluating all of the changes in your life to determine if your current Florida estate plan still reflects your current situations and aspirations. The end of the year acts as a great starting point for contemplation, offering a natural period to closely study and reassess your personal, financial, and legal matters. We cannot overstate the importance of updating your Florida estate plan during this time. This process is necessary, not only for accommodating major life alterations, but also for ensuring that your estate plan precisely and effectively summarizes your desires in every legal facet.

We have 7 ways to know it may be time to update your Florida estate plan year end. The following ways are intended to guide you through the critical, yet frequently neglected, aspects of personal and family estate and financial planning.

1. One of the most common reasons to update an estate plan is a change in your family structure. This could include marriage, divorce, the birth of a child or grandchild, or the death of a family member. With these life events you may need to alter how you wish to distribute your assets and this should also prompt a review of your estate plan.
2. There may have been modifications to your financial situation. Significant changes in your financial situation, such as acquiring or selling major assets, such as a home or business, receiving a large inheritance, or experiencing a substantial increase or decrease in your net worth, can impact your estate planning needs. These changes might impact and necessitate a different strategy for asset distribution, tax planning, or setting up trusts.
3. Be aware, if you have moved to a different state, it is important to update your estate plan to comply with the laws of your new state. Estate planning laws can vary significantly from state to state, particularly regarding taxes, probate procedures, and legal requirements for wills and trusts.
4. Tax laws, especially estate tax laws, can change frequently. It is very important to review your estate plan in light of any recent tax law changes to ensure that your plan is still efficient and effective in minimizing tax liabilities for your heirs.
5. It is always a good practice to review your Florida estate plan periodically, even if no significant changes have occurred. As time passes, your wishes and priorities may transform, and it is  important that your estate plan reflects your current intentions.
6. You have experienced changes in business ownership or interests. If you are a business owner, changes in your business, such as a substantial increase in value, a buyout offer, or even a decision to retire or sell the business, should prompt a reevaluation of your estate plan. How your business interests are handled in your estate can have significant tax and legacy implications.
7. Over time, your philanthropic interests and goals may change. If you have developed a new interest in supporting certain causes or charities, or if you wish to increase your philanthropic giving, updating your estate plan can ensure that these wishes are honored. This may include setting up charitable trusts or adjusting your will or beneficiaries to include charitable donations.

Finally, by regularly reviewing and updating your estate plan you can be sure that it aligns with your current life circumstances and goals. It is highly recommended that you consult with an experienced Florida estate planning attorney to guide you through the process and ensure that your estate plan is comprehensive and up-to-date. Keep in mind, a well-maintained Florida estate plan is a vital part of securing your legacy and providing for your loved ones.

We know this article may raise more questions than it answers. Our estate planning law firm takes a very different approach from what you might have come to expect. Our goal is to create lifelong relationships with each of our clients, to guide and manage your legacy for the rest of your life. Please contact our offices in Stuart and in Palm City to learn more.