The Top Ten
Reasons Why Your Estate Plan Should Be Reviewed

The following is a list of some of the events that would suggest that your estate plan should be reviewed. Of course, the list is not exhaustive. Many other events or developments might also trigger a review.

1. A spouse, child, or other beneficiary had died, become disabled, or is in a bad marriage.
2. Your estate plan has not been reviewed in the last three years or you haven’t signed a comprehensive HIPAA Medical Information Release.
3. There has been a significant change in your financial situation, or you or your spouse (or significant other) is likely to enter a nursing hoe in the near future.
4. There has been a change in the relationship between you and the people you have named as executors, beneficiaries, trustees, guardians, or agent under your powers of attorney.
5. You now own out-of- state property, are inheriting money, or own highly appreciated assets (real estate or securities).
6. You are significantly older or in poorer health than when you signed your estate plan. Perhaps your goal has changed from protecting yourself from your children to making it easier for them.
7. You read something (perhaps in this list) which raised some doubts as to whether your estate plan is as effective as it could be.
8. Your powers of attorney are more than ten years old.
9. You have been divorced or remarried since your estate plan was signed.
10. You would like to do estate planning for your parents to a) minimize their estate taxes and probate costs; b) protect your inheritance in case you are sued or get divorced; and c) reduce or eliminate estate taxes at your death on what you inherit from them.