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August 20, 2026
Why Regular Estate Reviews Matter
In honor of National Make A Will Month, it’s an ideal moment to revisit a question that comes up often: How frequently should you review your estate plan? While many people hope for a simple timeline—every three years, every five years—the truth is more nuanced. Estate plans are most effective when they evolve alongside your life, your family, and your financial circumstances. Needs and life stages, not the calendar, are what truly drive meaningful updates.
Changes in the lives of the individuals named in your documents can create an immediate need for revision. If your executor has passed away, moved out of state, or is no longer the right person to serve, your will should be updated to reflect a new choice. The same principle applies to guardians for minor children. A guardian who has relocated, whose personal circumstances have shifted, or who is no longer the best fit may need to be replaced to ensure your child’s future care aligns with your intentions. Significant changes in tax laws or in your financial picture—such as the sale of a business, a major inheritance, or a substantial increase or decrease in assets—can also make updates necessary to preserve tax efficiency and protect beneficiaries.
Life stages bring their own considerations. A move to a new state should prompt a review by an attorney licensed in that jurisdiction, as estate planning laws vary widely. When children are young, trusts often serve as essential tools to safeguard their inheritance until they reach an age of maturity. As children grow, those trust terms may need to be adjusted—or the trust may no longer be needed at all. Once children become adults, it may be appropriate to name them to positions of responsibility, such as executor, trustee, or attorney in fact, reflecting their increased capability and your evolving family dynamics.
For clients who prefer a more concrete guideline, we generally recommend reviewing estate planning documents at least every five years. This cadence offers practical benefits, particularly for lifetime planning documents such as powers of attorney and advance health care directives. Institutions and individuals are far more comfortable accepting recently dated powers of attorney; older documents, though legally valid, can raise concerns about whether they have been revoked, replaced, or superseded. A current document reduces friction and ensures your wishes can be carried out without delay.
The future is always uncertain, but your preparedness doesn’t have to be. Periodic reviews ensure that your estate plan remains aligned with your life as it changes—personally, professionally, and financially. As Ferris Bueller wisely reminded us, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, [and evaluate your estate plan] you could miss it.”
