DANDELION GUIDE: PLANNING AND SUPPORT
Keeping Your Estate Plan Up to Date
Plans can always change
Estate planning isn’t “set it and forget it.” The more you keep things current and accessible, the easier you make it for your loved ones. Here are the key things to review, update, and remember so your plan actually works when it’s needed:
Key Estate Plan items to keep an eye on:
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Retirement accounts, life insurance, and “payable on death” bank accounts bypass your will.
Make sure names are current (ex-spouses are a common oversight).
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If you named guardians for children or trustees for trusts, confirm they’re still willing and able.
Update if relationships, health, or circumstances change.
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Federal estate tax exemption is high, but state inheritance/estate taxes may apply.
Ensure debts (mortgage, loans) are manageable with your plan.
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Advance health directive and powers of attorney should reflect your current wishes.
Make sure your chosen agents are still trusted and capable.
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Confirm your funeral or memorial preferences are written somewhere accessible.
Consider writing personal letters, ethical wills, or memory projects for loved ones.
Actionable steps for your Estate Plan:
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Life changes: Marriage, divorce, children/grandchildren, death of a loved one.
Asset changes: Buying/selling a house, opening new accounts, big investments.
Relocation: Moving to a different state (laws vary).
Review your plan every 3–5 years or after major life events.
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(See Family Sharing)
Tell your executor/trustee where documents are stored.
Keep a list of:
Financial accounts and institutions
Insurance policies
Passwords (in a secure manager or legacy access plan)
Key contacts (attorney, financial advisor, accountant)
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Ask yourself: If something happened tomorrow…
Would your executor/trustee know what to do?
Would your family know who to call?
Are your documents easy to find?
If you answered no, fix those gaps now.