A complete estate plan isn’t something you create once and forget. In Southern California—where families grow, property values shift, and life changes quickly—reviewing your plan regularly ensures your wishes remain clear and legally effective. Working with an
estate planning attorney Orange County or an
estate planning lawyer Irvine can help you keep everything current and aligned with California law.
Major Life Events That Call for an Update
Your estate plan should evolve as your life changes. The following milestones are strong indicators you should revisit your documents:
Marriage or Divorce
A new marriage may require adding a spouse as a beneficiary or agent. Divorce usually requires removing an ex-spouse from your will, trust, or powers of attorney.
Birth or Adoption of a Child
New parents typically need to update guardianship choices, beneficiary distributions, and trust terms tailored to a child’s long-term needs.
Buying or Selling a Home
Homeownership is one of the biggest reasons Southern California families update their plans. Real estate should be titled correctly—often placed in a living trust—to avoid probate and streamline transfers.
Significant Change in Assets
Selling a business, receiving an inheritance, or major financial changes may require adjusting distributions or adding tax-efficient strategies.
A Move Into or Out of California
Estate laws differ by state. If you’ve recently moved to or from Southern California, reviewing your documents helps ensure compliance with local requirements.
Changes in Health or Capacity
A diagnosis or age-related decline is a clear moment to review your living trust, health care directive, and financial power of attorney to ensure decision-makers and instructions are up to date.
Changes in Relationships
Shifts in family dynamics—like estrangement, blended families, or reconciliations—should prompt updates to beneficiaries, executors, trustees, or guardians.
Should You Update Your Documents Even Without a Major Life Change?
Yes. Even without significant events, reviewing your plan every
three to five years is a best practice. California laws, tax rules, and planning strategies evolve. A periodic check-in keeps everything aligned with current requirements.
Quick Checklist: When to Review Your Estate Plan
Update your plan if you’ve experienced:
- Marriage, divorce, or remarriage
- Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
- Buying or selling a Southern California home
- Major changes in assets or income
- A medical diagnosis affecting capacity
- A move into or out of California
- Changes in beneficiary relationships
- More than 3–5 years since your last review
Why Regular Reviews Matter in Southern California
Real estate values, blended family structures, and long-term care planning needs are especially common in this region. Keeping your estate plan updated ensures your assets transfer smoothly, your loved ones are protected, and your documents still speak for you—no matter what happens next.
Ready to Review Your Estate Plan?
If it’s been a while since you last updated your documents—or if any of the life events above apply—now is a good time to schedule a review. Our team at Bezaire & Leathers helps families throughout Southern California ensure their plans stay current and effective.
Contact us today to schedule your estate plan review.
