As the flowers bloom and the days grow longer, many of us take time each spring to clean out closets, organize garages, and refresh our living spaces. But there's one area many people overlook during spring cleaning: their estate plan.

Just like your home, your estate plan needs occasional maintenance. Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and beneficiary designations can become outdated over time—and when life changes, your documents should change with it. There have been major changes to the federal laws since 2017 that may have affected your estate plan.

As a Pennsylvania estate planning attorney, I regularly work with individuals and families to ensure their plans continue to reflect their goals, protect their loved ones, and comply with current law. If it's been a few years since you last reviewed your documents, now is the perfect time to dust them off. My office tracks every new client's signing date in our system, and schedules a plan review every few years to ensure any necessary changes are addressed. We offer this service because we recognize how important it is for your estate plan to evolve as your life circumstances do.

Why Spring Is the Right Time for an Estate Plan Review

Spring is symbolic of renewal and fresh starts. Reviewing your estate plan this season helps ensure:

• Peace of mind heading into the rest of the year
• Protection for your loved ones should the unexpected occur
• Efficiency in handling your affairs if you become incapacitated or pass away

You've likely made updates to your home or lifestyle over the years—your estate plan should reflect those changes.

Life Changes That Should Trigger a Review

You should take a fresh look at your estate planning documents if you've experienced any of the following:

• Marriage or divorce
• Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
• Death or disability of a family member or named fiduciary
• Significant changes in financial circumstances
• Moving into or out of Pennsylvania
• Buying property out-of-state
• Changes in your wishes or relationships

Even if your circumstances haven't changed, it's a good idea to review your plan every 3 to 5 years, as laws and best practices evolve over time.

Key Documents to Review and Refresh

When revisiting your estate plan, pay particular attention to:

1. Will

• Does it reflect your current wishes?
• Are the named executor and beneficiaries still appropriate?

2. Trusts

• If you've created a revocable living trust, are all intended assets titled in the name of the trust?
• Have you considered adding or updating a lifetime asset protection trust for heirs?

3. Powers of Attorney

• Are your financial and health care agents still able and willing to serve?
• Do your documents meet Pennsylvania's current statutory requirements?

4. Medical Directives

• Does your living will express your current wishes regarding end-of-life care?
• Have you discussed your preferences with your named health care agent?

5. Beneficiary Designations

• Are your retirement accounts, life insurance policies, and payable-on-death accounts up to date?
• Do any designations contradict the intentions expressed in your will or trust?

A Small Investment Now Can Prevent Big Problems Later

Failing to keep your plan current can lead to confusion, conflict, or unintended outcomes—especially in Pennsylvania, where probate and inheritance tax laws can significantly affect the distribution of your estate. A simple review now can prevent your family from facing unnecessary legal or financial hurdles down the road.

Let's Refresh Your Estate Plan Together

Spring is a time of renewal—and there's no better time to give your estate plan the attention it deserves. Whether you're starting from scratch or just need a quick review, my office is here to help.

I encourage you to use the link below to schedule a free consultation so we can ensure your estate plan is refreshed and ready to grow with you.

https://thelawofficeofscottlynett.cliogrow.com/book/fd5f91f5a23f0a238a1b08d104b030cb