Why Your Estate Plan Needs Maintenance
Most people feel a huge sense of relief after signing their estate planning documents. And they should because they’ve taken a meaningful step to protect what matters most. But the truth is, an estate plan isn’t something to create and then file away forever.
Life changes. Laws change. Families change. And when that happens, an estate plan that used to be perfect may no longer reflect your wishes.
That’s why our firm offers an optional Estate Plan Maintenance Program to our clients. It is a simple, affordable way to make sure your plan keeps working the way you intended, year after year.
Why Estate Plans Need Maintenance
Your legal documents are only one part of a working estate plan. For the plan to do what you want it to do, things need to stay current:
- Your wishes and family circumstances
Things change. Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, reaching adulthood or growing more dependent may require an update to agents, beneficiaries, or instructions. Your relationships and priorities change too. - Your assets
Accounts need to be titled correctly. Beneficiary designations must match your plan. New accounts or investments need to be coordinated. If assets are not aligned properly, your plan might not work when it matters most. - The law
State and federal laws change regularly. What worked fine in 2016 may have a different effect in 2026.
Without maintenance, even a beautifully drafted plan can become outdated, incomplete, or hard for your family to implement.
What the Maintenance Program Provides
Our maintenance programs are designed to help clients keep their planning up-to-date with ease while providing some assurance you won’t be paying again for small changes.
Members of our maintenance programs receive the following:
Regular document updates (typically every two years)
Unlimited simple changes — like updating agents, addresses, or inheritance percentages
Advice and assistance in aligning assets and beneficiary designations
Secure online client portal with 24/7 access to your documents
Educational workshops and video library for clients and their families
Full review every five years
Emergency access to healthcare documents through Legal Directives™
Is It Required? No. Is It Worth It? Absolutely.
Enrollment is completely optional. We never require clients to sign up. Some people prefer to reach out only when they need us, and we’re here for them on an a la carte basis.
Others like knowing their attorneys are keeping an eye on legal updates, helping manage asset alignment, and making sure their plan won’t become “stale” over time.
When Families Appreciate the Program Most
We’ve seen the relief on a child’s face when they learn:
“Mom’s documents are already updated, the assets are organized, and your firm already has everything we need.”
In moments of illness, transition, or loss that organization and support makes a difficult time just a little bit easier.
In Closing
Your estate plan is an act of love and responsibility. Maintaining it is how you keep that promise to the people you care about. Whether you choose to join the program or not, we’re here to support you now and in the years ahead.
