If you have an estate plan, you might wonder what steps to take next. An experienced estate planning attorney would tell you that documents such as wills, trusts, and health care directives need periodic review and adjustment to keep them clear and effective. Here’s what you need to do to maintain a plan that continues to give you and your loved ones peace of mind.

3 Ways to Keep an Up-to-Date Estate Plan

1. Review Every Five Years

Generally, reviewing estate plans every five years keeps them current. However, certain life changes provide reasons for adjusting plan documents. Changes in employment, financial, or marital status or the birth, death, or serious illness of a family member triggers the need to discuss the circumstances with an experienced estate planning attorney.  

2. Adjust for Tax Codes

Recent federal tax code changes can also signify it’s time to review and adjust your estate plan. You might need to modify your will, create additional trusts, or buy or sell real estate to take advantage of the new laws. Your estate planning attorney might recommend consulting a certified public accountant or other financial professional to ensure your plan is the most effective one for you and your beneficiaries.

3. Incorporate Personal Life Decisions

You might change your mind about decisions you made when you created your plan. Perhaps you want to name a different trustee, designate an alternate guardian for your minor children, or create a special needs trust for a disabled parent. If you have a dog, cat, or horse, do you know that Texas also allows pet trusts? Your estate planning attorney will work with you to ensure your wishes take full effect within the law. 

Create or update a will, trust, power of attorney, or other documents with the help of an experienced estate planning attorney at The Law Offices of Charley Johnson in Centerville, TX. Their dedicated legal team serves the real estate and probate law needs of residents throughout the Leon County area. Learn more about these skilled and compassionate lawyers by visiting their website, and call (903) 536-2185 today to schedule your consultation appointment.