Why Should You Review Your Estate Plan Annually?
Creating an estate plan is a powerful step toward protecting your family, assets, and legacy. But estate planning is not a “set it and forget it” process. To remain effective, your plan must be reviewed and updated regularly as your life, finances, and the law change.
An annual estate plan review helps ensure your documents still reflect your wishes, comply with Idaho and federal law, and work together as intended when it matters most.
Why Regular Estate Plan Reviews Matter
Life changes quickly, and even small shifts can have major consequences if your estate plan is outdated. Without regular reviews, estate plans may name outdated beneficiaries, leave assets unprotected, or fail to comply with Idaho law.
When Should You Review Your Estate Plan?
Estate plans should be reviewed annually or at least every three years, and whenever major life, financial, or legal changes occur. Below are common life changes that often require updates to an estate plan:
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Marriage, remarriage, or divorce
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Changes in family structure, including blended families
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Birth or adoption of a child or grandchild
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Death or incapacity of a spouse, beneficiary, trustee, or agent
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Changes in health, diagnosis, or long-term care concerns
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Buying or selling a home, land, or other real estate
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Moving to or from Idaho, or owning property in another state
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Starting, buying, selling, or closing a business
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Significant changes in assets, investments, or retirement accounts
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Beneficiary designations added, changed, or left outdated
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Inheritance received or gifted assets given
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Changes in who you trust to handle financial or medical decisions
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Children reaching adulthood or becoming financially independent
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Changes in tax laws or estate planning regulations
Even one of these changes can affect how your plan works when it matters most. Regular reviews help ensure your documents still align with your life, your family, and your intentions.
What Happens During an Annual Estate Plan Review?
Reviews typically include confirming beneficiaries, fiduciaries, trust funding, healthcare directives, and compliance with Idaho and federal law.
Idaho Estate Planning’s Unique Annual Review Program
Members of the Legal Life Plan Protector Program™ receive structured annual reviews, proactive guidance, and long-term plan maintenance.
Not a Member? Annual Reviews Still Matter. Even non-members or those with out-of-state plans can benefit from an annual review to identify risks and outdated provisions.
Schedule Your Estate Plan Review
Members and Clients may schedule their annual review with Mark E. Wight using the online scheduling link https://bit.ly/4nGgdIx, by contacting our office at info@idahoestateplanning.com or by calling 208-939-7658.
Other Questions you might have
How often should I review my estate plan? Most estate plans should be reviewed annually, or at minimum, every three years.
Do I need a review if nothing has changed? Yes. Laws and asset structures change even if your life does not.
Can Idaho Estate Planning review out-of-state plans? Yes, especially for individuals who have relocated to Idaho.
