Why an Annual Estate Planning Checkup Matters

Even a carefully crafted estate plan can become outdated faster than many people realize. Key triggers that may require updates include:

• Life changes: marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or new dependents
• Financial changes: new accounts, property purchases, business interests, or major investments
• Health considerations: new diagnoses, long term care decisions, incapacity planning
• Law updates: tax laws, retirement rules, and estate planning regulations can shift year to year
• Beneficiary adjustments: ensuring designations on wills, trusts, retirement accounts, and life insurance remain accurate

Spring, as a symbolic time of growth and renewal, offers a natural reminder to pause and make sure everything is current.

What to Review in March

A seasonal checkup doesn’t need to be overwhelming. Focus on a few core components:

1. Your Will
Confirm that it still reflects your wishes, including:
• guardianship choices
• distribution plans
• executor appointments

2. Your Trusts
If you have a revocable living trust or other trusts, review:
• successor trustees
• funding (Are all intended assets actually titled to the trust?)
• any new property or accounts that should be included

3. Powers of Attorney
Make sure your chosen agents still make sense for:
• financial decisions
• medical decisions
These documents are crucial in the event of incapacity—keeping them current is essential.

4. Beneficiary Designations
These commonly override what’s stated in a will, so it’s vital they match your plan. Check:
• retirement accounts
• life insurance
• brokerage accounts

5. Digital Assets
Passwords, online accounts, cryptocurrency, and cloud stored photos or files should have clear access instructions for trusted individuals.

Spring Cleaning for Your Legacy

If you discover items that are outdated or missing entirely, March is a great time to schedule an estate planning appointment. Updating documents now can prevent confusion, family conflict, unnecessary taxes, and delays later. And if you don’t yet have an estate plan in place, spring offers an ideal window to finally begin one. A thoughtful plan provides peace of mind—knowing your wishes will be honored and your loved ones protected.

Let This Be the Year You Refresh and Renew

This March, as you open the windows, organize closets, and embrace spring’s fresh energy, take a moment to ensure your estate plan is equally refreshed. A small investment of time today can provide clarity and security for years to come.

A legacy gift to the Arboretum is a powerful way to extend your generosity and continue the impact you make today.

Have questions or need additional information? We are happy to help!

Please contact Audrey Pettyjohn MPA, CSPG, Director of Gift Planning, at 626.566.3718 or audrey.pettyjohn@arboretum.org