29 Dec Happy New Year from Phelps LaClair!
It seems like the end of the year always has a way of sneaking up on you. One day you’re making summer vacation plans, and the next you’re wondering how it’s already December.
And just like the year flies by, life can change in the blink of an eye. Maybe you welcomed a new addition to the family, or said goodbye to someone else. Or perhaps you bought a new house or started new investments. Either way, the end of the year is a great time to review your estate plan and make sure it’s still working for you.
So before December wraps up, here’s an end-of-year estate planning checklist you can walk through in just a few minutes.
End of Year Estate Planning Checklist
- Did you buy or sell major assets (home, rental property, business, vehicles)?
- Did you open new financial accounts or close an old one?
- Did you move to a new state or change your primary residence?
- Did your marital status change (marriage, separation, divorce)?
- Did your family change (new child, adoption, loss of a loved one)?
- Do your beneficiaries still match your wishes?
- Have any of your trustees, guardians, or agents changed or become unavailable?
If you checked even one of these boxes, it’s time to update your estate plan.
Why Updating Your Estate Plan Matters
Your estate plan lets everyone know your wishes when you can’t speak for yourself. It affects:
- Who can make medical decisions on your behalf
- Who will care for your children
- Who manages your finances
- How smoothly your family is able to move through a difficult season in life
Most people wait to update their estate plan until they’ve had several life major changes, but your plan should grow and evolve right alongside your life.
Having an outdated plan can prompt court involvement, cause court delays, and leave your family stressed while grieving. Even small updates like adding a new beneficiary or changing your trustee can make a big difference in the long run.
When to Contact an Estate Planning Attorney
Sometimes, an online checklist is enough to tell you that something needs your attention. But it’s even more helpful to meet with a professional who can walk you through the details. An experienced estate planning lawyer can review outdated documents, catch errors, spot risks you don’t even know to look for, and help adjust your plan without starting over.
If something on this checklist made you pause, it’s worth a closer look. The new year will feel lighter once the important things in life are handled.
At Phelps LaClair, we help Arizona families create, update, protect, and revise their estate plans every day. If you’re ready to review or refresh your plan, reach out to our team. We’re here when you need us.
Photo by Natalie Kinnear on Unsplash used with permission under the creative commons license for commercial use 12/18/25.