Why the Holidays Are the Perfect Time to Review Your Estate Plan
The holiday season naturally brings families together, often for the first time all year. These gatherings tend to prompt meaningful conversations about family, finances, health, and the future—topics that are easy to postpone during the busyness of everyday life. That makes the holidays an ideal time to review your estate plan and ensure it still reflects your wishes, your assets, and the people you care about most.
Life changes quickly, and even plans drafted just a few years ago can become outdated. A new child or grandchild, a marriage or divorce, a change in financial circumstances, a move to another state, or the passing of a loved one can all affect how your estate plan should be structured. The end of the year provides a natural checkpoint to confirm that your will, trust, beneficiary designations, powers of attorney, and healthcare documents are still aligned and legally sound.
The holidays also provide clarity. Spending time with family often highlights who you would want making decisions on your behalf if you were unable to do so, who should manage assets for minor children, or how you would want certain heirlooms or family properties handled. These realizations are far easier to address proactively than in the middle of a crisis.
From a practical standpoint, reviewing your estate plan before the new year can help you start the next chapter with peace of mind. It allows you to address any gaps, update documents, and avoid last-minute decisions driven by stress or urgency. An estate plan is not just about preparing for the unexpected—it’s about protecting your family and preserving your intentions.
If you have not reviewed your estate plan in the last few years—or if your life has changed in any meaningful way—the holiday season is a thoughtful and timely moment to do so. A short review now can prevent confusion, conflict, and unnecessary expense later, letting you focus on what the season is really about: family, gratitude, and peace of mind.