Congratulations for setting up your estate plan. You have taken the right steps to insure that your estate is distributed as you wish following your passing. But how long ago did you create this plan? If it has been longer than three to five years ago, you might want to look at modifying it.

Life is never constant. Things can change in an instant, and circumstances in not only your life but in those of your beneficiaries surely change over time. That is why you must set periodic reviews to keep your estate plan up to date, and make changes should a significant life change event occur.

When to Modify Your Estate Plan
Common events that can change the directives in your estate plan include, but are not limited to:
• Divorce, separation, death of a spouse, marriage or remarriage
• Death of a beneficiary—family or friends
• Death of a family member from whom you might inherit
• Birth or adoption, or emancipation of a child; guardianship issues
• A child who may suffer from a disability, including drug addiction
• An elderly parent becoming steadily incapacitated due to illness or injury, to avoid the cost of a guardianship/conservatorship court case
• Your own health issues
• Starting or closing a business
• Acquisition or loss of assets
• Changing your mind

How To Make Changes
The most common way to alter your estate plan documents that can include your Last Will, Living Will, Trust or Power of Attorney is through a Codicil to Will or Living Trust Amendment. These documents replace old clauses in your will with new ones. In some cases the change involves only a simple amendment to existing documents, while at other times, an entire rewrite may be necessary. Your estate attorney will assist you in creating and filing the appropriate documents.

Overall, the best strategy is to review your estate plan at regular intervals, and update it should a significant event occur. This will ensure that your estate, and your legacy, will pass on as you planned as smoothly as possible.

For Questions About Modifying Your Estate Plan, Contact the Law Office of Patricia E. Tichenor, P.L.L.C.
To modify your existing estate plan, or to create a new Will, Living Will, Trust, Power of Attorney or any other estate document, contact estate planning attorneys Patricia Tichenor or Camellia Safi at the Law Office of Patricia E. Tichenor, P.L.L.C.