Any major life milestone should prompt you to sit down and review your current documents to identify whether or not an update in your estate plan is necessary. The object of your affections can also be a life event, that while not classified as major, is important enough to consider updating your existing estate planning materials. Even a simple addition to the family can alter your current estate plan goals.
A new grandchild or child gives you the opportunity to review and revise your documents so that these new family members are not left out. These new additions should be named and specifically included, and this avoids potential conflicts and lawsuits down the line.
You might also have a new relative-in-law and wish to update your estate planning documents to reflect this or account for this particular consideration. It can also be an appropriate time to schedule a consultation or meeting with your estate planning lawyer if you need to delete a person who was previously part of your estate plan.
A divorce in the family or a death of a loved one are common reasons why you might want to delete these people out of your estate planning documents. But someone who has been estranged from the family or is irresponsible with money could lead you to ask questions about disinheriting a person. If you have remarried, become widowed, or gotten divorced since your original will was written or if you are more or less charitably inclined, these are other reasons to consider a consultation directly with an experienced estate planning lawyer who understands your individual situation.
