As the season of renewal begins, spring is the perfect time to review your estate plan. Life changes quickly, and if your documents don’t reflect your current circumstances, your wishes may not be carried out the way you intend. An experienced estate planning attorney in NJ can help ensure your plan reflects your current needs and goals.

Here’s a thoughtful checklist to help you stay prepared and protected:

✅ Review Your Will or Trust: Your will or trust is the foundation of your estate plan. Ask yourself:

• Do the people you've named as beneficiaries still make sense?

• Has your family grown or changed?

• Are your named executor or trustee still willing and able to serve? Updating these documents ensures that your assets will be handled according to your current wishes, not outdated intentions.

✅ Revisit Your Power of Attorney & Health Care Proxy: If something unexpected happens and you're unable to make decisions for yourself, who will step in?

• A Power of Attorney lets someone manage your finances if you're incapacitated.

• A Health Care Proxy or Directive lets someone make medical decisions on your behalf. It's essential to ensure these documents are in place and that the people you've chosen are still the best fit.

✅ Check Beneficiary Designations: Some essential assets—retirement accounts, life insurance, and specific bank or brokerage accounts—don't go through your will. Instead, they pass directly to the named beneficiary on file with each institution. Even if your will says otherwise, those designations take legal priority. Be sure to review and update them, especially after significant life changes such as marriage, divorce, or the birth of a child. This step alone can prevent major confusion or legal issues down the line.

✅ Consider Long-Term Care Planning: Planning ahead for long-term care can help protect your health and financial future.

• Have your health needs changed?

• Are you considering assisted living, in-home care, or applying for Medicaid? An elder law attorney can help you create a long-term care strategy that balances your needs, protects your assets, and ensures eligibility for essential benefits if needed.

✅ Organize Your Digital Assets: Your digital presence matters as much as your physical property.

• Make a list of passwords, login info, and account instructions.

• Include email accounts, online banking, social media, and cloud storage. Many overlook this step, but it's crucial in today's digital world. Ensure someone you trust can access this information when the time comes.

🌸 Ready to Give Your Plan a Fresh Start? Whether updating an existing plan or creating one for the first time, now is the time to take action. We're here to guide you through the process with care and clarity.

📞 Call our office today at (908) 289-5554 to schedule your estate planning consultation.