Your Life Has Changed. Your Estate Plan Should Too.
If it's been a few years since you made your will or set up your trust, there's a good chance your plan no longer reflects your life. A review takes less time than you think — and it starts with a free conversation.
When an Outdated Plan Works Against You
An estate plan that made sense five years ago can cause real problems today. Outdated documents can direct assets to an ex-spouse, leave a new child unaccounted for, or hand decision-making authority to someone you no longer trust. None of that reflects your wishes — it just reflects the moment you signed the paperwork.
Most people don't realize their plan has a problem until something happens. A review catches those gaps before they become someone else's burden.
Life Events That Should Trigger a Review
If any of the following sound familiar, it's time to take another look at your documents:
- You got married or divorced
- You had a child or adopted
- A child in your plan has turned 18
- A named beneficiary or executor has passed away
- You bought a home, started a business, or significantly changed your assets
- You recently moved to North Carolina from another state
- You're approaching retirement and your priorities have shifted
- Your relationship with a named guardian or agent has changed
You don't need to have experienced every item on this list. One is enough.
What an Estate Plan Update Actually Involves
Updating an estate plan doesn't always mean starting over. Many changes are straightforward — swapping a beneficiary designation, naming a new agent on a power of attorney, or adding a child to an existing will. Others require more substantial revision, but even then, you're building on a foundation that already exists.
My process starts with a free consultation where we walk through what you have, what's changed in your life, and what actually needs to be revised. I work on a flat-fee basis, so you'll know the cost before any work begins. No hourly billing, no guessing.
How do I know if my estate plan actually needs to be updated?
If you've experienced a major life change — marriage, divorce, a new child, a death in the family, a move to North Carolina, or a significant shift in your assets — your plan likely needs at least a review. Even without a dramatic event, plans that are more than three to five years old are worth revisiting. A free consultation is the fastest way to find out.Can I just update one document, like my will, without redoing everything?
Yes. Updates don't have to be comprehensive. If only one document needs revision, that's all we address. I'll let you know during our consultation if there are other items worth looking at, but there's no pressure to do more than what's actually needed.Is my out-of-state will still valid now that I live in North Carolina?
In most cases, yes — North Carolina generally recognizes wills executed in other states if they were valid where they were signed. That said, a review is still a good idea. Some documents may not align with how North Carolina courts interpret certain provisions, and there may be gaps worth closing before they become an issue.How much does it cost to update an estate plan?
It depends on what needs to change. I work on a flat-fee basis, so you'll know the exact cost before any work begins. The consultation itself is free, and that's where we figure out together what your plan actually needs.What if I can't find my original documents?
That's more common than you'd think. Bring what you have — even partial records help. If your original documents are missing entirely, we can discuss whether reconstructing or replacing them makes sense given your current situation.Do I need to update my estate plan after having a new baby?
Yes — this is one of the most important triggers for a review. A new child may need to be named as a beneficiary, and if your child is young, you'll want to confirm that guardianship designations reflect your current wishes. An estate plan that predates a child can leave significant gaps in how your family would be cared for.
