You Made a Will — Now What? (Hint: It’s Not Over)
Imagine this: You finally sat down, had the hard conversations, and signed your will. Relief washes over you. It’s done. Right?
Not exactly.
Many people believe that making a will is a “set it and forget it” moment—a box checked on the long to-do list of life. But here’s the emotional reality we don’t often talk about: estate planning isn't a one-time thing, because life isn't a one-time thing. Life changes. People change. Families change.
And if your estate plan doesn’t change along with it, the people you love most could be left hurt, confused, and unprotected—exactly what you worked so hard to avoid.
The Emotional Roadblock No One Talks About
Let’s be honest: nobody likes thinking about death.
There's something about putting plans in writing that makes everything feel too real. So after we create a will, many of us tuck it away and tell ourselves, “I’ll deal with it later.”
Later becomes years.
Years become decades.
And before you know it, the beautiful plans you made—full of love and care—are completely out of step with your real life.
Why do we do this?
Because facing mortality is hard.
Because admitting that our lives—and the people in them—have changed can stir up deep emotions we’re not ready to face.
Because it’s easier to believe that the will we wrote years ago still reflects who we are now.
Real Life: When Good Intentions Go Wrong
Many families face unnecessary turmoil and distress due to outdated estate plans. When a will is not updated to reflect changes in family dynamics, financial situations, or personal wishes, it can lead to disputes among heirs and uncertainty regarding inheritances. Protecting your family's future is our priority, and we are here to help you navigate these crucial updates with professionalism and care.
People can often be left out, instructions can become confusing, and outdated wishes can create significant issues. New grandchildren being overlooked or second marriages not accounted for are common pitfalls in estate planning.
Consider the scenario of a woman whose mother intended to leave her estate equally to her children. Despite her good intentions, she never updated her documents after remarrying. Upon her passing, the new spouse inherited everything, leaving the children with nothing. This unfortunate situation arose not from a lack of intention but from the unpredictability of life and the absence of a prompt to update her plans.
In light of these examples, it is essential to regularly review and revise your estate plan to ensure that it aligns with your current family situation and personal wishes.
Here’s the Loving Thing to Do
Think of updating your estate plan like checking in with an old friend.
You don’t just call once and assume you’ll stay close forever. Relationships need tending. So does your plan.
Ask yourself:
Has my family changed? (new marriages, divorces, babies, losses)
Have my finances changed?
Have my wishes changed?
Have the laws changed?
If you answered "yes" to any of these, it’s time for a refresh.
And the best part? Updating doesn’t have to be scary or complicated. At Russo Law Group, we’re here to walk you through it—with compassion, clarity, and a real understanding of what’s at stake.
Final Thought: Love Isn’t Just a Feeling—It’s an Action
Creating a will is an act of love.
Updating it is too.
If it’s been a few years—or if life looks even a little different—let’s have a conversation.
Because you deserve peace of mind, and your family deserves a plan that’s as up-to-date and full of love as you are.
Further Reading from Russo Law Group
To deepen your understanding of estate planning, consider exploring these related articles:
Estate Planning Without Overwhelm: A Guide for Busy Families: Simplify the estate planning process with structured, manageable steps.
Start the New Year Right: Key Estate Planning Steps You Shouldn't Miss: Learn essential actions to keep your estate plan current.
Why Ignoring Estate Planning in 2025 Could Cost You Everything: Understand the risks of neglecting your estate plan.
How to Talk to Loved Ones About Estate Planning: Tips for initiating meaningful conversations with family members.
Generational Healing: The Power of Estate Planning to Break Cycles and Build Connection: Discover how estate planning can foster emotional well-being across generations.
Get Started Today: Download our FREE Guide to Writing a Will to learn more about your options and get started with confidence.
*The information provided in this blog post is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Each individual's situation is unique, and the laws regarding estate planning can vary by jurisdiction. It is essential to consult with a qualified estate planning attorney to discuss your specific circumstances and to receive personalized legal advice. Russo Law Offices is not responsible for any actions taken based on the information contained in this post.