The Estate Plan You Wrote Years Ago May No Longer Protect You and Here’s Why…
A client recently shared with me that they created their will 12 years ago, before their second child was born.
They hadn’t looked at it since.
This is more common than you’d think.
People often believe estate planning is a one-time task. You make a will, check it off the list, and move on.
But the truth is: life moves quickly.
Families grow. Relationships change. Assets shift. People relocate, remarry, retire, or reconsider.
And that original plan?
It may no longer reflect your reality—or your wishes.
The Cost of an Outdated Plan
We’ve seen what happens when an estate plan is outdated—or worse, missing entirely.
A house left to someone who no longer speaks to the family.
Guardianship instructions that are no longer valid.
Financial accounts that bypass the will entirely because of missing beneficiary forms.
When there's no clear, current plan, the weight of grief gets heavier.
Instead of focusing on healing, families are pulled into court proceedings, paperwork, and painful guesswork.
We want better for the people you love.
If you’re unsure where to begin, start with The 4 Essential Documents Every Family Should Have in Place.
Peace Is in the Planning
When your plan is thoughtfully created—and regularly updated—it becomes a gift:
It protects your children from unnecessary stress.
It honors your values and your voice.
It offers clarity in a time when emotions run high.
A strong estate plan isn't just about who gets what.
It's about making sure the people you care about aren’t left to figure it out alone.
We talk more about this in our post on Why Estate Planning Is an Act of Love, Not Just a Legal Task.
When Should You Revisit Your Plan?
We recommend reviewing your estate plan every 3–5 years, or sooner if:
You’ve had children or grandchildren
You’ve bought or sold a home
You’ve gotten married, divorced, or remarried
You’ve experienced a health diagnosis or loss
Your executor or trustee is no longer the right fit
Wondering whether it’s time? We go deeper into this in How to Know When Your Will Needs an Update.
This May, Give the Gift of Clarity
With Mother’s Day around the corner, we’re thinking a lot about legacy, care, and how love shows up in the everyday.
Estate planning is one of the most profound ways we care for those we love.
Not just after we're gone—but now, while we're here.
So if your will is collecting dust… or you’ve never created one…
We invite you to start, not out of fear, but out of love.
Let’s make sure everything is taken care of—just like you always intended.
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.