For many people, the start of September feels like a fresh chapter. Summer’s busy pace slows down, kids head back to school, and routines begin to settle again. This shift makes it an ideal time to take care of important but often-overlooked tasks such as making sure your estate plan is up to date. If you haven’t scheduled a Raleigh estate planning review in the past year, now is the time. Regular updates to your estate plan ensure your wishes are clear, your assets are protected, and your loved ones won’t face unnecessary legal hurdles in the future.
Why Estate Planning Reviews Matter
Estate planning isn’t a “set it and forget it” task. Life changes, and when it does, your estate plan should change too. Without updates, you risk leaving out important beneficiaries, failing to account for new assets, or relying on outdated legal provisions.
Here are a few situations that might require a Raleigh estate planning review:
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Life Events: Marriage, divorce, births, deaths, or significant financial changes can all impact your plan.
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Law Changes: Tax laws, estate laws, and inheritance rules change over time, which may require updates to remain compliant and effective.
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Asset Growth: New investments, property purchases, or business interests should be included to ensure proper distribution.
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Relocation: If you’ve moved to North Carolina from another state, your old documents might not meet current legal requirements.
Why September Is the Perfect Time
Choosing September for your Raleigh estate planning review has practical benefits:
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A Clearer Schedule: The slower pace after summer makes it easier to focus on important paperwork without the distractions of vacations and seasonal events.
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Year-End Preparation: If changes are needed, there’s still plenty of time to finalize them before the end of the year, avoiding last-minute stress.
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Avoiding Holiday Rush: Waiting until December means competing with holiday plans, tax deadlines, and business closures.
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A Fresh Perspective: September’s “back to school” atmosphere inspires organization and planning, creating a perfect mindset for reviewing your estate documents.
What to Review in Your Estate Plan
When meeting with your attorney for a Raleigh estate planning review, you’ll want to look closely at:
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Wills and Trusts: Confirm that beneficiaries, executors, and trustees are still the right choices.
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Powers of Attorney: Verify that your chosen agents are still willing and able to make decisions for you.
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Health Care Directives: Ensure your wishes for medical care are up to date and clearly documented.
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Guardianship Provisions: For parents of minor children, confirm guardianship choices still reflect your wishes.
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Asset Distribution: Include any newly acquired property, business interests, or investments.
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Tax Strategies: Work with your attorney to minimize potential estate and inheritance taxes.
Practical Tips for a Successful Review
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Gather Documents First: Bring all wills, trusts, deeds, account statements, and insurance policies to your meeting.
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Think Ahead: Consider future needs, such as college funding for children or long-term care planning.
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Ask “What If” Questions: Your attorney can help you prepare for unexpected situations like sudden illness or changes in state law.
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Schedule Annual Check-Ins: Even if no changes are needed, a yearly review keeps your plan fresh and relevant.
The Risks of Skipping a Review
Neglecting regular updates can create confusion, legal disputes, or even unintended disinheritance. In worst-case scenarios, outdated documents can be deemed invalid or lead to costly probate battles. A Raleigh estate planning review is a safeguard against these risks, protecting both your assets and your family.
Work with an Experienced Estate Planning Attorney
While some changes might seem simple, estate planning documents require precise legal language to be effective. An experienced attorney can spot potential gaps, suggest strategies, and ensure your plan reflects current laws.
At Eldreth Law, we work closely with Raleigh-area clients to ensure their estate plans remain accurate, effective, and personalized. Whether you’re making small adjustments or overhauling your plan entirely, we can guide you through the process with clarity and care.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. If you haven’t had a Raleigh estate planning review in the past year, September is the perfect month to take action. Contact Eldreth Law today to schedule your consultation and ensure your estate plan is exactly how you want it—now and for the future.
