Why Reviewing Your Trust Regularly Isn't Optional—It's Essential

Creating an estate plan and establishing a trust is a critical step toward safeguarding your family’s future. It demonstrates your commitment to keeping your loved ones out of court and conflict, ensuring your wishes are respected, and avoiding the stress and expense of probate. But here’s a crucial fact: a trust is not a “set it and forget it” tool.

An effective estate plan is a living document that requires regular reviews and updates to keep it aligned with your changing life circumstances, assets, and current laws. Without consistent attention, your trust could fail when your loved ones need it most.

Why Regular Trust Reviews Are Essential for Protecting Your Assets

Life evolves, and your estate plan must keep pace. Ignoring your trust’s maintenance can lead to severe consequences such as outdated beneficiaries, unintended distributions, probate exposure, tax complications, and even family disputes.

Life Changes Impact Your Trust’s Effectiveness

Marriage, divorce, new children or grandchildren, business growth, real estate purchases, and other significant life changes all impact your trust. Updating your trust ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes and not through probate.

Financial Changes and Trust Funding

Acquiring new assets, starting a business, or inheriting wealth requires adjustments to your trust. Without proper trust funding, newly acquired assets can bypass your trust and end up in probate.

Laws Change—Even When Your Wishes Don’t

State and federal tax laws, estate planning regulations, and trust administration requirements evolve. If your trust is not updated, you could miss out on beneficial provisions or face unnecessary legal complications.

How Often Should You Review Your Trust?

While a good rule of thumb is to review your trust every 3 to 5 years, certain life events warrant immediate updates:

• Marriage, divorce, or loss of a spouse

• Birth or adoption of children or grandchildren

• Death of a named trustee, guardian, or beneficiary

• Significant financial changes or business growth

• Relocating to a new state with different trust laws

• Major tax law changes impacting estate planning

Consequences of an Outdated Trust

• Probate Exposure: New assets not properly funded into your trust may be subject to probate, undermining your efforts to protect your family.

• Unintended Beneficiaries: Outdated provisions can lead to assets being distributed to individuals you no longer intend to benefit.

• Family Conflicts: Ambiguous or outdated instructions can result in disputes and costly litigation.

• Increased Tax Liability: Changes in tax laws may render your trust inefficient, resulting in higher tax burdens for your beneficiaries.

Keep Your Trust Current—Protect Your Family’s Future

Your trust reflects your dedication to your loved ones. Ensuring it’s up-to-date provides peace of mind, avoids costly legal issues, and ensures your wishes are honored. Regularly reviewing and updating your trust is essential to avoid probate, minimize taxes, and prevent family conflicts.

Take Action Now—Schedule Your Trust Review Today!

Don’t leave your family’s future to chance. Schedule a consultation today to review and update your trust, ensuring it aligns with your current life circumstances, assets, and wishes. A well-maintained trust safeguards your loved ones, preserves your wealth, and secures your legacy.