Dear Friend,

Imagine going through significant life changes—getting married, having children, or losing a loved one—but not updating your will. Your outdated will might not reflect your new reality, leading to unintended consequences and potential disputes among your heirs. Keeping your will current ensures that your assets are distributed according to your wishes and that your loved ones are protected.

Major Life Events That Require an Update

1. Marriage or Divorce

Getting married or divorced significantly changes your family structure and financial situation. If you don’t update your will, your new spouse might not be included, or your ex-spouse could still inherit your assets.

By updating your will, you can include your new spouse as a beneficiary and remove any unintended beneficiaries, ensuring that your assets go to the right people.

2. Birth or Adoption of a Child

Welcoming a new child into your family is a joyous occasion, but it also means you need to update your will to include your new addition. Failing to do so could leave your child without the financial support or guardianship arrangements they need.

By updating your will, you can name a guardian for your minor children and allocate funds for their care and education, providing them with a secure future.

3. Death of a Beneficiary or Executor

If someone named in your will passes away, you need to update your will to reflect this change. Otherwise, your estate could face complications and delays in distribution.

By updating your will, you can name new beneficiaries or executors, ensuring a smooth transition and honoring your current wishes.

4. Significant Changes in Assets

Major financial changes, such as acquiring new property, starting a business, or receiving an inheritance, require updates to your will. These changes can affect how your assets are distributed and taxed.

By updating your will, you can account for new assets and ensure they are distributed according to your wishes, minimizing tax liabilities and maximizing the benefits to your heirs.

5. Changes in Relationships

Relationships evolve over time. Friends become estranged, new bonds form and family dynamics shift. Your will should reflect these changes to avoid conflicts and ensure that only those you trust inherit your assets.

By updating your will, you can ensure that your assets go to the people who matter most to you, maintaining harmony among your heirs.

The Consequences of Not Updating Your Will

Failing to update your will can have serious consequences. An outdated will might not reflect your current wishes, leading to unintended beneficiaries or disputes among your family members. This can result in costly legal battles, delays in distributing your assets, and additional stress for your loved ones during an already difficult time.

Without an updated will, your estate might be distributed according to state laws, which might not align with your personal wishes. This can lead to a loss of control over who inherits your assets and how they are used.

Updating your will doesn’t have to be complicated. Call my office. We’ll start by reviewing your current will and identifying any changes that need to be made. Together, we can make a list of new beneficiaries, assets, and any other changes you want to include.

Then, we can draft the necessary updates. This will ensure that your will is legally sound and accurately reflects your current wishes. Once your will is updated, we will regularly review your will to help you stay on top of any changes and keep your estate plan current.

The sooner you make the necessary changes, the better protected your loved ones will be. By keeping your will current, you provide clarity and peace of mind for yourself and your family.

Let’s Update Your Plan Together

At Bascom Law, we specialize in helping clients like you keep their estate plans up to date. Our goal is to ensure your wishes are honored, and your loved ones are protected. Contact us today at 770-285-5493 to schedule a consultation and start updating your will.

Your legacy is too important to leave to chance. Let’s work together to ensure your estate plan reflects your current wishes and provides for your loved ones.

Sincerely and thanks,

Mike Bascom

Bascom Law, PC