Your Life Changes — Your Estate Plan Should Too
Creating an estate plan is one of the most empowering things you can do for yourself and your family. But here’s the truth: drafting your will or trust isn’t the end of the journey — it’s the beginning.
As your life, relationships, and finances evolve, your estate plan needs to evolve too. An outdated plan can cause confusion, unintended tax issues, or even disputes between loved ones. At Johnson/Turner, our Minnesota estate planning attorneys help families make sure their plans stay as current as their lives.
So, how often should you update yours? Let’s break it down.
Review Your Estate Plan Every 3–5 Years
As a general rule, we recommend reviewing your estate plan every three to five years — even if nothing major has changed. Laws and best practices shift, and a quick review ensures your documents still reflect your goals and comply with Minnesota law.
A regular review helps confirm that:
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Your beneficiaries are correct and still appropriate.
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Your executor or trustee is the right fit.
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Your powers of attorney reflect your current wishes.
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Your plan complies with current Minnesota estate and probate laws.
Think of it like routine maintenance — not a full overhaul, but a tune-up that keeps everything running smoothly.
Update Immediately After Major Life Events
Certain milestones in life should automatically trigger an estate plan update. If you’ve experienced any of the following, it’s time to call your attorney:
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Marriage or Divorce – Update your beneficiaries, trustees, and executors.
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Birth or Adoption – Add new children or grandchildren to your plan and designate guardians.
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Death or Incapacity – Replace anyone named in your plan who can no longer serve.
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Relocation – Moving to or from Minnesota? Laws vary by state and may affect your documents.
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Significant Asset Changes – Home purchase, inheritance, or business sale all require plan adjustments.
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Health Changes – Revisit your healthcare directive and powers of attorney.
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Relationship Changes – If you’ve grown closer to or apart from someone named in your plan, update accordingly.
Even one of these events can change how your plan functions — and who it protects.
Why Staying Current Matters
Keeping your estate plan up to date protects your loved ones from stress, uncertainty, and unnecessary legal hurdles. Without updates, you risk:
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Assets going to unintended beneficiaries
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Outdated executors or guardians creating conflict
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Noncompliance with Minnesota probate law
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Medical or financial directives that no longer reflect your wishes
At Johnson/Turner, we help Minnesotans prevent those issues before they start — with proactive reviews and clear, strategic updates that reflect real life.
Free Resource: 2025 Minnesota Estate Plan Update Checklist
To make it easier, we’ve created a free 2025 Estate Plan Update Checklist. It walks you through:
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What to review
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What life events trigger updates
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When to call your attorney
Ready for a professional review? Schedule a no-pressure Guidance Call with one of our Minnesota estate planning attorneys. We’ll walk through your current documents and ensure your plan still works for your goals — and your family’s future.
Keep Your Plan as Current as Your Life
Life changes fast — your estate plan should keep up. A quick review every few years helps ensure your wishes are honored, your family is protected, and your legacy remains secure.
If you live in Minnesota, contact Johnson/Turner today to schedule your estate plan review. Let’s make sure your plan is ready for whatever comes next.
